Chapter 233: Making It Clear

“I won’t allow you to lower yourself before any man. To me, you are like a princess, my pride and joy. You must always maintain your dignity, understand? I didn’t care which prestigious family Casimir hails from. If he ever dares to wrong you, I would never let him off the hook!”

Upon hearing these words, Raylee suddenly felt as if her sense of time was distorted. The reason was that Samuel had said something similar to her before. It was precisely because he always had her back that, for the past eighteen years, she had lived gloriously. She was playful and rebellious, unrestricted by anything. Whether at home or outside, no one would stand in her way. No matter what kind of injustice she endured, or what wrong she had done, her family always served as her shield, cleaning up her messes for her. Being the eldest daughter of the Goodridge family brought her countless privileges.

However, the most carefree and joyful days of her life came to an abrupt halt the day Waverly returned. Samuel was no longer the rock in her life, and the Goodridge family no longer had her back. She became an outsider in her own home. Even though she harbored resentment and lamented the injustice of fate, she knew what empathy and gratitude were. She was aware that she had taken away eighteen years of Waverly’s life and wanted to make it up to her. However, her kindness, in the end, turned out to be the very weapon that destroyed her.

It’s such a joke, isn’t it? If given another chance, I would certainly show no mercy to Waverly, and now’s my chance!

Raylee hid the subtle sorrow on her face, her gaze as cold as a passing winter breeze. She addressed the group, “Since everyone is here today, Casimir, there’s no need to hide anything. Whatever you have to say, just lay it out.”

“What are you talking about?” Casimir looked helpless. “I’ve said what happened earlier was a misunderstanding. They refused to believe me, and there was nothing I could do about it.”

Raylee let out a cold chuckle. “We’re all adults here, can we stop treating each other like fools? I’m well aware of what exactly happened just now. When you pressed down on me, I distinctly felt your chaotic, nervous breath, and also your…”

Samuel was seething with embarrassment and anger, “Raylee, have you no shame? How dare you utter such vulgar words in public?”

Waverly was not oblivious to what Raylee was insinuating. Essentially, it was a provocation to her and Raylee’s attempt at flaunting. She felt as if a sharp dagger had ruthlessly pierced her heart. After all, she had been engaged to Casimir for four years, yet he had made advances on her. The sole instance of intimacy they shared was when she seduced him at his birthday party. However, he remained indifferent, pushing her away immediately as if she were the plague.

It has been four years, not four months or four days! In a supposedly affectionate boyfriend-girlfriend relationship, he treats me like a leper, always keeping his distance from me! Yet as soon as Raylee was released from prison, his heart fluttered for her. He has had physical contact with her several times now. How could I possibly have any peace of mind with this? How could it not bother me?

Listening to Samuel twist her words, Raylee broke into a faint smirk. “I was referring to Casimir’s heartbeat. Mr. Goodridge, why are you being so dramatic? Sometimes, when one has a dirty mind, they’d perceive everything and everyone around them to be just as dirty.”

Samuel found himself blushing from embarrassment after being scolded. Steeling himself, he retorted, “It’s your fault for not…”

“Did you even give me a chance to speak? Mr. Goodridge, not interrupting others is a sign of good manners.” Raylee shot him a glance before continuing. “Casimir, now that everyone’s here, it’s time for you to make your stance clear. The choice is yours; is it going to be me or Waverly? Give us a straight answer today! If you choose me, you must end your engagement with Waverly. As for me, I’m willing to defy all societal prejudices to be with you. If you choose Waverly, then you’ll have to keep your distance from me in the future. You’re not allowed to have any involvement with me.”