Chapter 397 Baring His Soul
Jeremiah gently patted her back, soothingly saying, “But I have harmed you too, haven’t I? After we were wed, I had plans to push you off a cliff to kill you. When that failed, I kidnapped you and took you to East Aploth, where you endured inhuman torment. I’ve hurt you deeply and even harbored thoughts of taking your life. Don’t you resent me for it?”
Raylee shook her head. “There must be some kind of misunderstanding for you to act that way toward me. After you supposedly died, I visited Layla. She shared many stories about you with me and even showed me some of your belongings. You’ve collected many of my childhood photos. Layla said that you’ve liked me since we were young…”
Jeremiah didn’t deny it. “She’s right, I fell for you the moment I laid my eyes on you. Back then, I was just a young man who had his first crush, and you were a fearless little princess who didn’t care about anything in the world. Unfortunately, our statuses were just too different. I was an overlooked illegitimate child. After my mother passed away, even my survival became an issue. In contrast, you were the esteemed daughter of the Goodridge family, your status so high above me that I didn’t even dare to talk to you. I could only hide my love for you deep within my heart, silently watching over you. Because you loved music and playing the piano, I started learning it too. I never missed any of your performances and secretly collected photos of you. Are you scared? I’m like a stalker, spying on you in all your glory from the shadows.”
Raylee had long since been reduced to tears, unable to utter a word.
Never in her wildest dreams had she thought that she could still hear Jeremiah bare his soul.
Why would I be scared? This man has given me everything, a testament to his undying love. I can’t be any more moved.
“Don’t cry,” Jeremiah said, wiping away her tears with a tissue. “I didn’t say all that just to make you cry. After all the twists and turns I’ve taken over the years, I finally have you. I feel my life is complete. You have to strive to live and spend the rest of your life with me. When we grow old, we can still support each other while watching the sunset and the beauty of nature. Our journey together has only just begun, so you must stay strong for me!”
Raylee choked, “Jeremiah, I’m no longer worthy of you. I’m not the little princess of the Goodridge family anymore. I don’t even know who my real parents are. I’m just a worthless orphan…”
Jeremiah interrupted her, “What nonsense are you talking about? Even if you were a pauper’s daughter, I’d still be fond of you. It’s your person that I like, not your status or your background.”
Raylee cried even harder.
“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have suspected you and Angela. I should have had more faith in you. It must be tough for you, being forced to work with a woman who once coerced you against your will, all because of me. I don’t want you to endure such pressure because of me. All I wish for is your happiness, Jeremiah. I'm even ready to give up on the treatment.”
“Don’t say such things! I am struggling, yet still focused on curing your illness. You absolutely cannot give up when it matters most!” Jeremiah warned.
“I’m afraid that Angela might tamper with the experimental data for personal reasons. It doesn’t matter if she hurts me, but I fear she might use it to manipulate you again,” Raylee said in a worried tone.
“She wouldn’t dare,” Jeremiah scoffed.
“The entire medical team isn’t just her alone. With so many eyes watching, it’s impossible for her to manipulate anything. Ray-Ray, you don’t have to worry about this. I didn’t let her access the most crucial information and data. Have you forgotten? When there was an issue in East Aploth, I rushed over immediately. My aim was to keep an eye on Angela, to prevent her from causing any trouble. In short, everything is under my control.”
Raylee nodded. “I appreciate it. Angela once saved you; that’s an undeniable fact. Can you really say there was never a moment you liked her? After all, providing help in your hour of need is a significant factor in fostering emotions.”