Chapter 51: Taken Away
Jealousy gnawed at her relentlessly, but she had no choice but to feign magnanimity, even plastering on a smile. “Caz, you really do treat Raylee well. Once she’s part of the Lorimer family, with your support, I’m certain no one would mistreat her.”
Casimir’s gaze faltered, the light in his eyes dimming. “Yeah, she’s about to marry Jeremiah. My kindness toward her ends here.” He turned and returned to the car.
Raylee limped to the hospital, registering herself and filling out forms, managing every task alone. Each step was agony, breaking her into a cold sweat. Less than half an hour later, Percival arrived; Raylee was in the orthopedic clinic receiving treatment. Percival greeted the doctor before accepting the medicine.
“Dr. Shapiro, how are you related to this young lady?” the doctor asked curiously.
Percival, a renowned figure in the medical community, was the youngest internationally acclaimed medical professor and expert, perpetually in high demand. He was also Jexburgh's exclusive doctor for the wealthy. Yet, he was personally treating a woman in a small private hospital. Raylee, however, appeared remarkably ordinary.
“A friend,” Percival replied, turning to Raylee. “Hello, Ms. Goodridge. I’m Percival Shapiro; Mr. Sutherland sent me to treat your foot injury.”
With a poker face, Raylee responded, “No need, you may leave.”
“It’s not like this is the first time we’ve met. We’re practically friends. You can trust me completely.”
Percival was clearly trying to get closer to her. For the sake of his laboratory, he would endure. Casimir truly is a troublesome friend. He can’t handle his ex-wife alone, so now he’s dragging me into the mess. Doesn’t he understand how precious my time is?
“Everyone has their own expertise. You’re an internal medicine specialist, not an orthopedic specialist. There’s no need to force yourself,” Raylee said coldly. She didn’t want to be indebted to Casimir. As for what he owed her, she would let him remain in debt forever.
“That’s true, but I’ve spent time in the orthopedics department. I can handle simple issues. If all else fails, I can still recommend you to the most renowned orthopedic specialist.” Percival grinned warmly.
However, no matter how eagerly he responded, Raylee remained unyielding. The orthopedic doctor continued applying medicine. Percival stood aside, caught in a dilemma. He could only engage in awkward small talk.
Once the dressing was applied, Raylee messaged Jeremiah, informing him of her foot injury and canceling their date. She had barely put down her phone when the consultation room door burst open. Several individuals in white lab coats barged in.
“Raylee Goodridge, would you please come with us?”
The group forcefully took Raylee away without explanation. If not for their white coats, one might have mistaken them for police escorting a hardened criminal!
“They’re not our hospital staff! Heavens, who were they? They abducted someone right under our noses!” the orthopedic doctor exclaimed in astonishment.
Percival gave chase. At the hospital’s back entrance, he saw Raylee being shoved into a white car inscribed: Qutbridge Psychiatric Hospital.
“A psychiatric hospital!” Percival was alarmed. He called Casimir, but there was no answer. His anxiety soared. As a doctor, he understood the implications of sudden commitment to a psychiatric hospital, and the terrifying treatment methods used. For patients, it was truly shouting into the void. Only the committing party could release them.
Who was so ruthless as to commit Raylee? Without hesitation, Percival drove off.
After being dragged into the car, Raylee’s hands and feet were bound. A profound sense of helplessness engulfed her. It felt like she was back in District Nine Prison, facing unknown torment. Intense fear caused her body to tremble.
After barely escaping hell, am I really going back now? She refused to accept it. She had fought so hard to live. Under the dim light, Raylee’s gaze met her kidnappers, all garbed in white lab coats.
When Her Heart Turned to Stone