Chapter 10 The Awakening Of Vera
Upon hearing this, Harriet became anxious and said, “I wonder how severe her injuries are. Samuel, bring Ray–Ray to see al doctor right away.”
Samuel replied helplessly, “I went to the bar, but she wasn’t there. I even checked the hotel, but she wasn’t there either.”
Harriet’s eyes filled with heartache. “What could she be thinking? She was just released from prison, still covered in wounds. and she rushed off to work. Our family isn’t short on money. Why is she putting herself through this?”
“Mom, she’s being stubborn right now, and she also holds a grudge against us. I tried to arrange a caregiver for her but she refused. She wouldn’t accept money either. Let’s leave it be for now. Once Grandma wakes up, we’ll have her talk to her.”
Listening to Samuel’s comforting words, Harriet nodded sadly. “I guess there’s no other way.”
After leaving the bar, Raylee wandered aimlessly until late into the night before returning to continue her work.
Luckily, the manager didn’t fire her because of the incident.
It wasn’t until the bar closed in the wee hours of the morning that Raylee returned to her hotel to rest.
On her first night after being released from prison, Raylee didn’t have a peaceful sleep. She was plagued by constant nightmares
“Please, I beg you, don’t hit me!”
She jolted awake, gasping for breath, beads of sweat trickling down her face..
She had only slept for two hours, and yet, it was already her fifth time jolting awake.
Over the past four years, she had endured various forms of bullying and torment every night.
She hadn’t had a good night’s sleep for a single day.
Even though she had regained her freedom, the intense sense of fear still lingered, haunting her every moment.
When will this ever end?
Although the Goodridge family had provided her with eighteen years of wealth and splendor, the harm they had inflicted on her was something she could never escape.
She clenched her fists in resentment,
As morning arrived, Raylee’s phone rang.
The nurse informed her, “Your grandmother has woken up!”
The exhilarating news allowed her to overlook the fatigue brought on by a night full of nightmares.
After quickly freshening up, she rushed to the hospital
Inside the ward, everyone except Alaric had arrived.
Vera lay weakly on the bed and asked anxiously, “Where’s Ray–Ray? Has she been released? Don’t lie to me!”
“Grandma, I’m here!” Raylee’s voice echoed as she entered. Despite the pain in her legs, she quickened her pace and swiftly made her way to Vera’s side.
In an instant, tears flowed like a river.
She flung herself into Vera’s arms, her body shuddering as she cried.
This was the first time she had shed tears since her release from prison, and they were tears of pure excitement.
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Chapter 10 The Awakening Of Vera
The one who loved her the most in this world was still alive.
Raylee had spent most of her childhood with Vera, who had essentially raised her single–handedly
Four years ago, when Waverly was brought back, she had become the center of attention in the Goodridge family
Only Vera continued to care for her. To avoid conflict, Vera even suggested that she move into Goodridge Manor
Despite all efforts, Raylee still couldn’t escape the misfortune of being framed.
Finished
She had been accused of stealing Tiffany’s necklace, and the Goodridge family and Casimir had joined forces to help Waverly accuse her of being a thief.
Only Vera firmly believed that she was not a thief
Despite her best efforts, Vera couldn’t protect her in the end due to the overwhelming influence of the Lorimer family.
According to Samuel, Raylee’s early release from prison this time was largely due to Vera’s relentless efforts behind the
scenes.
The image of Vera, in her eighties and dragging her frail body around in an effort to save her, filled Raylee with even more sorrow. She couldn’t hold back her tears.
“It’s all right, Ray–Ray. I’m glad that you’re out now. I’m here. You won’t have to suffer anymore,” Vera said, cradling Raylee tenderly and showering her with affection. She comforted her ceaselessly, her touch as gentle and loving as when she used to soothe her to sleep during her childhood.
“Stop crying. You’re making it look like we’ve been bullying you,” Samuel reminded her.
Isn’t that the truth?
Raylee lifted her blazing red eyes and cast a glance at Samuel.
She was tempted to ask him, “Have you forgotten about what happened at the bar yesterday?”
Vera glared at Samuel and snapped, “Did you not? How else did she get those fresh injuries on her face and head? It’s still within my line of sight. Who knows what other injuries she might have sustained!”
Everyone in the Goodridge family fell silent.
They dared not reveal the extent of the severe injuries on Raylee’s body, let alone discuss her experiences over the past four years, fearing that Vera couldn’t handle such a strong shock.
Waverly, the instigator of last night’s bar incident, was so apprehensive that she didn’t dare breathe too heavily, fearing that Vera would find out she was responsible for Raylee’s recent injury.
She could fool Samuel and Harriet, but in front of the shrewd and elderly Vera, she lacked confidence.
Vera had always doted on Raylee, treating Waverly with an indifference that stirred envy and resentment within her.
Noticing the atmosphere becoming awkward, Harriet tactfully changed the subject. “Um… Mom, now that Ray–Ray has been released from prison, you can attend Waverly and Casimir’s engagement party, right?”
“What’s the rush? The date hasn’t even been set yet!” Vera frowned as she spoke.
Harriet sighed and said, “Mom, if you hadn’t been so reluctant, this engagement would have happened two years ago. You’ve already delayed things with Wavy because of Ray–Ray. If you keep dragging it out, Wavy will be left on the shelf. All we need is your agreement, and the engagement party can be held anytime.”
Vera huffed, “Well, go ahead and handle it then. Why should you concern yourselves with an old woman who’s one foot in the grave?”
“Mom, what are you talking about? We all respect you deeply. The engagement party is such a grand affair. If you don’t attend, it will make our family the laughingstock of Jexburgh.”
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Chapter 10 The Awakening Of Vera
Vera’s eyes, vibrant and sharp, narrowed slightly.
#Finished
“Let them laugh then Ray–Ray’s life is more important. In these past four years, all of you only cared about Waverly. Who has ever cared about Ray–Ray? Would you have been willing to put in the effort to save Ray–Ray if I hadn’t used this excuse to stall you! Four years, a full four years! Do you have any idea how much hardship Ray–Ray has endured? Have any of you ever
cared
As Vera spoke passionately, she was seized by a fit of severe coughing.
“Grandma, please stop talking,” Raylee pleaded. “You’ve just had surgery. You can’t afford to get so worked up.”
In haste, she wiped away her tears and comforted her with gentle pats on the back.
“You’re a good girl, Ray–Ray. You’ve always hern the best. Everyone in this house owes you. From now on, you’ll live with me. As long as I’m around, no nine is allowed to bully you. If they try, they’ll have to deal with me!”
“Mom, Waverly is your granddaughter too. How can you be so hiased? When it comes to hardships, Wavy had it tougher Krowing up. Ray Ray only went through hardships for four years, but Wavy suffered for eighteen. She-”
“Mom, let’s not discuss this right now. Grandma just woke up and the doctor said she can’t handle any stress,” Samuel interrupted her,
Only then did Harriet stop talking.
She stood beside Waverly, gently patting the back of her hand and offering a comforting gaze, implying that she would. ensure her engagement party with Casimir went off without a hitch.
