Bailey wondered if she should tell her about Veikko's background, but after a brief hesitation, she decided to abandon the idea.
Veikko's past was tainted with bloodshed and sins, and one day, he would trample on the corpses of his family members to fulfill his quest for vengeance.
The path of darkness he was about to undertake was not one that would suit Caridee, who was a cheerful, positive girl.
Therefore, keeping Veikko's identity a secret from Caridee was a way for Bailey to protect her.
Veikko's life was fated to be marred by bloodshed, and as a man entrenched in the depths of darkness, he was not a fitting companion for someone like Caridee, a girl born into privilege and wealth.
Bailey believed their relationship had no future.
“Caridee, the Saviors is an assassin organization, and Veikko's rank is just below mine. He has made countless enemies across the world, so you'll not live a peaceful life if you decide to be with him. You should just move on, okay? Please take my advice this time,” Bailey explained.
Caridee gritted her teeth and looked at her with tearful eyes. “Is that the only reason? Holden is also in charge of Tarragon and is second only to my brother. He, too, has made enemies worldwide, but why was the daughter of the Hoffman family allowed to be with him? They even had a child together. Does leaving the Luther family or joining the Saviors give me the right to pursue Veikko?”
“Caridee Luther, it's best if you forget about him.” Artemis emerged from the wardrobe and fixed his gaze on his sister, who was leaning on Bailey. In a stern tone, he added, “You can't just leave the Luther family, and I strictly forbid you to join the Saviors. Bailey has already explained everything to you, so it's time to take a step back and leave him alone.”
Caridee's tears instantly rolled down her cheeks.
Bailey glared at Artemis. “Get out. Leave us alone.”
Artemis was at a loss for words. He strode toward the door, speaking as he went. “Don't give in to her too much. The more you condone her actions, the more harm you'll bring to her.”
After watching Artemis leave, Bailey lowered her head to look at Caridee and comforted her. “Cari, Holden and Wendy are in love with each other. That's why Wendy has a valid reason to leave her family for him. I don't think Veikko has feelings for you, so it might be best to avoid getting your hopes up.”
In truth, Bailey was unsure if Veikko had feelings for Caridee or not.
Given the challenges that Veikko's plan to return to his family and seek revenge for his mother's humiliation might bring, Bailey was unwilling to see Caridee being involved in that and putting herself at risk of disaster. If Veikko decides to go all out to confront his brother, his brother will think of ways to find his Achilles heel. Hence, Veikko must be careful not to reveal any vulnerabilities, such as his feelings for Caridee.
Therefore, for the benefit of both parties, Bailey supported Veikko's action.
Veikko did not want to jeopardize Caridee's safety and did not want her to become a bargaining chip for his older brother's blackmail, so that was why he chose to hurt her cruelly. It was a difficult but wise decision.
Stunned, Caridee questioned her in a hoarse voice, “Even you are not on my side? Why is everyone against me?”
Bailey reached out and embraced her before replying in a choked voice, “We want you to move on because what you're pursuing is something unattainable. Caridee, stop trying to get into a world that you don't belong to. You'll only end up causing pain and hurting yourself and others.”
Caridee burst into tears.
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