Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
Leila signed calmly, explaining that if being friendly by offering help enhanced one’s view of the Kensington Group, she was willing.
“You’re considering my career in all this?” Landon asked, raising his eyebrow.
Leila shot back, her gestures asking, “Isn’t that what partners are supposed to do? Support each other?”
“I’ve told you before, you don’t need to work or stress over these things,” Landon replied, sighing.
Leila’s eyes reflected a touch of sorrow as she gazed at him, her gestures asking, “So, I’m of no value then?”
She then signed firmly, questioning Landon, “Am I not as important as your career? You can act like you don’t like me just to get a project, and I’m supposed to be okay with that?”
Earlier, Leila had absorbed Keith’s words, and now she expressed her displeasure directly.
“What nonsense are you talking about?” Landon’s face twisted into a complex expression, blending scorn with irritation. “Listen to me, you are more important than my career! More important than my job! Have I ever embarrassed you just to win a project? I would never do that!”
Leila blinked, a flicker of emotion washing over her. Could it be true that she mattered more to Landon than his work?
However, her thoughts were interrupted as Landon’s phone began to ring. It was Sarah on the line.
“What’s up?” Landon answered, his voice carrying through the silent car. Sarah’s voice, sweet and enticing, filled the space.
Landon’s tone softened noticeably, and Leila sensed it was an involuntary reaction. Despite the endearing words he offered her, his actions spoke volumes. Deep down, it was always Sarah who held his heart.
Speaking on the phone, Landon’s tone was gentle, though his brow was furrowed slightly. Unbeknownst to him, Leila observed this from the passenger seat. After a brief moment, she exited the vehicle.
“Landon, today was just dreadful,” Sarah said pitifully over the phone.
Sarah had spent her day trying to win Shirley’s favor by assisting with various tasks, but during the banquet, all the praise was unexpectedly claimed by Leila.
Disheartened yet unable to express her frustration openly, Sarah sought comfort from Landon, suppressing her feelings to gain his empathy.
Landon listened and offered words of solace. After ending the call, he stepped out of the car, only to discover that Leila had disappeared.
Frantically, Landon checked his phone and was surprised to find a message from Leila sent fifteen minutes ago: “I’ve taken a cab to the house Jerome gave me.”
The message was brief, lacking any goodnight or further explanation. Instantly, Landon’s face clouded over, his fist thumping against the car window in frustration.
Meanwhile, Leila had arrived at her new residence for the first time. She had navigated her way to the centrally located apartment, unlocked the door, and as she entered, the living room lights switched on automatically.
The security at the apartment complex was top-notch, with guards stationed at the main entrance and throughout, ensuring her safety-a priority for Jerome, who had arranged this, mindful of her possible fears when alone.
Delivery personnel weren’t allowed inside. Instead, security staff handled all deliveries directly to residents.
The apartment was freshly decorated, fully furnished, and even stocked with essentials like fresh vegetables and eggs in the refrigerator, making it immediately habitable and welcoming.
Leila wandered aimlessly, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. The sight before her transported her back to her childhood days.
Roderick had always looked after Leila with a meticulousness not even the servants could match. Yet, she had been harsh on herself, insisting on marrying Landon and plunging into a life of misery.
Lost in thought, Leila collapsed onto the couch. At least she had begun to change by now.
It was then that her phone broke the silence, startling her.
Linsey was calling, a rare occurrence since Leila couldn’t speak and few people called her. Worried something might have happened to Linsey, Leila answered swiftly.
“Leila, are you alright? Please confirm our code if you’re okay!” Linsey’s voice crackled with urgency.
Without hesitation, Leila tapped out their secret code, three-three-four, into her phone, ensuring Linsey could hear each tap, a signal that she was safe.
“Great! Let’s switch to text messages,” Linsey said, relieved, and then she ended the call.
Soon after, Linsey sent a voice message. “Hey, Leila! I’m so sorry! I’ve been totally swamped with a project my family roped me into, and I completely spaced on your mother-in-law’s birthday! How did it go? Did she give you a hard time again?”
Leila had never mentioned to Linsey the ordeal she’d endured caused by Shirley over the past few years.
It was only last year that Linsey noticed Leila’s injuries and swore to defend her. She had promised to stand up for Leila if Shirley tried anything again, but recent distractions had made her forget her vow.
Leila texted Linsey: “I’m actually doing okay. This year, I managed to avoid helping the Kensington family with the preparation and cleaning up.”
Leila then shared with Linsey how she had refused to help with anything concerning Shirley’s birthday celebration and eventually attended it by Landon’s side.
Leila made it a point to mention how she had managed to counter Shirley’s antics of making her suffer.
“Incredible, Leila! Nicely handled!” Linsey responded, clearly thrilled. “Where are you now? Is Landon causing you any trouble? What’s going on with you two?” Linsey inquired eagerly.
“I’m at a house Jerome gave me. Why don’t you come over and check it out?” Leila replied, sending Linsey the address after sharing the story of Jerome gifting her the high-end apartment.
“Wow! It’s been a while, and you’re doing so well now! I’m on my way over, and you’re going to spill all the details!” Linsey hurried over, arms laden with food and drinks.
Upon arrival, Linsey greeted Leila with a warm embrace. “It’s such a relief to see you doing well! Oh, I’ve been swamped, stuck in the office for days on end…”
As they hugged, Linsey let out a long sigh and began to share her own woes. “Can you believe my dad? Out of nowhere, he decided I should take over the project my brother was supposed to handle. It’s almost a nightmare, judging from its complexity. I’m starting from zero… If I don’t, he’s threatening to cut off my allowance! I was nearly driven crazy by him!”
Leila chuckled, gesturing that Linsey’s father might try to have Linsey run the business.
“But why me, when my brother is right there?” Linsey rolled her eyes, clearly frustrated. “I’m totally wiped out. I need some time off to just relax.”
After she vented, Linsey turned the conversation to Leila, “What about you? How have you been?”
Leila filled Linsey in on her recent interactions with the Hayes and the Kensington families, prompting Linsey to scold Shirley.
Leila tried to soothe Linsey, as she felt she had moved on.
Leila paused, remembering something crucial. Then, she gestured, asking whether Linsey could join her for the prenatal checkups since her pregnancy was still kept a secret.
“Absolutely! Who else is going to be there for your prenatal check-up if not me? Would we really want that jerk Landon to be the one by your side?” Linsey agreed enthusiastically before she berated Landon for being an unreliable father.
Leila offered a gentle smile, indicating they shouldn’t dwell on those issues and that relishing their moment of happiness was what mattered.
“You’re absolutely right,” Linsey said with a nod.
They continued their conversation, enjoyed a late-night snack, and Linsey stayed overnight. The next morning, they headed to the hospital together.
Initially, Linsey suggested inviting Ethan along, but Leila declined. She preferred not to involve too many people, fearing misunderstandings if Ethan attended the prenatal check-up with her.
Choosing the hospital likely owned by the Lyndon family, where she had visited and learned of her pregnancy, Leila aimed to minimize the chances of Landon learning about her hospital visit.
“The test results show your anemia and malnutrition are improving, but they’re not back to normal yet. If this trend continues, it could negatively affect the baby as well,” the doctor explained after reviewing the test reports, detailing what each indicator meant. He prescribed several supplements and vitamins.
“It’s crucial that you take these on time and attend prenatal check-ups more frequently than other expectant mothers, even if your condition stabilizes,” the doctor added.
“Understood,” Linsey responded for Leila, her expression tinged with concern. “We’ll make sure to follow through with your instructions.”
“Good. Are you her family?” The doctor glanced at Linsey. “What about the baby’s father?”
Leila was caught off guard by the inquiry. Before she could answer, Linsey snapped back sharply, “He’s dead!”
“Oh… I see. My condolences,” the doctor replied, somewhat taken aback.
“No need for condolences. He passed away in the bed of another woman!” Linsey clenched her teeth and pointed at Leila. “It’s all his fault she’s this fragile. He pissed her off!”
“Oh, I understand…” The doctor didn’t expect drama to be the answer to his simple question. After offering a bit more advice, he allowed Leila and Linsey to depart.
“Try not to overdo it, okay?” Linsey cautioned Leila as they exited the hospital.
