Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
Meanwhile, Leila shared the uplifting news with Brent.
Brent was astounded that Leila had gone to such lengths for the Hayes family. “I knew the rift between you and Landon was deepening. Reaching out for help must have been difficult. My grandpa always told me not to bother you when he had clear moments, but I could never have imagined.”
On the other side of the screen, Leila sensed Brent’s profound remorse.
Leila quickly offered reassurance and texted him her reply, “You’ve been such a great help, and it’s the least I can do. Even if you had chosen not to tell me, I would have found out somehow. I’d feel restless if I didn’t repay this favor. After all, I see Jerome as my own grandfather. Right now, it’s crucial that he focuses on his recovery. Please, don’t mention any of this recent turmoil to him.”
Brent nodded in agreement before making an offer. “Are you free today? I’d love to take you out for a meal to express my gratitude in person.”
After pondering for a moment, Leila accepted. She was eager to discuss her situation at the Hayes Group with Brent.
Given her impending divorce from Landon, she likely wouldn’t remain in the city. She and her unborn child needed a safer, more stable place to thrive. Once things settled down, she might consider coming back.
Having agreed on a time and place for the meeting with Brent,
Leila then visited the hospital for her prenatal check-up.
Handing the medical reports to the doctor, Leila felt a wave of unease.
The doctor reviewed the documents and offered a comforting smile. “Your condition has improved significantly, though you’re still a bit weak. It looks like you’ve been following the advice well. Continue to take care of yourself. Your health is vital for both you and your baby.”
Hearing this, Leila’s face lit up with relief. She gently placed her hand on her stomach and typed her message on her phone with a hint of worry. “Is the baby okay?”
The doctor shook his head slightly. “It’s still too early in the pregnancy to tell much. I recommend regular check-ups to monitor everything closely. Just focus on maintaining your health, and we’ll assess the situation as your pregnancy progresses. Here, I’ll give you some vitamins to start off with.”
Leila nodded in agreement. After paying for the vitamins, she turned to leave but accidentally collided with someone entering the clinic. Her medical reports were scattered across the floor.
Before Leila could get a clear look at the person, she bent down to gather her medical reports.
Then, a familiar voice called out to her, “Leila?”
Leila’s hands trembled, and she swiftly tucked the medical reports behind her back. Looking up, she saw Boris and Sophia.
Boris had a gentle smile on his face.
“I’m really sorry. I was rushing my mom to her appointment. Did I bump into you?” Boris asked apologetically.
Leila shook her head, assuring him she was fine, and began to walk away.
However, Boris stopped Leila, his voice tinged with feigned concern. “Let me pick up your medicine. You should go and rest. I’d like to help. Also, are you here because you’re unwell? If you need, I can recommend some specialists.”
Leila clenched the prescription and medical reports behind her back tighter, masking her growing anxiety.
Leila repeatedly shook her head as she typed on her phone.
“I’m fine, really, just a bit chilly. Plus, I’ve got things to handle here. Thanks for the help, but I can manage it on my own.”
With that, Leila picked up her pace and hurried away.
Boris watched Leila’s anxious retreating figure, his warm smile gradually fading.
Sophia approached quietly, her voice low. “You should steer clear of that woman. She’s trouble.”
Boris gave Sophia a puzzled look. “What makes you say that?”
With a sly grin, Sophia’s voice dripped with sarcasm. “Her prescription slipped from her bag. It’s for pregnant women only. Clearly, she’s expecting, and who knows who the father is?”
Boris’s brow furrowed in thought.
Leila’s relationship with Landon was well known around town, even though Boris was new here. Yet, Boris doubted Landon was the father.
Given Landon’s power and influence, he’d surely take care of Leila and accompany her for prenatal check-ups if Leila were pregnant.
Leila, merely an adopted daughter of the Kensington family, would likely leverage such a connection to cement her place within the family.
Leila’s secretive behavior raised an eyebrow. It seemed to Boris that the baby might not be Landon’s. Could it be Brent’s?
Boris suddenly perked up, his interest piqued by the unfolding situation.
Sophia cautioned him, her voice laced with warning, “Remember, steer clear of women like her. Besides, with your grandfather under our control, we don’t need to take unnecessary risks.”
Boris eyed Sophia with a hint of disapproval. “You’re missing the point. High stakes mean high rewards. Haven’t you noticed? We’ve been doing pretty well, but Brent hasn’t been exactly friendly. Once he’s in charge of the Hayes family, we’ll be insignificant.”
Boris’s voice carried a trace of bitterness as he continued, “If you had brought me back to the Hayes family sooner, we’d stand a better chance now.”
Sophia’s lips quivered slightly, betraying her urge to counter his argument, yet she found herself at a loss for words.
Instead, Sophia opted for a softer approach to calm Boris. “Alright. As long as it makes you happy, I’ll support whatever you decide.”
But Boris was visibly annoyed. “I’ll take it from here. Just stop following me.”
Seeing the disappointment clouding her son’s eyes, Sophia felt a pang of heartache. She had been the cherished princess of the Hayes family, and her marriage into the Guzman family had led her through a series of challenges.
This was especially true after Sophia’s husband found out that Jerome, known for his ruthlessness, wouldn’t offer any support just because Sophia had married into the Guzman family.
Following their marriage, Sophia suffered abuse at the hands of her husband.
Upon giving birth to Boris, Sophia longed to return to the Hayes family, but her husband wouldn’t allow it.
Over the years, the Hayes family didn’t bother to ask how her married life was, let alone intervene or show support for Sophia.
Initially, Sophia harbored resentment toward her husband, but as time passed and through constant manipulation, her anger redirected toward the Hayes family. If only Jerome had checked in occasionally, provided financial aid, or secured a decent job for her husband, perhaps her life and marriage might have been less bleak.
These thoughts weighed heavily on Sophia, bringing her to tears.
At that moment, her phone rang.
Sophia hastily dried her eyes and answered, only to hear an urgent message from the hospital about Jerome’s deteriorating condition, which required family members’ presence immediately.
Although some distant relatives from the Hayes family were present, none were close enough to make decisions for Jerome.
The only direct relatives available were Sophia and Brent, and with Brent unreachable, the hospital had turned to Sophia.
Upon hearing the doctor’s declaration, Sophia’s face broke into an enigmatic smile. “Okay, I’ll head to the hospital right away,” she responded. “Have Boris search for Brent. Call me if you need anything else.”
The doctor seemed uncertain but ultimately nodded in agreement.
Sophia felt a sudden urge to inform her son about the situation. However, as she reached for her phone, Boris’s earlier disapproving expression flashed in her mind, making her hesitate.
Determined to show her capability, Sophia steeled herself and hurried off.
Time flew, and soon Leila found herself arriving early at the restaurant for her meeting with Brent.
A BMW rolled to a stop. Since the incident involving the Hayes Group, Brent had maintained a low profile. He stepped out, his typically stern face softening into a subtle smile upon spotting Leila, and he was holding a bouquet of light yellow flowers.
Noticing Leila’s brow crease slightly, Brent quickly explained, “I saw these and thought they were pretty, so I picked them up as a token of thanks.”
Leila eyed the flowers but gently shook her head, refusing them. She typed out a message on her phone, “I’m sorry. I’m allergic to pollen and can’t accept these, but thank you for the thought.”
Her response rejected Brent while saving his dignity.
Brent’s smile wavered momentarily, but he composed himself swiftly. “I should have thought of that. Don’t worry about it. My grandpa always asked me to treat you like a sister. Let’s keep it casual.”
The word “sister” relaxed Leila somewhat, making the atmosphere a bit lighter.