Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
“Understood,” Edgar replied with a nod.
The turmoil had begun several days earlier when a manager abruptly resigned. The role was pivotal, prompting HR to quickly fill the vacancy.
However, in their rush, they failed to thoroughly check the new hire’s background.
Now, with a major project kicking off, the new hire-a woman-revealed she was three months pregnant and required time off to rest, despite having joined the company just under a week ago.
Landon’s firm had a policy of not discriminating against pregnant women or penalizing them in any way, yet this case was exceptional.
During her interview, HR had clearly outlined the demands of the upcoming project and inquired directly if she was pregnant, to which she had answered no.
Now, the woman was not only refusing to step down from her critical role but was also attending work daily, adamantly. She had even threatened legal action against the Kensington Group if they attempted to terminate her employment.
The HR employee responsible for her hiring was already facing consequences.
The looming question now was how to safely navigate this precarious situation.
Landon sensed that resolving this issue wouldn’t be easy.
It was, indeed, a delicate moment.
As soon as Edgar got updates from his team, his expression darkened, and he approached swiftly. “Mr. Kensington, there’s trouble. The woman’s baby is gone.”
Upon hearing this, Landon’s demeanor grew intensely grave. He accelerated his steps and left in haste.
The doctor, having organized his notes, came out only to find that Landon had already left. He let out a soft sigh. He had planned to speak with Landon about Leila’s pregnancy.
The hospital, serving almost exclusively the Kensington family, employed the doctor specifically to cater to their needs.
The doctor was keenly aware of the implications of Leila’s pregnancy and had chosen not to disclose it, preferring to inform Landon first. Now, he would have to wait for Landon’s next visit to discuss the matter.
“Hello.” A woman’s voice suddenly interrupted the doctor’s thoughts.
The doctor turned to see Melinda, wearing a gentle smile.
“Is Leila being treated here?” Melinda inquired.
The doctor recognized Melinda but recalled Landon’s strict directive. No one was to visit Leila except him.
Adjusting his glasses, the doctor replied, “Yes, she is here, but unfortunately, she’s not receiving visitors at the moment. You’ll need to speak with Mr. Kensington if you wish to see her.”
Melinda’s smile faltered. Speak to Landon? She knew he’d say no.
Melinda continued, “Landon’s been tied up with work. As Landon’s sister-in-law, I’m technically family to Leila. She’s ill in the hospital, and it’s only right for me to check on her. Can I at least see her from outside her ward?”
The doctor’s expression remained unchanged, stern. “She was hospitalized because of the injuries you caused. As her doctor, I want to stay out of your family issues, but I must protect my patient from further harm.”
Melinda’s eyes widened in shock. She hadn’t expected Landon to share this with the doctor. What would people think of them now?
The color drained from Melinda’s face, and then a rush of red marked her anger, erasing any trace of her earlier smile as she began to threaten. “You should know that Landon hasn’t held the reins over the Kensington family yet. Are you really willing to cross me?”
The doctor waved her off dismissively. “If there’s nothing more, I need you to leave. I have several surgeries lined up, and I’m quite busy.”
Melinda gritted her teeth, her frustration palpable, and stormed off reluctantly.
However, Melinda wasn’t ready to give up yet. She suspected something was wrong with Leila. Otherwise, Landon wouldn’t have kept things so under wraps.
After leaving the hospital, Melinda gave her instructions. “Investigate this doctor’s personal life and vulnerabilities. I refuse to believe that I can’t handle one simple doctor.”
Leila spent the day gripped by fear and anxiety, secretly relieved that Landon hadn’t appeared.
Yet, as hours ticked by without any sign of him, her anxiety only grew.
Leila found herself wishing Landon would show up so she could face him directly.
Growing suspicious of the medications being delivered by the doctors and nurses, Leila resisted openly. When they attempted to give her a sedative, she feigned swallowing it, only to rush to the bathroom later and force herself to vomit.
After much contemplation, Leila took advantage of a moment of neglect to reach out to Brent.
Brent, having just managed some online rumors, grew immediately concerned upon receiving Leila’s desperate message.
“What’s happening? Where are you? Are you safe? Send me your location, and I’ll call the police immediately,” Brent responded anxiously.
Leila hurriedly texted back, “No police. Calling them would only tip them off.”
Since she and Landon were still legally married, Leila knew Landon would find a way to prevent the police from intervening effectively.
Leila messaged Brent, urgently saying she needed to leave the hospital.
Brent did not inquire why. Instead, he focused on her whereabouts and her condition.
Brent immediately agreed to help. “Don’t worry. I’ll get you out of here,” he assured her.
Reading his messages, Leila’s anxiety lessened.
Over the following days, they devised a plan to escape.
Fortunately, Landon hadn’t completely confined Leila.
As long as Leila followed the treatment plan and took her medications, she was allowed some freedom. However, she was not permitted to leave her ward.
At times, Leila felt like a closely watched prisoner. She yearned to confront Landon. Yet, whenever she requested to see him, they told her Landon was too swamped with work.
Leila suspected he wasn’t actually busy. Rather, he was avoiding her and the pregnancy.
Then, unexpectedly, Leila’s primary doctor appeared. His visits were rare, occurring only during significant events.
The moment Leila saw the primary doctor, she felt a wave of nervousness wash over her. She rose from her seat and stealthily took a few steps toward the corner.
With the help of her phone’s text-to-speech function, Leila inquired what he needed from her.
The primary doctor wore a complex expression, as if he were torn between speaking his mind and resigning to silence. Finally, after a moment of indecision, he spoke. “Leila, I’ve come to discuss the baby you’re expecting.”
Leila’s heart plummeted upon hearing this. She quickly typed on her phone, “Did Landon send you?”
The primary doctor paused to consider her question before nodding affirmatively.
Struggling to hold back her tears, Leila continued typing with shaky fingers. “What does he want?”
The primary doctor cleared his throat before replying, “I need to lay out the situation for you. You’re aware that your health isn’t the strongest, and it’s hardly the ideal condition for pregnancy. Moreover, it seems you and Mr. Kensington are heading toward a divorce. If that happens, the baby will be raised in a single-parent household. Given your health, do you really think you can provide a happy life for this child?”
Leila, now visibly upset, typed her response. “I am committed to giving my child the best life possible, without causing any trouble for Landon. If he doubts my intentions, I’m willing to put it in writing. This child is a life I want to protect, and you cannot pressure me into an abortion.”
Leila attempted to appear rational, yet beneath the surface, unease gnawed at her.
She understood Landon’s character far too well. Once he set his mind on something, he pursued it relentlessly, compromise be damned.
Leila felt having the doctor talk to her first wasn’t about soliciting her viewpoint. It was to brace her for the inevitable.
Nevertheless, Leila found it impossible to resign herself to this. After all, this was her child. She could sense its heartbeat.
The primary doctor’s face took on a grave expression. “Let’s be clear: Given the state of your health, the baby won’t make it to birth, even if you decide to continue with the pregnancy.”
Leila’s mind reeled. What was he implying?