Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
She was tempted by his offer. Rather than staying here, awaiting an uncertain fate, why wouldn’t she seize this chance?
However, her gaze fell to her belly, heavy with the weight of her unborn child. She doubted the baby could endure much longer.
The question haunted her. Should she involve Brent in this precarious situation? Was it even worth considering?
Unaware of Leila’s internal struggle, Brent assumed her hesitation was due to her inability to detach from Landon. In an attempt to sway her, he sent her several photos he had taken today, capturing Landon and Sarah dining together.
Brent’s next messages carried a clear trace of discontent and bitterness: “You’re here, stuck, while he’s out there, enjoying himself with the other woman. Leila, can’t you see? Landon isn’t the man you think he is. Staying with him is a mistake. The Hayes family might not have the clout of the Kensington family, but the Hayes family can take care of you. We’re here for you.”
Leila zoomed in on the photos.
The pictures captured Landon and Sarah engaged in a romantic candlelit dinner.
They hadn’t opted for a secluded room. Instead, they selected a location beside the ocean. It appeared they were unconcerned about secrecy.
In the photos, Sarah was playfully feeding Landon, while Landon carefully peeled shrimp for her.
They exuded the aura of a real couple, radiating a love so profound it could spark envy in others.
Leila wanted to explain to Brent that this was not the cause of her hesitation, yet she found herself fixated on Landon’s image in the photos for an extended period. She endeavored to memorize his features, aware she might never encounter him again.
Leila resolved to leave. She planned to distance herself far from the Hayes family, to avoid causing any disturbances. Even if tragedy befell her unborn baby, she was prepared to face life on her own.
After making up her mind, Leila sent a text to Brent. “I’ll come with you.”
Brent’s face lit up with a smile as he read the message.
Thirty minutes later, Leila was safely seated in the car parked outside the hospital.
The moment Brent turned on the ignition, the situation seemed surreal to Leila. She was finally free from her nightmare.
At the same time, Melinda received word that Landon had come to the hospital to visit Leila.
Unable to sleep and filled with concern, Melinda hurried to the hospital.
Although she was aware that Leila was pregnant, she kept this information to herself and even forced the primary doctor to persuade Leila to consider an abortion, driven by a personal vendetta and other motives.
Melinda’s actions were partly for Dean’s sake. Shirley was visibly upset with Landon’s protective stance toward Leila, resulting in Shirley paying more attention to Dean.
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Melinda’s unease grew after consulting with the primary doctor, who suggested that Leila’s baby was likely a boy.
This revelation filled Melinda with dread. If Leila bore the first son of the Kensington family, what would become of her own position?
By then, Shirley was bound to turn her attention back to Landon, and Dean, knowing Melinda could no longer have children, would likely seek a divorce.
Thus, Melinda felt Leila’s baby became a liability that needed to be dealt with.
With these thoughts, a chill swept through Melinda’s gaze. She hastened to the primary doctor’s office and rapped sharply on the door.
The primary doctor was on the verge of leaving for the day when he encountered Melinda’s grim expression. His heart dropped. “What’s this about? I’ve told you, we need to proceed cautiously. Rushing this could raise suspicions.”
Melinda was losing her patience. “I can’t wait any longer. Landon visited her today, and there’s no telling what they discussed. If he discovers Leila is pregnant, it’s over for us. We need to perform the abortion on Leila now. I need this resolved so I can have some peace.”
The primary doctor was cornered and anxious. “You’re putting my life at risk. If Mr. Kensington finds out, there’s no way he’ll spare me.”
Unyielding, Melinda replied sharply, “I’ve secured your escape route. If you don’t follow my orders, you won’t be the only one facing danger.”
The primary doctor was overcome with regret. He lamented his decision to take on Leila as a patient.
Many sought Leila’s demise, and to complicate matters further, she was Landon’s wife.
With a resigned sigh, the primary doctor conceded, “I’ll take care of it immediately. However, I must caution you, carrying out an abortion at this hour will surely raise eyebrows. Mr. Kensington will know at once. Have you considered your explanation to him?”
Melinda responded with a nonchalant smile, “Why should I explain? It will be Leila who must justify herself. She’s the one who signed the consent form. It’s her decision to terminate the pregnancy, not ours.”
Pausing, her eyes alight with a sinister sparkle, she added, “And there’s something else. Here’s a better plan. You can incapacitate her during the surgery. Don’t end her life-just ensure she never regains consciousness. She’s already unable to speak due to her damaged vocal cords. Why not render her completely silent forever?”
The primary doctor was horrified by Melinda’s cold-bloodedness. Yet, the more he pondered it, the more he felt the allure of her plan. His primary concern had become his own safety. Leila’s life no longer held any value for him.
Hastily, the primary doctor and a nurse hurried toward Leila’s ward.
Upon opening the door, they were greeted by an empty room.
Melinda, not yet realizing the gravity of the situation, furrowed her brow and questioned, “What’s happening here? Where is she? Was she moved to another room?”
The primary doctor, visibly shaken, his voice quivering, replied, “I didn’t move her. She’s escaped!”
Hearing this, Melinda nearly stumbled. In a swift motion, she spun around and slapped the primary doctor forcefully. “Incompetent fool! Go find her this instant!”
With a nod, the primary doctor, clutching his cheek, hurried away to review the security footage.
Soon, the news of Leila’s mysterious disappearance reached Landon, leaving him dumbfounded. “What’s going on? How does an adult just vanish like that? Aren’t my people overseeing this hospital?”
Edgar, perspiring, explained with uncertainty, “She disappeared as if by magic, Mr. Kensington. Honestly, I don’t think your wife could have managed this alone. I fear…”
Edgar trailed off, but Landon grasped the gravity of the situation without needing further explanation.
Landon’s face hardened, transforming his handsome features into something cold and forbidding. “Are you telling me someone has taken her? Perhaps the work of one of my enemies?”
Edgar responded with a cautious nod, “That’s a possibility, although we’re still unsure who it might be.”
A grim expression settled over Landon as he massaged his temples, his eyes blazing with a dangerous light. “Get the message out. The person who took Leila away has exactly one hour to return her, or I will stop at nothing to exact vengeance.”
Now, come with me to the hospital.”
Together, Landon and Edgar hurried to the hospital.
Upon their arrival, the primary doctor greeted them, indicating he had vital news to share.
However, as Landon and Edgar stepped into the room, they were surprised to find Melinda there.
Landon’s expression instantly soured, his displeasure evident.
“When did she arrive? Why wasn’t I informed?”
Catching the hint of anger and distrust in Landon’s gaze, Melinda managed an awkward smile and spoke with a touch of guilt. “Shirley hasn’t been feeling well, so I came to pick up her medication. That’s when I came upon the chaos. I made some inquiries and found out that Leila had left.” Attempting to project innocence, Melinda added, “Landon, did something happen between you and Leila? What made her leave?”
Landon sank into a chair, his expression darkening, exuding an air of authority. He avoided looking directly at Melinda as he spoke. “Is it any of your business what happens between Leila and me? Or perhaps you’ve forgotten the reason I was here in the first place?”
As Melinda’s smile wavered, Landon’s patience wore thin. He gestured dismissively, “Please escort her out. I’m occupied and can’t spare the time for this.”
Landon’s face wore an expression of impatience.
Melinda’s smile gradually faded.
Since marrying into the Kensington family, Melinda had seldom encountered such disrespect. Only Landon consistently treated her with disdain. He never showed her any warmth.
Melinda had always taken pride in her appearance. After all, it was her beauty that had captured Dean’s heart. However, her charms seemed ineffective on Landon.
Melinda, along with everyone else, had little faith in the happiness of Leila and Landon’s marriage.
Yet the current situation revealed something different: Landon did care about Leila.