Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
Edgar moved toward Leila, signaling her to come with him. Leila followed, her confusion evident. Something about the situation felt off, though she couldn’t quite pinpoint what it was.
Now, only the three Kensington and Sarah remained in the hall.
In a fit of anger, Shirley hurled the glass she was holding to the floor. “Did you see that look he gave me? Am I not his mother anymore? He treats me as if I’m his enemy!”
Dean offered his hollow words of comfort. “Mom, you’re aware of how Landon can be. He’ll cool off in a few days.”
Melinda chimed in with a nod. “He’s just upset with me. I’ll apologize to him later.”
Shirley’s anger escalated upon hearing Melinda’s words. “You’re his sister-in-law, and yet you feel the need to apologize to him? What’s he thinking? Does he expect Dean to say sorry too?”
Sarah stood there, caught in the awkwardness of the moment. She quickly thought of a way to ease the tension.
Approaching Shirley, Sarah gently patted her on the back, offering solace. “Don’t be upset. You know, Landon wasn’t always like this. Back when he was with me, he often spoke highly of you, appreciating all your efforts and promising to take good care of you. I suspect he’s changed since being with Leila. Maybe she’s been filling his ears with complaints about you, driving a wedge between you both.”
Shirley moderated her voice, though her expression remained frosty. “But now Landon’s relationship with Leila is strained, and he’s still not treating me well.”
Sarah quickly pointed the finger at Leila. “Such hostility doesn’t just vanish overnight. But don’t worry. Landon and I have become close. He respects my opinion. I’ll talk to him, and he’ll come to apologize to you.”
As Sarah spoke, Shirley’s face softened, and she grasped Sarah’s hand, her smile reflecting satisfaction. “You know, I’ve always seen you as the perfect daughter-in-law. You’re not only beautiful but also wise-far superior to that silent woman.”
A blush crept up Sarah’s cheeks. “Landon and I aren’t even married yet.”
Shirley gave a dismissive snort. “I have no idea what schemes that silent woman has concocted to prevent Landon from divorcing her. But ultimately, I’m his mother, and I’ll find a solution. Sarah, stay close to Landon. Once I handle this matter, I’m planning your wedding for next month.”
Sarah’s face brightened with delight, her hand flying to her mouth in astonishment. “That’s incredible, Shirley! Thank you!”
Shirley chuckled softly. “Don’t be so polite with me-we will be a family soon.”
Nearby, Melinda seethed with envy as she watched their warm interaction.
Dean’s expression grew darker, and he abruptly sprang to his feet.
His sudden outburst took Melinda by surprise.
Fortunately, Shirley hadn’t noticed Dean. Melinda quickly followed Dean out.
“What are you doing? Are you trying to embarrass us?” Melinda voiced her displeasure.
Dean was livid. “You’re still concerned about your worthless reputation. You’ve been plotting to pair Sarah with Landon, haven’t you?”
Melinda appeared confused. “And what if I am? It does us no harm to get rid of Leila. Don’t forget, before Roderick passed, he left quite a few assets for Leila, and though your mom has claimed a portion, some remain with her. Once she’s out of the picture, those assets will rightfully return to the Kensington family and to us.”
Dean’s fury intensified. He began pacing around, his agitation evident, leaving Melinda at a loss for words.
Eventually, Dean stopped in front of Melinda, pointed directly at her, and yelled, “Can’t you look past your trivial concerns? Roderick favored Landon during his lifetime. But Roderick knew if he left all the Kensington family assets to Landon, it would cause an uproar. So, he set a condition. The heir to the Kensington fortune would be the one who has his eldest grandson.
Previously, Landon and Leila had a rocky relationship, and after forcing Leila into having an abortion, my mom told me Leila couldn’t have more children. Even though you’ve been useless and haven’t produced a son, it bought me some time to strategize. But now, you hasten to have Landon divorce Leila and set him up with Sarah. Given that both of them are young and healthy, what will we do when they start having children? You fool!”
Dean’s yelling reverberated in Melinda’s ears, leaving her head spinning. Her knees buckled, and she nearly toppled over.
Dean looked at her with contempt. “You better not lay a finger on my mistress, especially not under my watch. She’s carrying my child now. You’ve become a burden, always causing problems. If you force my hand, I’ll replace you.”
With these harsh words, Dean stormed away, his anger palpable.
Melinda collapsed to the ground, tears cascading down her cheeks. She questioned whether she was cursed, or if it was simply fate’s cruel jest.
So there was such a rule all along. Yet, Melinda had been oblivious for years. It seemed likely that Dean and Shirley had been eyeing this backup plan since learning of her infertility after she gave birth to a girl.
Dean had probably been unfaithful for years.
This thought only deepened Melinda’s resolve. Leila and Landon could not reconcile. Unbeknownst to Dean, Leila was expecting. And if the child was a boy…
Melinda shuddered, unable to entertain the thought any longer.
After Leila found herself locked in the room, she made a video call to Irene.
Irene was seething with anger. “Landon has lost it! He can’t differentiate right from wrong anymore. He’s actually fallen for Sarah’s absurd claims that you provoked her. Can you believe that?”
Leila remained composed. She gestured that the truth didn’t matter at this point.
Irene’s concern deepened. “Is he planning to keep you locked up there? Do I need to call the cops?”
Leila laughed softly and reminded Irene of Sarah’s insistence on her presence at her birthday party. If she didn’t show up, Sarah would have nobody to flaunt.
Leila reassured Irene that even if Landon didn’t release her, Sarah’s nerves would likely drive her to find a way to let Leila out and attend the party on time.
Leila was indeed right.
At this moment, Sarah stood at the doorway of Landon’s study, cradling a bowl of soup. She whispered, “Landon, are you still wrapped up in work? May I come in?”
Silence filled the space beyond the door.
Sarah’s tone grew more pleading. “I just have a couple of things to say, and then I’ll leave you be. Or do you think I’m too chatty?”
At last, the door creaked open. Landon appeared, dressed casually in a crisp shirt paired with relaxed pants. Despite his simple outfit, his noble demeanor was palpable.
His icy gaze briefly met Sarah’s, sending a thrill through her.
“Landon…” A blush tinted Sarah’s cheeks. “I’m concerned you’re overworking yourself. Besides, tomorrow’s my birthday party. I wanted to have a word with you.”
Landon stepped aside to let Sarah in.
Once inside, Sarah set down the soup and quickly threw herself into Landon’s arms. She clung to his lean waist, breathing in his distinctive scent, her heart pounding. She felt he was truly hers.
Unseen by her, a look of profound aversion flickered across Landon’s face.
Landon subtly shifted back, as if avoiding any contact with Sarah.
Sarah picked up on his avoidance and studied him with a wan glance. “Landon, are you upset with me? Why aren’t you hugging me back?”
A slight, icy smile played at the corners of Landon’s mouth. “I’ve just been really exhausted lately, not really in the mood.”
With that, he calmly withdrew himself from Sarah’s embrace.
Sarah didn’t seem to take offense. She paused before saying, “There’s something I wanted to discuss. Even though Leila was out of line today, I can’t help but feel sorry for her. Would you mind if I invited her to my birthday party tomorrow?”
Landon settled into his chair, his eyes locked on the computer screen, his voice detached. “Why invite her? To spoil your day? If you don’t want to see her, there’s no reason to mind her feelings. Plus, don’t stress about her making a scene or complaining. I’ll make sure someone keeps an eye on her.”
Sarah’s smile widened as she leaned in, draping her arms around his neck. “You always look out for me so well, thinking of everything.”
Landon responded with a soft laugh.
Landon kept his gaze lowered, masking the flicker of sarcasm and annoyance in his eyes from Sarah.
“Why invite Leila to your birthday if you can’t stand her? What’s the plan? Going to use the party as an excuse to play some sort of game with her?” Landon’s words were pointed as he locked eyes with Sarah.
Caught in his intense, frosty gaze, Sarah felt a wave of dread wash over her. After a few seconds, she regained her composure. Pouting, Sarah said, “Don’t give me that look! Do you really think so badly of me?”
Landon let out a chuckle, the iciness in his gaze melting away as if it had never been there. It almost seemed like Sarah had imagined the whole thing.
Landon said in a flat tone, “You’re reading too much into it. But hey, if you’re planning on giving Leila a hard time, maybe I could help tie up any loose ends. With Leila backed by the Hayes family now, I wouldn’t want you to land in hot water.”
Sarah’s eyelashes fluttered, visibly moved by his show of concern. “Landon, I can’t believe you’re actually looking out for me like this.”