Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
Sophie pointed at the man’s mask. When he didn’t respond, she took matters into her own hands, her tiny fingers tugging at the edge of it. It looked like she was trying to unmask him.
Leila hastily stepped forward, her face stern as she gently but firmly pulled Sophie back. “Didn’t I warn you that if you misbehave when I bring you here, I won’t bring you here again?”
“Mommy, I’m sorry,” Sophie murmured, pressing her face into Leila’s clothes as though she were deeply hurt. Seeing this, the man stepped in on Sophie’s behalf. “Kids are naturally lively. She’s not being naughty at all. I don’t mind it, and you shouldn’t be upset with her.”
Leila lifted her gaze to meet his. “You like children?”
The man’s gaze softened. “I have a daughter myself.”
Leila’s surprise gave way to a smile. “How coincidental.” Leila accepted the design drawing, saying firmly, “I’ll do my best. Please remember what you’ve said and don’t disrupt my auction house. It’s a small business, and I can’t afford more complications.”
“Okay.” With that, the man turned to leave.
As he approached the door, he added, “In a week, I’ll arrange for someone to deliver the first part of the sketched diagram and hand the second part of the design drawing to you.”
Watching him walk away, Leila suddenly called out, “Landon Kensington!”
The man stopped in his tracks.
In that instant, Leila’s heart raced with a sudden intensity.
The man turned around, staring at Leila as he said, “By the way, I forgot to mention that I’ll return to Avalon soon. I hear you’ll be returning as well. Quite a coincidence. You won’t have to worry about it disrupting your plans.”
Leila was stunned. Her heart sank, and her excitement evaporated.
The man gave a final nod and quickened his pace to leave. It felt as though he hadn’t heard her shout Landon’s name at all.
Looking at Sophie’s bright, cheerful face, Leila had mixed feelings. Perhaps she was overthinking it.
Leila had wavered before giving her consent to the man’s request. She had planned to return to Avalon the day after tomorrow. She figured she’d have to make the trip once more and hadn’t anticipated he would be heading to Avalon as well. Why was he so interested in Avalon?
Just then, her phone buzzed with a call from Ewing.
Ewing remarked, “I just got back and saw the gift you sent. It’s wonderful. I really appreciate it.”
Leila smiled warmly. “No need to be so formal. Your support was the key to my voice recovering. I’m the one who should be thanking you instead.”
Ewing’s tone softened. “Is Sophie with you? I’ve been buried in work lately, and my father is just as swamped. He doesn’t have the time to spend with her.”
Leila frowned. “Even if you’re busy, you need to rest. When I brought Sophie to see you today, the servant mentioned you haven’t slept well in three days.”
Ewing chuckled, a bit embarrassed. “I have told them not to say anything, but you still found out.”
Sophie tugged at Leila’s clothes and jumped up, eager to speak on the phone.
Leila understood her daughter’s intent. She knelt and held the phone to Sophie’s ear.
“Uncle,” Sophie said sweetly.
Ewing’s heart melted. “Do you miss me, Sophie?”
“Yes,” Sophie replied, nodding earnestly. “Mommy misses you too.”
Leila’s eyes sparkled as she suggested to Sophie, “Let’s go home now and visit your uncle, shall we?”
Upon returning to the Nixon family estate, Leila found the servants packing her things.
Leila had informed Ewing of her plan to return to Avalon.
Even though Ewing was hesitant, he respected her decision. He was considerate and had planned everything for her. He knew Leila might linger in Avalon for a long time.
Even though Leila insisted she didn’t need much luggage, Ewing still had the servants pack everything she might need.
Under Ewing’s arrangement, some of Leila’s luggage had already been checked in. Leila had little to stress about; her only task was to ensure Sophie’s safety by her side.
Leila was moved by Ewing’s thoughtfulness. With Sophie in her arms, Leila entered her room. Just then, Trent approached her. “Miss, you’re back at last. I’ve been searching everywhere for you.”
“What’s the matter?” Leila raised an eyebrow.
Clearing his throat, Trent explained, “It’s Mrs. Jennifer Nixon and Mrs. Astrid Nixon. They’re eager to see you, and Mr. Tyrone Nixon’s with them. They seem to have something important to discuss.”
At this, Leila’s expression turned into a frown. The last thing she wanted was to deal with Jennifer and Astrid, especially not both at once. Her gut told her not to meet them.
With a polite smile, Leila replied, “Let’s plan for another day. I just returned, and I’d rather catch up with Sophie today.”
Trent’s face colored slightly, a hint of embarrassment showing. “They said you need to be there, having required Mr. Ewing Nixon’s presence as well. It seems the whole family needs to come together for this significant event.”
Upon hearing this, Leila felt a wave of headache wash over her. Such a statement left her with no other choice but to agree. All she could manage was, “Please let them know I’ll change my clothes.”
Once Leila switched her attire, she entered the living room.
True to her expectations, it was crowded with people. Tyrone occupied the principal seat, his eyes clouded with bewilderment. His condition had deteriorated over the past few years, making it difficult for him to recognize the faces around him.
Tyrone generally overlooked everyone’s presence, yet he always showed warmth toward Leila.
“Grandpa.” Leila beamed at Tyrone as she approached. “Did you follow the doctor’s instructions and take your medicine today?”
Tyrone nodded, squeezing her hand gently. “Good girl, you seem so familiar. Who are you?”
“I’m Leila, your granddaughter,” she replied, a lump forming in her throat as she spoke with calm patience. Leila had repeated these words numerous times, yet she was prepared to say them again if necessary.
Suddenly, someone seized Leila’s arm, jerking her backward.
Turning, Leila saw Astrid.
“Okay, we all get it. You’re the sensible one. No need to show off here!” Astrid snapped with a darkened face. “You’ve been around long enough. Have you even greeted other elders? You just barged in and made a beeline for Tyrone. What about the rest of us? Do we not matter?”
Jennifer scoffed, rolling her eyes. “She thinks she’s too good for us. Obviously, winning over Tyrone is her real aim. With him on her side, she doesn’t need anyone else.”
Leila lifted her gaze, scanning the living room. It was crowded with members of Abram’s family. Jennifer sat not far from Tyrone. Klein’s face was too annoying for Leila to ignore; she felt little affection for most of them. Leila offered a weak smile and retorted sarcastically to Astrid, “I show respect to Tyrone because he behaves as an elder should. You’re not like him. Every time we meet, it’s either sarcasm or veiled criticism from you. Yes, I may seem laid-back, but that doesn’t mean I’m a pushover.”
Astrid’s face flushed with anger. After a long pause, she scoffed, “Your voice is healed, but rather than being thankful to the Nixon family or showing due respect to your elders, you just criticize me. Leila, you make me sick.”
Leila ignored Astrid, turning to sit beside Tyrone.
Jennifer gave Leila a chilly look and then subtly signaled Astrid with a glance. That was enough to simmer Astrid down and remind her of the agenda for the day.
Astrid quickly swapped her sneer for a smile, a rapid change of expression that was quite startling.
Clearing her throat, Astrid said slowly, a sly grin crossing her face, “Today, I’ve brought you all here to share some hopeful news. We all know Bria has been frail for ages. We’ve managed to bring together top global experts who will soon perform a critical surgery on her. The procedure, however, has only a chance of success. If it works, it will significantly improve Bria’s condition, and we’ll no longer have to worry about her health. But if it fails…”
Astrid’s voice faltered, and her eyes welled up with tears, making it hard for her to continue.
Bria stepped in, comforting her with gentle words. “Mom, it’s okay. I still have a shot. This is a good thing. Trust me, I’ll be alright.”
Leila’s frown deepened. Were they really asking her to come all the way here just for this? Yet, the Nixon family seemed unaware of her strained relationship with Bria. There had to be another reason they wanted her here.
As this thought crossed Leila’s mind, Astrid spoke up. “I hope everyone can stay with Bria at the hospital during her surgery. Knowing you’re there will comfort her. The doctor mentioned that the recovery phase is crucial. The success of the surgery largely hinges on this period. Hearing your voices will surely motivate her more.”
Bria was visibly touched, covering her eyes as she wept. “Mom, this is all my fault. I always cause you worry with my health issues.”
Leila’s frown tightened further. She suddenly felt a hostile stare upon her.
Looking up, Leila caught Jennifer’s fake smile.