Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
Before the girl could speak, Leila’s voice was low but firm. “There are clothes available for you to change into, though they may not fit perfectly. My advice is to either change and rejoin the event or find a quiet lounge and wait for it to end.”
The girl’s eyes flashed with determination. “Miss, have you seen through my purpose? I guess you share the same agenda with me. I’m not just here for a party. I’m looking for opportunities. Sitting in a lounge for the rest of the day would be a waste of time. I won’t get another chance like this.”
Leila paused, considering the girl’s words. There was something admirable about her resolve. After a moment, Leila gently patted the girl’s shoulder. “You’re right. I’ll take you to the staff.”
The girl’s expression softened with gratitude. “Thank you.”
As the girl turned to leave, she cast a lingering glance at Clayton, her eyes filled with a mix of curiosity and hope.
After watching the girl disappear into the room to change, Leila continued on her way to the racecourse. By the time Leila arrived, Clayton was already riding his newly acquired horse, clearly enjoying himself. Spotting Leila, Clayton quickly dismounted and hurried over. “Leila, give it a try!” His face lit up with joy, a broad smile showing off the dimples at the corners of his mouth. He looked so genuinely happy, the sharp businessman momentarily replaced by a charming, youthful energy that made him seem years younger.
Leila pursed her lips, deliberately stepping back to create distance between them. “I’d better not. I’ve learned to ride, sure, but I’m afraid I might hurt your precious horse.”
Clayton caught the underlying message, and for a brief moment, a flicker of sadness crossed his eyes. But he wasn’t ready to give up just yet. His voice softened as he tried again. “It’s just a horse, Leila. Don’t worry. It has a gentle temperament. And if you’re nervous, I’ll ride with you.”
He paused, a playful smile tugging at his lips. “Don’t give me another excuse. I specifically asked you if you’d want to ride before we came.”
Leila found herself at a loss for words. She hadn’t expected Clayton to have a crush on her. It wasn’t something she’d sought, and yet here they were.
Leila knew all the unspoken rules of these circles. Businessmen like Clayton didn’t choose their partners based on attraction alone.
They sought someone who could complement their lives, elevate their status, and prove beneficial in many ways. She fit that mold perfectly, and she hated it.
As Clayton’s hopeful eyes met hers, and the lighthearted jeers of the crowd surrounded her, Leila felt a wave of unease. She frowned, feeling trapped by the expectations. With a quiet sigh, she reluctantly reached for the reins, her fingers tightening around the leather as she prepared to mount the horse.
But just as Leila was about to swing herself up, the thunderous sound of hooves filled the air. Out of the corner of her eye, a dark blur, like a gust of black wind, rushed past her, fast and startling.
The horse that had been standing calmly next to Leila suddenly reared up in fright, catching her off guard and leaving her unable to restrain it. The horse broke free from Leila’s grip and galloped across the field. Fortunately, the staff acted swiftly and managed to corral the frightened animal.
Leila and Clayton both turned their heads in unison to the source of the disturbance. To their surprise, it wasn’t a gust of wind that had startled the horse, but Landon, who was now majestically riding a powerful black stallion.
The black horse was a sight to behold, its muscles rippling beneath its sleek coat. It dwarfed the horse Clayton had specially purchased. No wonder Clayton’s horse had been so intimidated.
Clayton’s face hardened, but his upbringing prevented him from cursing. He waved his hand and addressed the staff, “What are you waiting for? Show this gentleman guest out.”
The staff member, looking uncomfortable, leaned in to whisper something in Clayton’s ear. Clayton’s expression shifted from anger to a mixture of frustration and resignation. He forced a tight smile as Landon approached, still riding on his horse. “Mr. Lando. My apologies for not recognizing you earlier.”
Though Clayton was the most influential person present, he hadn’t organized the event. That was why he hadn’t realized Landon was present. Landon dismounted from his horse, glanced at Clayton, and walked past him. Clayton’s hand hovered in mid-air, his expression one of awkwardness. His face grew even colder.
Although it was widely known that Mr. Lando was a formidable figure, Clayton saw no reason to extend any courtesy to him, given his arrogant demeanor. Clayton was on the verge of turning around to shield Leila, worried she might be caught in a difficult situation. To Clayton’s surprise, Landon approached Leila and asked with a hint of concern, “Did I startle you?”
Although Clayton couldn’t see Landon’s expression through his mask, he could sense the depth of Landon’s feelings for Leila, evident in how Landon held himself and the deliberate tone of his voice. Clayton was initially shocked but then felt threatened.
Leila understood Landon’s intentions. She was both irritated and amused. Her response was sharp. “Mr. Lando, what do you want from me? It’s quite clear I was frightened. Isn’t it unnecessary to ask?”
The onlookers were astonished. This was the first time they had witnessed someone speak so rudely to Mr. Lando. Instead of reacting with anger, Landon’s tone softened.
“I noticed you seemed uncomfortable and was worried you might topple from the horse, which made me quite anxious. The pony you were riding is rather dull and looks weak. Why don’t you try my horse instead?” Landon gestured toward the imposing black stallion behind him.
Despite her words, Leila was genuinely intrigued by Landon’s horse. As she hesitated, Clayton stepped forward with a feigned smile.
“Mr. Lando, you probably don’t realize Miss Nixon isn’t experienced with horses. Asking her to ride such a wild and temperamental animal might be too challenging for her.”
Anyone with a discerning eye could tell that Clayton’s remarks were a subtle jab at Landon. Clayton narrowed his eyes and smirked.
“Even if the horse is wild and difficult to handle, it’s far more intriguing than those pampered animals that have never faced any challenge. Conquering those horses is just dull.”
Landon gave Leila a playful wink and said, “The choice is yours-whether to ride with me or stick with him.” Leila clenched her teeth in frustration. Landon had a knack for putting her in difficult situations.
Clayton stepped forward and said quietly to Leila, “Even though I don’t know how you got acquainted, it must be that he’s not good news. He has ulterior motives for approaching you. Don’t be-“
Before Clayton could finish his sentence, Landon had forcefully pulled Leila away. Clayton, known for his gentle demeanor, was so enraged that his face flushed red. However, he was powerless to intervene. After all, he and Leila were merely friends.
Leila, caught between her frustration and apprehension, flashed Clayton an apologetic smile. As Landon dragged her onto the horse, Leila’s anger flared.
But the horse’s massive height and restlessness left her too intimidated to make a move. Soon, a warm body pressed against Leila’s back, enveloping her in a comforting, familiar scent. It helped to ease her anxiety somewhat.
Gritting her teeth, Leila turned her head slightly and said, “You promised me you wouldn’t do anything to embarrass me. Are you breaking that promise now?”
Landon chuckled, his voice laced with amusement. “It’s precisely because I remember my promise to you at the hospital that I came to see you. I didn’t intend to interfere in your situation with Clayton. I only intervened when he persistently pressed you to ride with him.”
Landon sensed Leila’s reluctance and decided to step in. Hearing this, Leila pursed her lips together. “I’m not interested in him. Don’t overthink it. A man like him is far too absorbed in his world that he lacks the time to think about love.”
Landon contemplated for a moment. “He’s naive. Regardless, the villain in this scenario is him, and you’re merely a pawn between them. You won’t offend Clayton. Don’t stress about it.”
Leila’s heart warmed slightly at his words, but she pouted, “Even without your help, I can handle myself.”
Landon said nothing in response. Instead, with a firm press of his long legs, the horse abruptly bolted. The sudden movement startled Leila, and her face paled with fear. She longed to turn and hide in Landon’s embrace.
Sensing her anxiety, Landon didn’t slow the horse but gently held her hand as she gripped the reins tightly. He leaned in to speak softly near her ear. “Breathe steadily, focus on your posture, and keep a firm hold on the reins. There’s nothing to fear.”
Guided by Landon’s calm instructions, Leila’s fear gradually subsided. She began to enjoy the rush of the wind and the earthy fragrance of the racecourse, her mood lifting. From a distance, Clayton watched Leila’s bright smile beside Landon, frowning.
His assistant, noting Clayton’s distraction, leaned in and whispered in his ear. “It seems Mr. Lando has developed a fondness for Miss Nixon, but there’s not much we can do about that.
Even though Miss Nixon is remarkable, she’s not the only exceptional woman out there. You’re on the lookout for a life partner. Given your status and capabilities, you will undoubtedly find a suitable match.”
Clayton clenched his fists, his heart heavy. “If I told you my interest in Leila goes beyond just marriage convenience? I’m intrigued by her, and I genuinely want to get to know her better. That’s why I can’t allow Mr. Lando to have her.”
After the horse ride, Leila was surprised to find Clayton still waiting. Clayton was intent on taking Leila for a stroll around the estate, and Landon quietly trailed behind them, uninvited.
Clayton’s patience was thin, and he shot an irritated glance back at Landon over his shoulder. “Mr. Lando, do you have any other business here?”
Landon grinned cheekily. “That is a peculiar question. Whatever you intend to do, I want to do as well. Our thoughts align.”
Clayton’s face turned pale with annoyance, silently cursing Landon under his breath.
The afternoon slipped by quickly, and soon, it was time for the evening banquet. Luckily, Leila had packed an extra outfit for the occasion.
Typically, such banquets were attended by couples. Clayton had initially assumed Leila would be his companion; however, Landon was still lingering close by.
Before Clayton could speak, Landon gently took Leila’s hand, smiling charmingly. His voice, smooth and compelling, caught everyone’s attention. “Miss Nixon, would you do me the honor of being my companion tonight? I came alone this time, unlike Clayton, who’s surrounded by friends and could easily find another partner.”
Leila’s lips twitched, half-amused. The rivalry between them was fierce, and she had never seen this side of Landon before. Clayton, refusing to back down, said, “We should let Leila decide.”
Still holding Leila’s hand, Landon squinted at Clayton with an almost oppressive gaze. “Do you really think she has the audacity to say no to me?”
Caught between them, Leila frowned and shook her head at Clayton, her cheeks flushed. “I’m sorry, Clayton, but I have to consider my circumstances. I’m raising my child on my own, and I can’t afford to offend the wrong people.”
Clayton loosened his clenched fists. Watching the two of them walk away, Clayton ordered his men to keep an eye on Mr. Lando. From this point on, Mr. Lando was barred from showing his face at any banquet or event where he might cross paths with him.
Once they were out of Clayton’s sight, Leila freed her hand from Landon’s grip. “You’re unaffected while I am the one taking the brunt of the curses,” Landon said with a hint of frustration.
Leila gave a faint smile. “Isn’t that what you wanted? It’s no big deal; I could always go back to Clayton.”
Landon, visibly anxious, gently tried to coax her. “You know I didn’t mean that.”
Leila understood what Landon meant. She decided not to dwell on those words and deflected by changing the subject. Just then, a woman charged at them.
The woman darted swiftly, and Leila barely registered her presence before they nearly stumbled over each other.
Leila stumbled, and Landon quickly steadied her, but the woman wasn’t as fortunate and fell awkwardly to the floor, drawing curious glances from the crowd. After regaining her balance, Leila stared down at the woman, sensing she looked familiar.
The woman wore mismatched sportswear, quite out of place amidst the well-dressed guests, yet she still looked incredibly beautiful. Amid the growing stares, the woman began to cry, her voice laced with distress.