Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
Jenny recoiled in fear as he approached. “Am I just an object in your eyes? She let you have me?”
Landon paused to light a cigarette, his demeanor imposing as he stared down at Jenny. His looks were deceiving. His expression hid a more sinister nature, unlike the gentle side he reserved for Leila.
Feeling overshadowed, Jenny said through clenched teeth, “I can’t accept this! I fell for you the moment we met. If Leila doesn’t want you, why can’t I be with you? Don’t be fooled. Leila might seem disinterested, but she’s likely scheming to keep others away.”
Landon, fed up, cut her off. “Let’s be clear. My dislike for you isn’t about Leila. Even if she weren’t in the picture, I’d still despise you.”
His statement was blunt and harsh.
Enraged, Jenny snapped, “Remember, I hold sway over Tyrone!”
Landon, unfazed, simply raised an eyebrow. “That doesn’t matter. He is not my grandfather. Do you really think you can use him to manipulate me?”
Jenny was left wordless, clutching the carpet in frustration. Truth be told, her feelings for Landon weren’t as deep as she portrayed.
She was mostly looking for someone to rely on. Her wrongdoings in Halstead had halted her business and led to her expulsion from school, jeopardizing her future.
Yet, Jenny remained in denial, believing she was not at fault. Having been praised for her intellect from a young age, many believed she was destined for greatness.
Once, a man had told Jenny her future was bright. At that time, she believed she was destined for greatness. Throughout her life, Jenny employed ruthless tactics, never ceasing until her ambitions were fulfilled. She began accumulating wealth and public acclaim from a young age.
Jenny was arrogant. Who was Ruth, anyway? What did it matter if Ruth possessed skills and talent? She would make sure she was the true protagonist of this narrative. Ruth remained a pawn in her games.
However, Jenny hadn’t anticipated Leila’s entrance. Smart, beautiful, and affluent, Leila had effortlessly disrupted Jenny’s plans. Jenny was not reconciled. Determined to start over, she sought powerful allies.
Jenny vividly recalled her first encounter with Landon. Tall and handsome, he stood under an umbrella in the rain, like a hero cast by fate just for her. She felt they were meant to be together. Yet, no matter her efforts, she failed to capture his attention. It now seemed clear that she would not win Landon’s support.
Jenny reasoned that if she could exploit Leila’s vulnerabilities, she might secure a life free from worries about basic needs for a while. Yet, as someone who assumed she was destined to be a protagonist, why should Jenny submit to living under Leila’s rule?
Lost in her thoughts, Jenny was suddenly interrupted by Leila’s voice from upstairs. “How’s everything going? Have you solved the problem?”
Leila appeared in a black silk nightgown. The gown accentuated her flawless figure without overtly seeking allure. Her beautiful face was set with a cold, commanding expression, giving her the air of a disdainful goddess.
Jenny felt a surge of unwillingness and jealousy. She clenched her fists so tightly that her nails dug into her palms, though she scarcely felt the pain.
Attempting to stir trouble, Jenny retorted, “Leila, did you hear that Landon isn’t as devoted to you as you think? He just mentioned your grandfather means nothing to him.” Landon remained composed, even managing a smile.
Leila crossed her arms, her gaze icy as she stared down at Jenny. “Get a doctor for Jenny, and make sure she doesn’t die. She might still be useful.”
Jenny stood there, stunned. Her strategies and tactics paled in comparison to Leila’s.
After returning to her room, Leila felt exhausted. While massaging her temples, she received a video call from Ewing.
“Leila,” Ewing looked noticeably thinner, with dark circles under his eyes and stubble across his face.
Leila gasped in shock. Covering her mouth, she expressed her concern. “What’s happened to you? Are you in trouble? If you’re facing difficulties, just let me know. I can help.”
“I’m fine,” Ewing replied, managing a weary smile.
“I’m just a bit drained lately. As you know, the Nixon family is extensive, and there’s a lot to manage. Now that your grandfather has returned to Avalon with you, my father is preoccupied with handling Abram, a man full of ambition. It seems I’m the only one left to manage the Nixon affairs.”
Leila sighed deeply. Choosing her words with care, she said, “Even though you haven’t mentioned it, it’s clear you’re grappling with a serious issue. It may be inappropriate to say this, but I hold a stake in the Nixon family business. I want to help you.”
Hearing Leila’s offer, Ewing responded with a sense of resignation. “Thanks.”
Ewing had been in a long-term relationship with a girlfriend but had never introduced her to his family. Few within the Nixon family were aware of her, due to her distinctive status as a celebrity in Avalon. The Nixon family would never approve of such a woman marrying into their fold.
When he decided to reveal his relationship, he discovered that sensitive company information had been leaked. It turned out that Ewing’s girlfriend, in collusion with Abram’s associates, had orchestrated the leak. Abram had strategically placed the woman in Ewing’s life.
Since Ewing had no prior experience with love, he was easily deceived. Initially, he had intended merely to confront his girlfriend and end their relationship. Being betrayed was devastating, yet he had no desire to complicate her life further.
Consequently, Ewing spent an entire night waiting at their designated meeting spot, but she never showed up. Instead, a woman with a disfigured face appeared at the base of the cliff where he waited.
Everyone concluded that Ewing was responsible for her death. Now, the woman’s family, manipulated by Abram, used the incident to coerce Ewing into stepping down.
Ewing was preoccupied with dealing with them and couldn’t gather documents to clear his name. Ultimately, the local police labeled him a prime suspect due to his apparent motives.
Leila, realizing the gravity of the situation, urgently asked, “How can I help you?”
After a moment’s thought, Ewing replied, “I have a hunch that she’s still alive, but I lack proof. She doesn’t have any family. She only has a sister, who is also a celebrity in Avalon and now a famous actress. I can’t get out of this, Leila. This matter might involve you, so you need to consider it carefully.”
With a calm smile, Leila responded, unafraid. “I won’t engage in anything illegal. Moreover, what would be the benefit to me if you and your father were to fail? They already see us as allies. Let’s tackle this together. Send me the details, and I’ll give it some thought.”
“Okay,” Ewing agreed with a nod.
Just then, Leila felt a sudden wave of nausea and discomfort in her stomach. The acidity seemed to surge uncontrollably.
Hurrying to the bathroom, she returned shortly after with a pale complexion. Ewing, noticing her state, expressed his concern. “What’s wrong? Are you feeling alright?”
Shaking her head, Leila replied evasively. “It’s nothing. I’ve just been really tired lately. Ewing, it’s time for you to get some rest. I need to sleep as well.”
After exchanging goodnights, Leila quickly shut down the computer. She sat on the edge of the bed, her expression clouded with confusion.
Her hands instinctively went to her belly as nerves fluttered within her. This sensation was all too familiar. Having been pregnant twice before, how could she not recognize it? Yet, Leila struggled to believe it, wondering if she was just overthinking things. After all, she and Landon had only been intimate that day. She clung to the hope that she just suffered from stomachaches. She resolved to visit the hospital when she found the time.
Leila’s thoughts were chaotic when Sophie burst in with her quilt.
“Mommy!” Sophie clambered onto the bed with practiced ease, her big eyes blinking up at Leila. She adopted a pleading tone. “I want to sleep with you.”
Touched, Leila pressed her forehead against Sophie’s. “Okay, my love. Which story would you like tonight?”
Sophie chose one at random. After the story, Sophie grew drowsy yet remained awake, clutching Leila’s hand with a small sigh. “Mommy, I wish I had a brother or sister. Other kids have them. Why don’t I?”
Leila’s heart fluttered at the question. She whispered, “Do you feel lonely? It doesn’t matter; Mommy is here for you. I only need you as my baby.”
Sophie murmured a few sleepy words that Leila didn’t quite catch. Then, together, they drifted off to sleep.
Leila had been wracking her brain, trying to figure out how to help Ewinx. Little did she know, the opportunity would present itself sooner than she expected. It was three weeks ago that Liza sent the invitation to the show to Leila’s email. If it hadn’t been for Liza’s follow-up reminder, Leila would have forgotten all about it.
An idea sparked in Leila’s mind. She asked Liza to inquire about the guests who would be joining the show. Money had a way of opening doors everywhere. After obtaining the guest list, Leila immediately recognized a familiar name. Quickly, Leila made up her mind to be part of the show.
The show was a reality series centered on a pastoral lifestyle, featuring a mix of regular people and celebrities or famous internet personalities with significant followings. Since Leila’s recent high-profile and bold intervention in resolving the Turner Group’s crisis in Halstead, she had gained an unexpected degree of fame. Ironically, Leila owed a debt of gratitude to Jenny for this. As a big social media star, Jenny had drawn considerable attention to the issue and, subsequently, to Leila.
As Leila’s fame rose, the show’s crew wasted no time sending her a personal invitation. However, at the time, Leila was too engrossed in finishing her work to notice it. When Leila told Liza about her plan, Liza’s eyes widened in surprise. “Are you seriously thinking about joining the variety show?”
Back in Leila’s days with the Nixon family, people had often suggested that she enter the entertainment industry. They praised Leila’s beauty and assured her that, with the Nixon family’s backing, she could make a lot of money in that world. However, Leila had always rejected their proposals. While she desired financial success, she prioritized personal fulfillment and a career she could call her own. She wanted others to recognize that her beauty was just one of her many strengths.
Several international talent scouts had tried to lure Leila, but she turned them all down without a second thought. Now that Leila was set to join this show, Liza wondered if Leila was ready to dip her toes into the entertainment industry she had once avoided. Without further explanation, Leila asked Liza to make the arrangements.
Even though three weeks had passed, the show’s producers were still delighted to have Leila on board. They had already started filming the first episode, so she would be a guest on the second episode. That evening, Leila found herself leafing through the show’s promotional booklet. The filming location was scheduled at a picturesque small villa, and Leila had never experienced such a pastoral lifestyle before.
After showering, Sophie scrambled onto Leila’s lap, her soft hair cascading freely around her. As Leila gazed at her sweet daughter, her mood lifted with warmth and contentment.
“Mommy,” Sophie asked curiously, gazing at the picture, “Where is this place? It looks absolutely stunning. Are you heading out on a trip? Can I join you?” Though hesitant, Leila decided to be honest. She explained to Sophie what a variety show was and what it meant to be on one.
Leila preferred that Sophie not accompany her. After all, a child should stay out of the spotlight and avoid being in the public eye.
However, Leila was conflicted. She was unsure who would take care of Sophie while she was away. She considered sending Sophie to Landon, but that thought left a bitter taste in her mouth.
Sophie’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she grabbed Leila’s hand and shook it. “Mommy, I want to be a star when I grow up!”
Leila was taken aback, but instead of scolding her, she gently pulled Sophie into her arms and playfully tapped her nose. “Why do you want to become a star? Why not step into my shoes and take over my business?”
Sophie wrinkled her brow. “No, I don’t like that stuff. It’s too hard to understand.”