Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
In a split-second decision, Saniya rushed over to Sophie, offering to lend a hand. “Sophie, you’re too young to handle all this. Let me help you.”
Sophie shot Saniya a confused glance. “I can do it myself, Saniya. I don’t need your help.”
Despite the rejection, Saniya stood awkwardly for a moment but remained determined, refusing to leave. She thought sticking around Sophie would give her more chances to get noticed.
The viewers caught on and shared their comments:
“What is Saniya even up to? She is clearly trying to cozy up to Sophie just to grab some attention.”
“She’s acting so scheming. Just yesterday, she accused Sophie of breaking her stuff, and now she’s acting all sweet and friendly. It’s quite disgusting.”
“Let’s not be too harsh. Maybe Saniya feels bad about what happened and is trying to make amends.”
“Right, weren’t people singing Saniya’s praises before? I only missed one day of the show. How did things flip so quickly?”
Leila was oblivious to what was going on behind her. When she finally turned around, she saw Debbie, Elaine, and Saniya huddled around Sophie.
Leila’s heart sank with worry when she saw Saniya standing next to Sophie. She waved at Sophie, trying to beckon her over. Sophie huffed and turned away, leaving Leila unsure of what to do next.
After the lunch break, Leila told Sophie she would send her to Landon’s place for a while after the show ended. Sophie immediately refused, and Leila’s firm stance only triggered a childish tantrum from Sophie.
Leila realized her decision might have been too abrupt. She needed to find a way to calm Sophie down and make things right. After a twenty-minute hike, they finally reached their destination.
Though Sophie was young, she wasn’t the least bit tired. Leila often took her hiking for exercise, so Sophie was accustomed to it.
The others, however, were gasping for breath and clearly worn out.
Debbie looked at Sophie, a hint of envy in her eyes. “The kid has boundless energy.”
Sophie replied awkwardly, “My mom takes me hiking a lot. She says staying active is important.”
Debbie noticed an odd tension between Sophie and Leila. Trying to lighten the mood, she teased, “Did you fight with your mom? Come with me, okay?” Sophie quickly shook her head. “No.”
The viewers began to comment excitedly:
“Debbie is so naughty.”
“It’s clear Debbie is trying to ‘steal’ Sophie away.”
“Who wouldn’t want such an adorable daughter?”
“Did Sophie fight with her mom? What’s going on?”
“It’s normal for kids to have tantrums.”
Leila watched from a distance, a smile playing on her lips.
Sophie glanced at Leila and quickly looked away, her face clouded with upset, yet her eyes kept darting back to Leila. Her mother was so unreasonable, trying to send her off to Landon. Did her mother not want her anymore?
At that moment, Saniya saw a strange mushroom. Although it was oddly shaped, it looked cute.
Sophie noticed it as well but recalled her mother’s advice to avoid touching unfamiliar things in the wild. Therefore, she crouched down and looked at it.
Saniya approached Sophie with a forced smile and tried to soften her tone. “Sophie, do you know what kind of mushroom this is?”
Sophie shook her head and met Saniya’s gaze. “Saniya, if you don’t know what it is, it’s best not to touch it.”
Embarrassment crept over Saniya as she cleared her throat. “I do know what it is. I just can’t remember the name right now. Moreover, I know that if I want to pick it, I need to be careful not to disturb the spores in the air. This way, even if I pick it, the remaining spores will allow more mushrooms to grow here.”
Sophie frowned slightly. “Saniya, I know that. I’ve read about it in books.”
The viewers began to mock Saniya:
“That’s just hilarious. She was trying to show off in front of a kid and didn’t expect Sophie to know all that.”
“It’s clear that Leila adores her daughter and provides her with an exceptional education.”
“Your comments seem a bit harsh. It’s natural for adults to share knowledge with children, and Saniya didn’t say anything out of line.”
“I have a live replay of how Saniya targeted Leila and Sophie before. I think it’s best if Saniya keeps her distance from Sophie.”
“You’re just spreading rumors. If Saniya weren’t as kind-hearted as she is, she would’ve taken legal action against you by now.”
Saniya couldn’t help but feel embarrassed by Sophie’s words, yet she was determined not to let it end like this. She extended her hand and said, “Let me show you.”
Saniya then tapped the mushroom a few times and swiftly stepped back.
Unfortunately, Sophie didn’t have time to react.
“Watch out!” Sensing something was wrong, Elaine quickly covered Sophie’s mouth and nose, but in doing so, she accidentally inhaled a sharp, acrid smell.
Elaine’s face went pale as the world seemed to tilt around her. She began to feel faint and disoriented.
The incident unfolded so quickly that by the time Leila arrived, Elaine had already passed out.
Saniya, the source of the chaos, stood nearby, her face a mask of fear and panic.
Saniya insisted she wasn’t to blame as she edged back, seeking an escape.
Tears cascaded down Sophie’s face, her fear palpable.
Upon recognizing the severity of the situation, the production team halted the live broadcast immediately and rushed Elaine to the hospital.
Noticing Saniya’s attempt to flee, Leila moved swiftly to intercept her.
“Trying to leave, are you?” Leila’s gaze was cold.
Saniya struggled to free herself, but Leila’s grip was unyielding. Overcome with emotion, Saniya’s eyes welled up. “I didn’t do it! It was Sophie. Why are you accusing me?”
Debbie, who was assisting Elaine onto the stretcher, caught Saniya’s plea and erupted in anger.
Normally calm, Debbie now pointed at Saniya, her voice raised. “Do you think we’re blind? We all saw what happened. Elaine wouldn’t be in this mess if it weren’t for your negligence. This mushroom could be toxic. If anything happens to Elaine, you’re to blame!”
Flustered, Saniya’s fa?ade crumbled into sobs, her expression one of a wronged innocent. “I didn’t see this coming. Plus, if Elaine hadn’t come over, none of this would have happened. It’s just her misfortune.”
Debbie’s fury intensified. “Elaine has always been your friend, defending you whenever needed!”
Saniya retorted in a mix of fear and frustration, “What do you mean, ‘been a friend’? She only got close to me to find out where her sister was.”
As Saniya accidentally spoke out of turn, her hand flew to her mouth in shock, but Debbie, preoccupied with concern for Elaine, paid no heed.
Leila observed the brief yet telling flash of fear in Saniya’s eyes. Holding the crying Sophie more firmly, her face hardened into an expression as frosty as winter ice.
“Listen closely, Saniya. You should pray nothing serious happens to Elaine. If Sophie suffers any harm today, forgiving you will be the last thing on my mind. If you doubt my words, go ahead and test my resolve.”
Observing Leila, whose beautiful features were now marred by a look of severe coldness, her eyes glittering with hostility and a dangerous promise, Saniya felt a cold dread creeping up her spine, overwhelming her with panic.
Despite the ambulance’s delay due to the rugged terrain of the mountain road, they were fortunate that a crew member versed in first aid was present. Elaine was soon transported to the hospital.
The hospital lobby was a scene of quiet turmoil, particularly for the director. Elaine was a celebrated actress with a network of influential patrons. An incident on his set could lead to not only substantial financial compensation but could also disastrously cut short his career in the entertainment industry.
Saniya’s tears had not ceased since they left the mountain, and now, within the walls of the hospital, they took on an even more heart-wrenching tone.
The director, bombarded by her incessant crying, felt his head throb with each sob. Reaching his limit, he approached Saniya, his voice firm.