Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
Saniya’s voice was chilling. “Relax. I didn’t say I wouldn’t let you go. I just want to add one more thing to our deal.”
Leila’s heart pounded in her chest. “What are you talking about?”
Saniya stared at Leila’s stomach. She was like a snake ready to strike, sending shivers down Leila’s spine. Leila tried to keep her cool, but her hands shook slightly. She still clung to a tiny bit of hope. How did Saniya know she was pregnant?
But Saniya’s next words shattered any remaining hope Leila clung to. “So, which is it? Your life, or the life of the baby you’re carrying? Choose.”
Leila’s jaw dropped. “How did you find out I’m pregnant?”
Saniya smirked, a glint of triumph in her eyes. “I know a thing or two about medicine. You thought you were being sneaky, but any doctor could spot it. I suspected it the moment I saw you on that show. And then, Landon gifting you jewelry? That sealed the deal. You and Landon sure are going all out for this baby, huh?”
A shiver ran down Leila’s spine. The regret gnawed at her. Saniya was proving to be a tougher opponent than she had anticipated.
“Your threat’s empty. If I die, the baby dies too. So, what choice are you giving me?” Leila retorted.
The dagger shifted from Leila’s neck to her pregnant belly..
Saniya’s voice was ice-cold. “If I cut here, you’ll only lose your womb, not your life. But if you come with me, I can guarantee you’ll survive until the day you deliver the baby. The baby will be well taken care of after it’s born. Now, choose.”
Leila’s hands were clammy with fear.
Edgar’s anxiety spiked as he saw that Saniya’s grip on Leila remained firm.
Just then, Saniya’s accomplices appeared, their voices urgent, pushing her to move faster.
Edgar’s eyes were sharp. He immediately spotted one of them-the same bastard who’d hurt Landon that day. His stomach dropped. A wave of anxiety washed over him.
Edgar desperately wanted to warn Leila but was terrified of tipping their hand.
Leila caught Edgar’s look. Her heart hammered in her chest.
Saniya’s patience wore thin as Leila hesitated.
“Ten seconds. That’s all you get to make up your mind. Or I’ll make it for you. And just so we’re clear, one of your kids stays with us. If you don’t hand over the one you’re carrying, Sophie will be with us.” Saniya’s smile was pure evil.
Leila’s mind raced. She trembled from head to toe. Sophie and her unborn child. Fear wasn’t the issue-it was the agonizing uncertainty. What the hell was she supposed to do?
Saniya started the countdown. “10, 9, 8…”
At 5, Leila blurted out, “How do I know you won’t hurt my baby?”
Saniya clicked her tongue, annoyance flashing across her face. “Let’s cut the crap. I don’t want your baby. My boss does. He messed up Landon, and he can damn well take Sophie. He’s giving you a choice only because he’s got a thing for pretty women like you.”
Leila closed her eyes, despair washing over her. “Fine. I’ll go. Just keep my baby safe. You can’t touch Sophie.”
Saniya was feeling smug. She gave Leila’s cheek a playful pat. “You could’ve just told me sooner,” she said. “You made me put on this whole dumb act for nothing.”
Leila’s suspicion was correct. The Saniya everyone knew was a facade. Saniya had been playing a part, pretending to be Leila’s enemy. The truth was, she’d been trying to get close to Leila.
Saniya had purposely irritated Leila and allowed Landon to take control of her. Then, she’d dangled the bait by claiming to know where Evita was.
The whole time, the mastermind had been after Leila and Landon’s unborn baby. Leila’s mind raced. Why were they so desperate for her baby? What was so special about it?
Saniya’s men led Leila onto the plane.
Leila glanced back and shook her head slightly at Edgar, who looked terrified. She signaled for him to stay calm and not do anything rash.
This was the worst-case scenario, the one she’d been dreading. But she had prepared herself for this possibility, so she managed to stay somewhat composed.
Edgar watched helplessly as they took Leila away. He slapped his own face in anger and frustration. He’d failed to protect her.
All that was left was to keep Sophie safe. On the plane, Saniya sat beside Leila, intrigued by her calmness.
“Aren’t you scared at all? Did you really not see any of this coming?” Saniya asked.
Leila looked up to meet Saniya’s gaze. “Though it’s unexpected, fear isn’t something I entertain. Death is meaningless to me.”
The smile that spread across Saniya’s face was genuine, shedding any pretense she had earlier. Her charm and beauty became more apparent. “You’re not being honest. Everyone fears death, even the most righteous among us.”
Leila’s voice was steady, unshaken. “What difference does it make if I’m scared? Fear won’t make my enemies retreat.”
Raising an eyebrow, Saniya conceded. “You have a point there.” Her tone shifted. “Any regrets? Had you figured out my motives sooner, perhaps things could have been different.”
After a moment of contemplation, Leila shook her head. “No regrets. It’s clear you’ve been orchestrating this for a long time. Since the moment you targeted Ewing and we first met at the manor, my fate was sealed.”
Saniya exhaled sharply, frustration lacing her breath. “You’re sharper than I thought. Now I see why my boss is so adamant about having you on board.”
On the plane, Saniya wasn’t alone. A few men were with her.
Other than the one piloting, the rest were drunk, reveling loudly. They bore the hard, calculating eyes of men well-versed in violence and theft, their features distinctly foreign.
One of them, fueled by alcohol, made his way toward Leila and Saniya. He scrutinized Leila’s face with covetous eyes.
Though his command of the language was poor, Leila grasped his meaning. He implied she was beautiful, but his words carried no sincerity. He appraised her as if she were merchandise.
Leila couldn’t overlook the lust and greed in his gaze. Her complexion paled, and her hands clenched in anxiety.
Soon, another man with the same predatory stare approached.
Together, they started a conversation right before Leila. “The trip’s long. After we land, there’s still a drive. We’re all worn out. Why not unwind a bit?”
“The boss is after the baby she’s carrying. What if something happens-“
“Are you dense? We’ve got a doctor right here. Nothing’s going to go wrong.”
Their grins were sinister as they eyed Leila.
The smell of sweat and alcohol was so strong that Leila nearly retched. She addressed them directly, “I am a hostage. Any harm to me, and you will face the consequences.”
To her dismay, they only laughed louder, ridiculing her for her perceived simplicity.
One of them calmly stated, “With the skills your people possess, they can’t touch us. You’d better watch how you act. We can be gentle when we want to.”
Threats were futile. Leila pinned her hopes on Saniya, who was feigning sleep with her eyes shut.
Leila nudged Saniya slightly. “Saniya, remember, I’m the hostage you claimed. Are you really going to sit by and watch me get harassed?”
Saniya remained motionless, her eyes still closed, seemingly indifferent. Clearly, she had no intention of stepping in. She was, after all, in league with the others. It was unlikely she would assist Leila.
One of the men seized Leila by the wrist and began dragging her away.
Clenching her teeth, Leila pleaded desperately, “If you don’t intervene, I’ll take my own life. Then neither I nor the baby I’m carrying will be of any use to you. My people already know the address. I’d rather die than face humiliation.”
The two men ignored her threat, continuing to chuckle as they pulled her along.
Just as they were about to haul Leila from her seat, Saniya’s eyes snapped open.
Saniya moved with unexpected speed.
Before Leila could even process what was happening, the two smug men were on the floor, writhing in agony. Their hands were twisted at unnatural angles.
A shiver ran down Leila’s spine. She turned to see Saniya offering her a smile that was as beautiful as it was cold.
“Are you threatening me?” Saniya asked.