Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
“Have you lost your mind? She’s practically a prisoner here, swarmed by our guards at every turn. The idea that she could sneak someone past us is ludicrous. If she had such resources at her disposal, she wouldn’t be trapped here, would she? And why would she throw herself into peril to protect me?”
Griffin retorted, “It’s not about protecting you.”
The shadows in Ernesto’s eyes deepened. “Do you think I’m oblivious? Her every move is calculated. She aims to catch me off guard, to ease her own plight, or maybe to save her own skin once she gives birth.”
Griffin’s frown deepened, his tone cautious. “Leila’s scheming runs deeper than you perceive. She’s not simply cunning. She’s devious.”
Ernesto’s voice escalated, piercing the tense air. “Griffin, are you suggesting that I am duped by her?”
Faced with Ernesto’s rising fury, Griffin closed his lips, choosing to withhold any further argument. He had nearly overlooked the fact that Ernesto had everything he needed. Those who rose to such heights of power often had one flaw, and that was overconfidence.
Ernesto, sensing Griffin’s skepticism, challenged him directly. “So tell me, who on our island would she have conspired with? Aside from our trusted circle, we’ve silenced everyone else. Do you really think she could sway those closest to us?”
Griffin faltered, unable to reply. He hadn’t yet pieced together how Leila had pulled it off, though he suspected she was behind everything.
Ernesto, clearly irritated, continued, “You need solid proof for such accusations. Without it, you should shut your damn mouth! Perhaps I’ve been too lenient with you.”
Griffin opened his mouth, about to speak, but the simmering anger in Ernesto’s eyes forced him to bite back his words. Reluctantly, he fell silent.
Ernesto turned his gaze to others, his voice cool and controlled. “Keep an eye on Leila. If anything happens, report to me immediately.”
Still fuming, Griffin left with his men.
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Griffin’s sharp, cold eyes swept over his trusted subordinates. “If it’s not Leila, then who could it be?” At the sight of Griffin’s icy stare, each man lowered his head, avoiding eye contact like prey before a predator.
Eventually, Griffin’s gaze settled on Landon.
“Come over here, White,” Griffin said.
A flicker of unease crossed Landon’s face, but he stepped forward with calm resolve.
Without warning, Griffin landed a punch on Landon. Griffin wasn’t much of a fighter, and Landon could easily handle him. But Landon knew better than to retaliate. Instead, he wore a mask of confusion.
“Mr. Perry… Why did you hit me?” Landon asked, his voice quivering just enough to sound puzzled.
Griffin’s icy glare remained fixed on Landon as he gritted his teeth. “Get out! All of you!” he barked at the others.
Then, with a twisted grin, Griffin turned back to Landon. “I need to have a little chat with him.”
Landon kept a confused expression, though his hand clenched subtly at his side.
After everyone had gone, Landon steeled himself and dropped to his knees before Griffin. “Mr. Perry, I don’t know what I’ve done wrong, but I swear, everything I do is for your sake. I am only here through your friend’s recommendation to ensure Miss Nixon gives birth safely. While my stay here isn’t long enough, I’ve seen firsthand that you’re talented and have a vision. Your father’s too old now, and he should’ve stepped down long ago.”
Griffin let out an icy laugh, and his eyes remained cold. “It’s still my father who holds the power, and you’re treading on dangerous ground saying this out loud. Do you even know why I’m angry?”
Landon’s expression was one of mock confusion. “I don’t, but I must’ve been wrong somehow. Please spare my life. Punish me however you see fit.”
Griffin rubbed his temples, exhaustion evident in his tone. “Get up. I know you’re loyal, probably the most loyal among my men. You told me you suspected Leila of colluding with an insider. It seemed we acted too hastily, being carried away by the urge to claim credit before we had proof. Now, we’ve tipped off the enemy. We’re back to square one.”
Griffin slapped the armrest of his chair in annoyance.
Landon stood up, the dangerous glint in his eyes fading just as quickly as it had appeared. So, he hadn’t been exposed. Landon forced a reassuring smile. “Don’t be angry. We can still find out who tipped her off. You’ll see. Give it a few days.”
Griffin sneered, leaning back, “It’s not that simple. My father’s furious. If I keep pushing, that traitor will use my father’s authority to shut me down.”
Landon’s eyes gleamed with subtle calculation. “I might have a lead. Leila is clever, always hiding behind the obvious. She wouldn’t pass information to someone she’s close to because it was too risky. So, we can rule out those close to your father.”
“That makes sense.” Griffin’s curiosity piqued. “Continue.”
Landon continued analyzing. “People who oppose her are more suspicious. Ultimately, if the plan fails, she won’t be implicated, and the other party can hide behind the chaos.”
Griffin frowned, deep in thought. “The person who dislikes her the most on this island is me. I want her babies, but something about her doesn’t sit right with me. She’s restless and unpredictable. A woman like her should be killed!”
Landon listened in silence. Immediately after Griffin uttered the last line, a flash of lethal intent crossed his face but disappeared too quickly for Griffin to notice.
Griffin sighed. “By your logic, the most suspicious person is me.”
Landon shook his head. “That’s impossible. There must be others who don’t get along with her. But that’s just my observation. I’m sure you have already suspected someone.”
Griffin stroked his chin thoughtfully, lost in contemplation. “I did, actually, but I doubt it’s possible. Still, what you said makes some sense. Either way, it doesn’t matter.”
A sinister smile crept across Griffin’s face as a thought struck him. “I have my ways of testing it.”
Leila and her babies were safe.
Though it was only fear that gripped her, Leila had suffered a lot. Her body was far more fragile than she had ever realized. After the pain subsided, an overwhelming fatigue followed.
Leila lay on the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling, the remnants of tears staining the corners of her eyes. They weren’t from emotional pain. It was sheer physical pain and exhaustion.
The familiar sound of footsteps reached Leila’s ears.
“You shouldn’t take such risks,” Landon murmured as he sat beside her, gently brushing strands of hair from her forehead. “Don’t worry. I don’t have any bugs on me today. Griffin trusts me.”
Leila let out a sigh, her hand instinctively resting on her swollen belly. “The doctor said that even a small scare could be dangerous. But if I don’t take risks, our chances of escaping from here together will shrink. Landon, I don’t think we can make it. I’m losing hope.”
Leila turned to face him, her eyes clouded with both pain and doubt. “Maybe it’s best if you take the babies and leave. I’ve thought about it and decided so.” The room fell heavy with silence.
Landon shot to his feet, his voice trembling with anger. “I won’t abandon you! If you can’t leave, I’ll stay with you, even after the babies are sent away. I can’t lose you, Leila. I can’t live without you anymore!”
Leila reached for Landon’s hand, her grip weak but steady. “Please, Landon, calm down. We need to talk it through.” Landon sat back down, still seething but listening.
Leila’s face was pale, the toll of her confinement evident in the way her body had begun to lose weight.
Despite Landon picking up some massage techniques and learning about prenatal care, it wasn’t enough to make Leila comfortable.
This area was not where Leila could welcome the babies into the world in peace.
Leila gently placed Landon’s hand on her belly, her expression filled with quiet determination.
Landon felt the rhythmic pulse of the babies within Leila’s womb, a symphony of life echoing through her body. Leila had been pregnant for several months, and the children’s heartbeat was undeniable.
The cold edge in Landon’s demeanor softened. His touch grew tender, afraid of causing Leila any discomfort.
Leila offered a faint smile, her voice soft yet steady. “I’m not scared. What I’ve been through with the Nixon family was far worse. And there is a difference now because you’re here with me.”
She reached for his hand, squeezing it. “Landon, these are your babies. I’ve made my decision. I’m going to bring them into this world. We have to protect them.”
Landon’s breath hitched, momentarily overwhelmed by emotion. Shaking his head, he responded firmly, “You and Sophie are all I care about. Your life means more to me than the babies you’re carrying. They’re just two tiny embryos right now. How could they ever be more important than you?”
Landon tightened his grip on her hand, a wave of fear crashing over him, as though if he let go, she might disappear forever.
Leila felt warmth flood her chest, a sense of comfort in Landon’s presence. Yet, she had to face the weight of her own choices. She knew there was no turning back now. With a steadying breath, Leila looked him in the eyes. “You stick to the plan. But promise me that if it gets too dangerous, and there’s no other way out, you must leave with the babies. No matter what happens to me, you have to save them. If you don’t, I’ll never forgive you.”
Landon’s expression crumbled with heartbreak. He opened his mouth to protest, but the sudden sound of urgent knocking interrupted him.
A familiar, icy voice echoed from the doorway. “Are you two still awake? It’s late. What secrets are you whispering about?”
Landon and Leila exchanged a look of alarm.
Before Landon could pull free his hand, the door swung open. Leila acted quickly, pressing Landon’s hand against her neck as if he were choking her.
Landon, catching on, tightened his grip just enough to sell the illusion.