Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
People started heading to the backyard to see what was going on.
Lacey feigned disinterest, acting as if she didn’t know what was going on.
Landon felt a knot of anxiety in his stomach as he watched more and more people make their way to the backyard.
‘Come on.
Let’s see what’s going on,’ Landon said.
Lacey walked beside him, feigning concern.
‘Maybe we should call it quits.
There’s too many people there,’ she said.
Landon shook his head.
‘No, I need to see what’s going on.’
By the time they reached the log cabin, a large crowd had already gathered outside.
No one dared to open the door, as there were security guards posted in front of it.
Landon recognized the security guards instantly.
They were Clayton’s men.
Landon clenched his fists, struggling to contain his anger.
What the hell had Clayton done to Leila?
Suddenly, the door to the cabin opened, and Clayton stepped out with Leila in his arms.
Her clothes were in disarray and her hair was matted.
Leila’s eyes were closed.
She was unconscious and had no idea what was happening.
Cody, who was among the onlookers, let out a laugh.
‘Don’t worry about it.
It’s just a couple enjoying themselves.
But maybe next time they should be a little more discreet.’
Clayton blushed, a faint tinge of red appearing on his cheeks.
‘Understood,’ he muttered, clearly embarrassed.
His reaction left no doubt as to what had just happened.
Landon’s eyes narrowed, his face turning red with fury.
He looked at Clayton, his eyes burning with rage.
Lacey couldn’t help but smile as she watched his plan unfold to perfection.
She quickly hid her triumphant expression, but her eyes hardened as she saw Leila curled up in Clayton’s arms.
She had done nothing wrong.
After all, Leila and Clayton had been seeing each other in secret for a long time. She just wanted Landon to see them for who they really were.
Landon would be better off without Leila.
Lacey tried to convince herself that she was doing the right thing, but an uncomfortable feeling still lurked in her heart.
This was her first foray into manipulation and deception, and she felt a strange uneasiness.
Perhaps sensing Landon’s intense stare, Clayton looked up, scanning the crowd.
But he couldn’t locate the source of his discomfort.
Meanwhile, Leila was slowly beginning to regain consciousness.
Clayton quickened his pace, anxious to escape the inquisitive gaze of the crowd.
They got into the car, and Leila’s mind began to clear.
At first, her thoughts were fuzzy, but within moments, the fog lifted and memories of the night began to flood back.
Her face hardened as she realised what had happened.
Leila looked at Clayton with glacial fury in her eyes, and without a word, she raised her hand, ready to slap him.
‘Leila, wait!’ pleaded Clayton, gently holding her wrist, with an anguished expression.
‘I know you’re furious, but please try to remember, I didn’t actually do anything to you.’
He had been overcome with desire, and in a moment of weakness, had begun to undress her.
But the sudden commotion outside had snapped him out of his trance.
Now, the fog was clearing from Leila’s mind and the memories were coming back to her.
She remembered Clayton’s actions, his intent clear in his touch.
A wave of anger and disappointment washed over her.
Leila straightened, straightened her clothes and stepped out of the car, her face a mask of ice.
‘The party’s practically over,’ she said coldly.
‘There’s no need for us to continue this charade.
Clayton, I admit I owe you one, but I’ve more than paid you back.
What you did today was unacceptable.
You violated my trust.’
With that, he spun on his heel and walked away.
The party was drawing to a close, and many guests were already beginning to leave.
Noticing the commotion, they cast curious glances in his direction.
Clayton, oblivious to the curious stares of those present, quickly stepped out of the car and approached Leila, positioning himself in front of her with an imploring look.
His eyes were bloodshot, and the towering six-foot-three man looked on the verge of tears.
‘Leila, I understand you’re angry, but won’t you even listen to my explanation?’ he pleaded.