Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
Calvin nodded unhappily.
“I understand,” he said.
After a while, Calvin mumbled, “My sisters have told me all about my dad. Even though I never met him, I feel he would have helped you without asking for anything in return.”
Leila’s heart ached at the thought of Landon.
She quickly looked down to hide her tears.
“You’re right,” she said.
“That’s what family does. Only family and the people we love would do anything for each other, no matter what. One day, you’ll find someone like that too.”
Calvin blushed.
“Mom, stop teasing me. I just want to protect you and my sisters.”
Leila hugged Calvin tightly.
“I know you do,” she said.
“It’s getting late. You should go home now.”
Calvin nodded and waved goodbye to Leila as he walked away.
Leila watched him go, a sad look in her eyes.
Three years swiftly flew by.
Under the patronage of the Nixon family, Leila’s industries flourished, gaining renown both domestically and internationally.
It was beyond anyone’s wildest dreams that Leila, once a quiet and overlooked girl, would ascend to such heights.
Throughout these years, Leila committed herself to numerous charitable endeavors, keeping most of her efforts away from the public eye.
Nevertheless, the media unearthed a significant amount of her work, elevating her status to that of a celebrated business magnate, often seen at prestigious award functions.
Her reputation for success drew increasing numbers of partnership offers.
In alignment with Sophie’s 15th birthday, Leila organized an extravagant celebration at their home.
The event was well-attended. Guests marveled at the opulence of the Nixon family, harboring feelings of both admiration and silent jealousy, yet restraining any outspoken criticism.
But then, as the celebration was underway, an unexpected guest arrived, catching everyone off guard.
Just as the birthday cake was about to be sliced, a clear voice halted the proceedings.
“Wait.”
All heads turned toward the source of the interruption, their eyes fixed on the entrance.
There stood a woman clad in a black mermaid dress, exuding elegance with her poised stature.
While her features weren’t breathtaking, her composed presence was distinctly captivating.
She was a stranger to the crowd, not fitting the usual profile of high society women.
Clutching an extravagantly large gift box and confidently navigating in her high heels, the woman made her way forward.
While the woman was a mystery to most, Leila recognized her at once.
Over time, Leila had attempted to reconnect, but her messages seemed to disappear into oblivion.
She never anticipated Lacey’s appearance today.
Approaching, Lacey offered a warm smile to Sophie.
“Hi, I am your aunt. Here’s the present I brought for you.”
Sophie, taken aback, glanced at Leila.
Whispers began to swirl among the guests.
“Leila’s star has really been on the rise, drawing in many who hope to bask in her success, yet today marks the first instance of someone so overtly clinging to her success.”
“This woman hardly looks like she’s related.
Leila outshines her by far.
Despite this woman’s youth and grace, she pales in comparison to Leila.”
“This is my first time seeing her at Leila’s side.
She must be seizing the opportunity of a public event, betting Leila wouldn’t dare turn her away.”
“Indeed, there are many opportunists like her around.”
Lacey caught these murmurs, and her smile faltered, her eyes meeting Leila’s with a challenge.
“What’s the matter, Leila? You gave your word once.
Are you going back on it now?”
Leila regained her composure and declared loudly, “Please, let me introduce Lacey to you all.
She’s my sister in all but blood, a relationship fostered from past years.
She was out of Burmoos, which is why I didn’t introduce her before.
Now that she’s returned, I trust you will extend her every courtesy on my account.”
Those who had spoken critically quickly softened, now eager to curry favor with Lacey.
“So, she’s actually a sister figure to Leila? That figures.”
“Not everyone has that kind of poise.”
“Their similar aura speaks volumes.”
Hearing such remarks, Lacey couldn’t help but feel slightly annoyed.
The statement from Leila alone shifted these people’s demeanor.
Was Leila’s influence extending even further?
At Leila’s urging, Sophie gave a shy smile and murmured, “Hello, Lacey.”
It wasn’t that Sophie was reluctant to address Lacey, but rather that Lacey was practically a stranger to Leila’s three kids.
To know a newly met adult was actually her aunt was quite uncomfortable.
Lacey tenderly squeezed Sophie’s cheek and offered a heartfelt compliment.
“You’re as beautiful as your mother, and like your father.”