Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
Lacey’s reaction to Landon’s promise of not getting involved with other women was telling, still aiming to win Landon’s heart.
Even though Elma wasn’t a fan of Landon, she didn’t think he’d go for someone like Lacey.
Lacey was still hanging around, even though it was pretty clear Leo wanted her gone.
Finally, she said, “Actually, there’s another reason I should stay.
Elma’s health is delicate.
It’s best if someone’s here to look after her.
It’s a pain to keep going back and forth between the hospital and home.
It’d be easier if I just stayed here.
If anything happens with Elma, I can deal with it right away.”
Leo gritted his teeth.
“We don’t need you for that.
We have a family doctor,” he said.
Lacey refused to back down.
With a chilling smile, she said, “Leo, remember how I helped Elma at the banquet? I know all about her health problems.
I can take good care of her.”
Landon thought it over and realized Lacey had a point.
Yet, he wasn’t sure if he should let Lacey stay.
Lacey could sense Landon’s hesitation and quickly added, “Mr. Kensington, rest assured that I won’t get in your way.
There are plenty of spare rooms here.
I won’t stay in those adjacent to your room.
I’m happy to stay anywhere that’s convenient.”
Lacey acted sweet and innocent, but Leo and Elma could see right through her.
Landon nodded.
“Alright then.”
But Elma shook her head firmly.
“I don’t want to be here,” she said.
“I just want to go home.
Daddy, I want to go home and see Mommy.
You don’t have to let her stay here because of me.”
Lacey’s smile instantly vanished.
Landon looked at Elma, his expression disapproving.
“Absolutely not,” he said firmly.
“You have to stay here until you’re fully recovered.”
Elma’s defiance only grew, and she shook her head stubbornly.
Landon sighed and gently pinched her cheek, trying to soften the moment.
“Then tell me.
Has your mom really taken proper care of your health all these years?”
Elma’s eyes flashed with anger.
“Of course she has!” she shot back, her voice rising.
“My mom would never neglect me.
She’s done everything she could!”
Landon’s brow furrowed.
“Then why haven’t you gotten better if she’s tried so hard? Doesn’t that show she hasn’t done enough for you?”
Elma’s face flushed with indignation.
She pulled herself away from Landon, shoving him hard.
“You’re not my mom! You don’t know how much she’s struggled and sacrificed.
You have no right to say that about her.”
Tears of frustration welled in her eyes, and she glared at him.
“I want that woman to leave, and I want to go home.
If you won’t let me, then I’ll refuse to eat or take anything.”
With these final words, Elma spun around and stormed off, her small frame bristling with fury.
Landon watched Elma go, momentarily distracted by her stubbornness and the strength of her fierce spirit, which reminded him of Leila.
Lacey stood beside Landon, a hint of panic creeping into her voice.
“Mr. Kensington, you really must keep Elma here.
Just look at her.
She’s so pale and fragile.
If Leila takes her back and continues to neglect her health, who knows what could happen? We might not be able to save her if something goes wrong by then.”
Lacey took a breath, her voice becoming more confident.
“As a doctor, I suggest trying alternative treatments like acupuncture and herbal remedies.
Modern medicine hasn’t worked so far, but I know some excellent specialists who could make a difference.
It’s her life that’s on the line, Mr. Kensington.
The decision is yours.”
Landon’s expression darkened, his brows knitting together.