Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
Everyone was aware of Leila’s struggle with amnesia and felt the urge to disclose the truth to her. However, Landon had explicitly instructed them to keep silent about his shared past with her. They recognized Landon’s discontent, knowing he preferred Leila to uncover her memories independently. Yet, it was evident that Leila’s memories were still shrouded in fog.
Leila’s fingers tensed, curling into a gentle fist as confusion clouded her face. She shook her head, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
“No, I’ve never been in this place before. I don’t know why. I just… I just…”
Her eyes darted around, searching for an explanation that would make sense.
“It’s just that the layout here-it doesn’t really resemble a guest room. That’s why I mentioned it.”
The servant exhaled a soft sigh of disappointment but quickly masked it with a reassuring tone..
“Don’t worry, Miss Nixon. Mr. Kensington simply wants to create a comforting environment for you, hoping it might spark a flicker of recollection.”
Leila nodded, her expression shifting to one of awkward curiosity.
“Where are my three children?” she inquired hesitantly.
Surprise flickered across the servant’s face, but she responded smoothly, “Mr. Kensington thought it best they stay elsewhere until you’re ready, fearing their presence might overwhelm you given your current state. Would you like to visit them now?”
Leila felt a surge of longing to see her children, her heart yearning for the connection, yet she paused, held back by the time she once steadfastly claimed they were not her own children. Had she been in their position, the sting of rejection from her own mother would have shattered her heart. The thought of facing them was overwhelming.
“No.” With a firm shake of her head, Leila turned away, retreating back into the sanctuary of the guest room to rest.
Meanwhile, in Halsland, Clayton had endured a harrowing escape. Lacey had been his ally in this flight, ensuring his safety.
As Lacey prepared to depart, Clayton, his appearance somewhat ragged, halted her.
“Where are you going?” he asked, a sense of urgency in his voice.
Landon had deliberately sought revenge on Clayton, but instead of killing him, Landon had confined him to a dark, isolated room. Surviving on just one meager meal per day, everything around Clayton was worn and dilapidated-a stark contrast to the luxurious life he was accustomed to. He had never known such degradation and humiliation. The thought of continuing to live in such a state was unbearable to him.
At that moment, fueled by the raw indignation of his ordeal and the news that Leila’s hypnosis had been disrupted and she had been taken away by Landon’s men, Clayton’s desire for retribution against Landon burned fiercely.
Clayton struggled to come to terms with his reality. He was on the brink of seizing his long-awaited joy, one final step from hypnotizing Leila into loving him. Yet, he hadn’t anticipated his world crumbling so catastrophically. He was captured and tormented by Landon, finally breaking free in this instant, and Leila hadn’t fallen for him just yet. Now, he was left with nothing. His feelings toward Landon were a tangle of hatred and fear-hatred for Landon’s disruption and fear of Landon’s relentless pursuit.
Clayton knew Landon would soon uncover his escape. If he got caught again, his chances to make a comeback could vanish forever. Desperately, he needed an ally. He had to make it back to Burmoos safely.
Lacey’s impatient scowl met Clayton as he clasped her hand, her irritation palpable.
“What the hell are you doing? I’ve done my part. From here on out, it’s all up to you,” she declared sternly.
Yet, Clayton’s grip did not wane. It only grew firmer. His jaw clenched, his eyes narrowed into a steely glare, chilling and fierce, as a visage of sheer resentment took over his features.
“You can’t walk away. You must help me!” he said, his voice tense with urgency.
“Help me return to Burmoos, and I promise you’ll be well compensated.”
Lacey gasped sharply, shrugging off Clayton’s grasp with a swift movement. Her voice trembled as she confronted him.
“Do you realize the danger I have faced to save you?”
Lacey had meticulously prepared the spiked medicine for Elma before her departure. Moreover, Calvin’s scrutiny had intensified lately, keeping her on edge. With her absence from Elma’s side, the possibility of Calvin stirring up trouble loomed large. Furthermore, Landon’s suspicions were inevitable. After all, Clayton escaped shortly after.
She made her exit, knowing she needed to return to Landon to read his reactions and understand her standing. Staying here was no longer an option.
Clayton clung to her, his voice carrying a hint of mockery.
“You saved me, which puts us in the same boat. If you refuse to help me further, you’re only jeopardizing yourself.”
A furious chuckle nearly escaped Lacey as she listened to his words. She responded decisively, her words simmering through a tight jaw, “Don’t forget it’s you who needs my help. Turning against me won’t serve you any good.”
With a subtle smile, Clayton finally let go of her hand. He shifted the topic, his tone casual yet probing.
“Landon has taken Leila away. How do you feel about that?”
Lacey’s eyes widened, disbelief washing over her as Clayton’s words sank in.
“How can that be? Did Landon really take Leila away? But wasn’t Leila in the hands of some lunatic?”
Clayton gave Lacey a steady look, calm as ever.
“Landon didn’t come here for me, but for Leila. Now that he’s rescued her, they might patch things up. If that happens, you’re out of chances. Everything we’ve planned will fall apart. Without my help, what do you think you can accomplish with Cody? Think about it. Helping me is helping yourself. It’s your call to make.”
Lacey hesitated, her fingers curling into tight fists. Her breath hitched as the weight of the situation sank in.
“I’m not saying I don’t want to help, but if Landon finds out, I’m doomed.”
Lacey admired Landon but knew better than anyone how he felt about betrayal. If he found out she had betrayed him, he wouldn’t spare her, even though she had saved his life twice. A chill crept down her spine at the thought.
Clayton, noticing her fear, leaned in, his voice low and persuasive.
“Relax. Landon will never know we’re working together if I don’t breathe a word about it. I doubt he could figure out our cahoots. All you need to do is have him send someone to pick you up. Leave the rest to me after that. Lacey, you need to think carefully before deciding whether to help me or not. I’m not a patient man. If you’re unwilling, I’ll leave right now. But if I go back to Burmoos, I will continue to play against Landon and let him know what you have done. Imagine his reaction by then.”
Cornered, Lacey reluctantly nodded, regretting every second of her past alliance with him. Clayton was like a dangerous coiled viper, impossible to shake off once she was entangled. Worse, she had to stay on guard, always wary of being bitten by him. At that moment, she had no choice but to follow his orders. She resolved to find another way out later.
After a tense pause, Lacey grabbed her phone and dialed Landon. Landon picked up almost immediately, his voice calm.
“What’s up?”
Lacey felt anxious but worked hard to keep her voice steady.
“Mr. Kensington, could you send someone to pick me up? Elma’s medication is running low, and I want to make sure she’s taken care of. I just figured if you send someone to pick me up, I can return sooner. I’ve been tied up with a few things lately and nearly forgot.”
“Alright,” Landon agreed.
“Just reach out to Leo for matters like this. He’ll take care of everything for you.”
“No need,” she interrupted quickly.
“Leo’s preoccupied with other things. Just a car, please.”
Landon didn’t give it much thought. After all, he had kept Lacey there for Elma’s well-being. The servants caring for Elma had indeed informed him that the medication was running low. Landon instructed his team to arrange a private jet and handed Lacey the contact details.
After doing that, Landon didn’t pay Lacey any more attention. His indifference stung, but at least Lacey had gotten what she needed.
Clayton stood nearby, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
“Guess you’re not as special to him as you thought.”
Lacey’s anger flared, and she shot back sharply, “You don’t know anything. Landon treats me differently.” Clayton chuckled mockingly but didn’t argue.
Lacey fidgeted, her unease evident as she said, “I’ve done as you asked. Let me warn you that Landon’s people will be everywhere. How do you plan to get on the jet?”
Clayton flashed a mysterious smile.
“Don’t worry about it. I’ll take care of that. I’m going to rest now.”
Clayton turned and returned to the room, settling into the only bed there.
Lacey clenched her jaw, biting back a retort as he closed the door behind him. No wonder Leila never fell for him. If it were her, she wouldn’t have, either. Clayton was no match for Landon.
The following day, Leila headed to the building where the children were staying. She stood downstairs for a long time, hesitant to go in. Most of the day passed as she paced, uncertainty weighing on her.
The passing staff shot Leila curious glances. But no one came to drive her away.