Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
Over the years, many had attempted to set Landon up. Some had succeeded, causing him to face numerous challenges. However, no setback had left him as devastated as he was three years ago. Leila’s betrayal, at least in what he had learned of it, felt like a dagger piercing his heart. Even now, the memory of it brought a dull pain, an enduring wound.
Landon halted, inhaled deeply, and his voice grew icy.
“Elma was merely spouting nonsense. Don’t take it to heart.”
Leila sensed Landon’s growing impatience but continued to press for clarity. She tensed, her voice shaky as she inquired, “So, are you her father?”
At this, Landon’s gaze hardened slightly.
“You ought to know the answer to that very well,” he responded.
Leila blinked, puzzled. How did she know? She had lost her memory.
Leila couldn’t fathom Landon’s reaction. She had asked him that question because she had forgotten their past. His mocking tone didn’t sit well with her.
Leila collected herself and asked, “Why would you say that?”
Landon forced a smile and responded, “You once confidently claimed Clayton was your husband. So, how could those possibly be mine?”
Leila found herself speechless for a moment. She gazed at Landon, attempting to read any underlying emotions. Yet, his eyes gave nothing away, his thoughts unreadable.
As Landon turned to leave, Leila bit her lip and hastened to catch up with him.
“I’m struggling to express how I feel, but it’s clear we need to sort these things out,” she said.
Stopping, Leila met Landon’s gaze, her cheeks coloring slightly.
“Who was it that I loved before?”
Landon’s hand tensed but remained at his side. He did not pull away from her touch. He responded with a neutral voice, “Alright, I promise we’ll talk, but not right now. Can we find another time?”
While Landon’s response seemed to hold her in suspense, his demeanor was less chilly than before. A smile finally crossed Leila’s face. She agreed, and as Landon began to walk away, she caught up to him once more. Her smile was refreshing, her eyes radiantly curved and full of charm.
Upon catching a glimpse of Leila’s smiling face from the corner of his eyes, Landon felt a bit flustered, something stirring inside him. He cleared his throat softly.
“Anything else?”
“Nothing,” Leila replied, shaking her head.
Landon wanted to ask, “Why are you still following me?” but her dazzling smile held his words back.
At times, Landon felt helpless in love with Leila, his resolve to keep his distance wavering repeatedly despite the harm she had inflicted on him. In different circumstances, he could be decisive and authoritative. However, in Leila’s presence, he was hesitant, torn between his lingering feelings toward her and his rational side screaming for distance.
Leila, observing Landon’s expression tinged with a hint of frustration and resignation, smiled.
“I won’t disturb you further. I need to check on Elma later. You should get some rest. Goodnight,” she said softly.
Leila’s tender tone melted Landon’s heart, bringing a smile- a rare occasion-to his lips. He offered no reply.
Simply witnessing Landon’s smile lifted Leila’s spirits significantly. Unseen by both, Lacey observed everything from afar. She noted the usually aloof Landon flashing a smile at Leila and wondered about his intentions. Was he contemplating a reconciliation with Leila, despite their past discord? Lacey resolved not to let that happen.
As Leila walked away, Lacey hastened forward to block her path.
“Miss Nixon,” Lacey called out, her earlier harshness replaced by what appeared to be a warm smile.
“Do you have a moment? I’d like to talk to you.”
Though Leila felt inclined to decline, she knew better than to reject her flatly. Disliking Lacey was one thing, but she recognized the importance of Lacey’s medical expertise to Elma’s health. It wasn’t wise to upset her daughter’s doctor over personal grievances.
So, Leila gave a slight nod.
“Sure. Now?”
Lacey motioned for Leila to follow her.
Upon entering Lacey’s residence, Leila was taken aback. Lacey resided in a detached villa, lavishly decorated, with numerous servants nearby. It seemed Lacey was more than just a temporary visitor.
What Leila didn’t know was that Landon had orchestrated Lacey’s living in a separate villa solely to keep her out of his day-to-day life. He had instructed the housekeeper to fulfill Lacey’s needs, including the decoration, a move to ensure she was pleased during her stay.
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Lacey had meticulously decorated the house, assuming she would permanently reside at the Kensington family estate once she married Landon.
Leila’s fleeting emotions in her eyes didn’t go unnoticed by Lacey, who briefly smirked before saying pointedly, “Landon had set this all up. I’m flattered, but not entirely impressed.”
Leila offered a dry chuckle in response.
Recalling her intent for the day, Lacey ceased her boasting, sighed, and sent the servants away.
Uneasy, Leila gazed at Lacey with a guarded look.
“What do you mean by this?”
Lacey, appearing wounded by the question, replied, “Miss Nixon, why do you give me that look? Are you concerned I might do something to you? This is Landon’s domain. I wouldn’t dare harm you here.”
Leila, sensing more to her words, quickly questioned, “Why have you invited me here today? It can’t just be to show off your house.”
Lacey responded with a meaningful smile.
“I really enjoy dealing with sharp minds. Chill out. I mean no harm. If I came across as rude earlier, I apologize. I only acted out of my genuine concern for Elma.”
Approaching Leila, Lacey took her hand.
“Do you really not remember me at all?”
Lacey’s expression was intense, tinged with curiosity.
Leila grasped the implication.
“You’re suggesting we knew each other previously?”
Lacey confirmed with a nod.
“Exactly. You once acknowledged me as a sister figure to you. We were quite close, and that was why I cared deeply for Elma. If you doubt my words, feel free to ask anyone within our circle. I’m being honest, not deceptive. But for some reason, we drifted apart later on.”
Leila hummed noncommittally, not pressing further.
Lacey found herself momentarily speechless, her prepared words halted. She chuckled dryly, breaking the silence.
“Aren’t you curious about why we fell out, or doesn’t your past interest you?”
Leila nodded, her voice firm.
“I do want to know, but I’d rather figure it out on my own. If someone twists the truth about my past, I won’t be able to tell what’s real. The best way is to piece things together myself.”
Lacey’s chest tightened with unease, though she wasn’t ready to let it go just yet.
“But what if your memories never return?”
Leila smiled nonchalantly.
“That’s fine. Maybe those memories weren’t worth holding on to anyway.”
This was a reaction Lacey hadn’t anticipated from Leila.