Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
“Sophie, please stay. I sense tonight offers a unique chance. Will you assist me?”
Sophie firmly shook her head, her face stern.
“Is this opportunity really worth more than your health? I can’t assist you until you’re well.”
Elma’s face fell into a pout, her eyes flitting about, signaling the brink of a tantrum.
“If you don’t help me, then I won’t sleep, rest, or even take my medicine. Neither scolding nor hitting will change my mind.”
A headache began to form for Sophie. Elma was fundamentally a good child but immensely stubborn. Once Elma decided on something, not even Leila could sway her.
Sophie still remembered how Elma had been adamant about performing on stage last year. The performance itself was not the problem, but it involved wearing lightweight clothing in the cold.
Everyone was aware that Elma’s health was more fragile than that of other children, and they treated her with meticulous care. Leila, infuriated by the situation, had struck Elma lightly, more to frighten her than to hurt.
Yet, Elma had retreated to her room, crying through the afternoon and skipping dinner.
Concerned for Elma’s well-being, Leila had eventually given in and tried to soothe her with food.
Worried that Elma might overreact again, Sophie softened her voice.
“Tell me about your plan, and I might consider it.”
Elma chuckled and murmured her plan into Sophie’s ear.
The concern in Sophie’s eyes dissolved into a blend of amusement and appreciation as she lightly tapped Elma’s forehead.
“Elma, you truly are the cleverest child. Don’t worry, your plan will surely succeed.”
That night, a servant abruptly awakened Landon, reporting that Elma had suffered a nightmare and was crying incessantly upon waking.
As Landon hastened toward Elma’s room, he queried the servant walking alongside him, “Where’s Lacey? Why did you choose not to summon her?”
With a troubled look, the servant answered, “Elma wouldn’t have it. She insisted on seeing only you and Leila. She’s refusing her medicine unless you two are there.”
Landon’s expression grew stern, though he remained silent. This worried the servant deeply. All who knew Landon were aware of his limited patience, particularly with children. Elma, since moving in, seldom had outbursts or tears.
Despite her illness, Elma was usually rational, choosing to express her deeper feelings only in Leila’s presence, which showed she hadn’t quite warmed up to Landon. This persistence was new for her.
Landon wasn’t angry but rather felt an unfamiliar stir of emotions. He was frustrated with Elma’s mulish stance, her refusal to take medicine seemingly a tactic to garner attention.
Attention. Didn’t she realize that her well-being was paramount? Yet, what could he do? She was his youngest child, and he felt compelled to be more lenient with her.
Landon quickened his steps with a soft sigh and soon arrived at Elma’s room. Surprisingly, someone had gotten there before him. As Landon neared the door, Elma’s softened cries filtered through, mingled with soothing whispers.
“Don’t cry, Elma. You look like a little lost kitten. Were you scared? It’s okay. Mommy’s here. Are you still frightened? Let me hold you. Your forehead is all sweaty. Should I change your clothes?”
Leila’s voice was gentle as she comforted Elma, cradling her on her lap and tenderly patting Elma’s back. Leila’s comforting actions were just instinctive.
This realization struck Leila profoundly. Elma was truly her child. Nestled in Leila’s warm embrace, Elma felt an authentic need to cry. Though her initial sobs seemed exaggerated, real tears began to flow again.
Leila, startled by the sudden tears, quickly dabbed at Elma’s cheeks.
“Did I do something wrong?” she asked, her face etched with concern.
Elma shook her head, her voice wavering.
“No. I just wonder why my daddy hasn’t come to see me. Does he not like me? Does he not want to see me?”
Leila considered this carefully before responding.
“Perhaps your daddy needs to rest. He has a busy day at the office tomorrow.”
Elma murmured, “That’s not true. He just doesn’t want to see me.”
As Elma’s words hung in the air, a shadow loomed suddenly over her.
Landon glanced at Elma, who sat pouting and grumbling, her arms crossed in defiance. He felt a mix of amusement and exasperation bubbling up inside him. For the past few days, he’d spent nearly every moment with her, giving her his full attention. He probably wouldn’t have left her side if it weren’t for his commitments.
Landon wasn’t exactly known for his patience, but somehow, Elma had managed to bring it out of him. Yet now, with Leila back in the picture, he suddenly found himself being labeled as the neglectful father. The accusation felt painfully unjust.
“Elma, repeat that,” Landon said through gritted teeth, his tone carrying a faint edge of warning.
Elma immediately darted into Leila’s arms, burying her face against her chest with exaggerated drama.
“Mom, did you see that? Dad’s so mean to me! He doesn’t even like me.”
Leila turned to glare at Landon, but her stern expression faltered the moment their eyes met. The tension between them grew palpable, filling the room with an awkward silence.
With a sigh, Leila’s glare softened, and her anger dissipated. She gently patted Elma’s head, speaking calmly.
“That’s not true, Elma. Don’t say things like that again, okay?”
Elma nestled further into Leila’s embrace, though she reached out toward Landon with a playful pout.
“Daddy, I want a hug.”
Landon hesitated, leaning slightly toward Elma. But with Elma sprawled across Leila’s arms, there was no way to avoid brushing against Leila.
Leila realized this as well and tried to shift Elma’s position.
“Sit up first, sweetheart. It’ll be easier that way.”
But Elma wasn’t having it. She shook her head vehemently, her curls bouncing.
“No! I want to hug you two at the same time!”
Feigning sternness, Leila pinched Elma’s cheek lightly, though her eyes betrayed little anger.
“Elma, behave. Otherwise, I’ll get upset.”
Tears brimmed in Elma’s eyes.
“Mom, I don’t feel good. My body aches, my head spins, and I have nightmares when I sleep. If you and daddy stay with me, I’ll feel better. Don’t you want me to feel better?”
Leila couldn’t bring herself to say no. However, she cast a glance at Landon, who sat rigidly across from them, his face unreadable, as though he were determined to maintain his emotional distance. Despite her own feelings toward Landon, Leila was uncertain whether he would reciprocate them. Before understanding his feelings for her, she preferred not to put herself in an uncomfortable position.
Landon leaned forward and scooped Elma from Leila’s arms, holding her gently but firmly.
“Stop causing trouble this late, Elma. If you’re feeling unwell, I’ll call Miss Payne to come check on you.”
Landon was intentionally trying to frighten Elma. He could see right through her act. Yet, he hadn’t anticipated Elma’s determination to bring him and Leila together today.
Elma broke into tears instantly.
“Then go ahead and call her! I knew it. You don’t care about me at all! You think I’m annoying and you won’t even do this little thing for me!”
Landon’s jaw tightened, but he stayed silent, thinking her tantrum would wear itself out. However, Elma’s cries only grew louder, her little body shaking almost out of breath, and her face turned alarmingly pale.
Now, Landon was truly scared.
Leila couldn’t hold back any longer. She quickly pulled Elma into a hug, shooting Landon a look of anger.
“Mr. Kensington, while Elma’s request may seem unreasonable, she’s just a child. Don’t you think you’re being a bit harsh?”