Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
“It seems things are unfolding just as I expected. Like you, I don’t understand why they might still reconcile after everything that’s happened.”
Lacey, frustrated, snapped, “Now is not the time to think about that! What are you going to do?”
Clayton sighed deeply.
“What can I do? I’ll have to leave the county quickly. I have no idea how their relationship has developed, or whether they’ve shared their doubts and inconsistencies.”
Lacey quickly interjected, “That’s impossible! I’m still at the Kensington residence. If Landon had figured out that I was behind this, under your orders, I would have already been dealt with. Everything seems fine for now. I overheard Landon and Leila making plans to meet, instead of attending your birthday party. It looks like they intend to talk things over. So, what’s our next move?”
Clayton’s expression turned cold.
“I’m not as trapped as you are. I could escape with my assets before Landon could do anything to me. But it’s a different case for you.”
Lacey was on the verge of tears.
“That’s exactly why I need your help! Please, don’t leave me to face this alone! I’ve given you vital information and done so much for you.”
Clayton sighed again, his tone a mix of detachment and coaxing.
“Well, I have a plan, but it’s contingent on your willingness to follow through.”
Lacey was taken aback, but soon the undertone in Clayton’s words struck her. She fell silent, hesitating, her reluctance clear.
“Are there no other ways out? Can’t we simply eliminate Leila?” Lacey suggested, still clinging to the hope of becoming Landon’s wife.
Her goal seemed so close yet so elusive. She was aware that if Landon were killed, she wouldn’t inherit her share of the Kensington family assets. She wanted the Kensington family’s fortune. Yet, she realized the best outcome would be if Landon willingly handed it over. Without his cooperation, her own skills wouldn’t be enough to secure the wealth. Over time, her experiences had given her greater self-awareness.
Clayton clicked his tongue in disdain.
“While something happening to Leila might impact Landon deeply, he’d undoubtedly come after you and me once he figures out the truth. Haven’t you realized? Landon got engaged to you just to make a show for Leila. Why else would he have chosen you?”
Lacey almost retorted, but Clayton continued, pressing on.
“Do you still refuse to accept it? Have you thought about how Leila learned of your engagement while you were overseas? I certainly didn’t tell her. Since it wasn’t me, Landon must have informed her. He threw a grand celebration for his engagement, making sure it reached Leila’s ears. It had nothing to do with you. Not in the slightest.”
His aim was to provoke Leila, lure her back, and wait for the right moment to bind her to his side. Eventually, you’d be discarded. The best you can hope for now is to leave with some money. The worst could be losing everything, including your life.”
Lacey stayed silent for a long time. Her face was streaked with tears. She didn’t need Clayton to point out her bleak future; it was just that she had been reluctant to face the bitter truth until now.
Clayton almost ended the call due to her prolonged silence, but finally, Lacey spoke.
“What exactly do you expect me to do?”
A grin of satisfaction spread across Clayton’s face.
“The plan is simple. I’ll arrange for someone to cover for you and get you out of the Kensington residence tomorrow. From there, you’ll need to stay close to Landon and Leila. Remember, I’m offering you this one last chance as a way out. Whether you take it or not depends entirely on how determined you are.”
Lacey inhaled sharply, her eyes growing cold.
“I understand.” She promptly ended the call, not waiting for Clayton’s reply.
The following day, Landon arrived early at the designated meeting spot in the mountains.
Leila and Landon opted for extra caution, avoiding enclosed spaces like cafes and instead choosing the openness of the mountain.
Believing there was still time before Leila’s arrival, Landon settled in to watch the sunrise. The dawn was breaking, and the mountain breeze was cool and invigorating.
Landon wondered if Leila was dressed warmly enough for the cold, and a smile tugged at his lips. His thoughts drifted, but his primary concern remained Leila.
“You’re here sooner than I thought,” a voice said from behind, startling him.
Landon quickly composed himself and turned to face Leila, maintaining his usual aloof and dignified demeanor. However, his gaze softened significantly at the sight of her.
Leila’s attire consisted of hiking gear and a red jacket that complemented her rosy complexion. Her skin appeared as delicate as porcelain, making Landon want to touch it to confirm its softness.
Landon found something peculiar. Most people commented that he looked no older than he had in his twenties, even though he was actually in his thirties. But standing next to Leila, he felt noticeably older.
At times, just having Leila in front of him, even with her indifferent gaze, left Landon feeling dazed, evoking memories of the past.
Back then, Roderick was still alive, and Landon and Leila’s relationship was strong. Leila’s eyes would light up with subtle joy and surprise whenever she saw him. Despite her speech challenges, she would timidly sign and manage to utter the only audible word-his name.
Although it had been awkward at times, it was the most beautiful sound Landon had ever heard.
Landon blinked and continued to gaze at Leila. It felt like in the blink of an eye, more than twenty years had passed. Here they were, with their mindsets no longer the same.
Standing there, Landon gradually recalled his previous visits to this place with Roderick and Leila.
At that time, Roderick was still alive. Despite his age, he maintained a health-conscious lifestyle, often leading Landon and Leila on sunrise hikes.
Landon and Leila had frequented this location during their youth. However, they stopped visiting as Roderick’s health began to decline.
After Roderick’s death and their subsequent marriage, they rarely thought about returning here.
The saying “familiar places evoke mixed feelings” resonated deeply with Landon.
Decades seemed to have passed in the blink of an eye.
Now, back here with Leila, Landon’s emotions were conflicted.
“Why did you choose this place?” Landon asked, his expression filled with conflicting emotions.
At first, Leila was at a loss for words. She had sought a place of peace, and somehow, this spot had come to her mind.
Clearing her throat, Leila responded, “There’s no particular reason. It just seemed like a good place.”
Landon raised an eyebrow, skeptical of her explanation.
The more Leila tried to hide her true feelings, the more Landon sensed her lingering affection for him. Despite her possible darker desires, as long as she still harbored love for him, he chose to remain unaware.
Encouraged by this thought, Landon moved closer to Leila.
Leila stood still, watching him approach. Her heart pounded in her chest, yet she remained frozen.
When they were mere inches apart, Landon stopped. He fixed his gaze on Leila and said solemnly, “Today, I vow to answer any question you ask me honestly, without hiding anything. Otherwise, I wouldn’t dare face my grandfather beyond the grave. He would forever look at me with disdain, and I couldn’t bear to raise my eyes before him.”
Landon rarely swore, and he never invoked Roderick’s name in oaths. Although his promise wasn’t severe, it was profoundly serious nonetheless.
Leila understood that Roderick represented a sacred memory in Landon’s heart, an untouchable part of his soul.
With that understanding, Leila made a vow of her own. Her promise mirrored Landon’s, but it extended to their children.
Both declared their steadfast intent.
As Landon prepared to voice his questions, bitterness swamped him, daunted by the multitude of inquiries swirling in his mind. He gestured to Leila.
“Please, you start.”
Leila gave a slight nod and dove straight into the essence of the matter.
“Landon, do you harbor any feelings toward Lacey? Platonic or fraternal? Any sentiment would count as a form of feeling. Do you?” she asked earnestly.
Landon responded decisively, “No. I once felt indebted to her for saving my life, yet through the years, I believe my actions have adequately compensated her for her kindness.” Leila masked her astonishment.
Unbeknownst to them, Lacey, who had stealthily followed them, overheard everything. To better spy on their conversation, Lacey was uncomfortably sprawled among the grass and bugs.