Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
In fact, after her recent recovery, free of the growth-inhibiting drugs, Elma’s growth had significantly sped up.
At eight years old, Elma looked closer to six or seven, but she felt that wasn’t enough. She dreamed of growing up faster so she could be there to protect Leila, make sure no one bullied her, and keep her safe from any harm.
But the growth process couldn’t be rushed. Elma could only dream about it.
A sudden thought struck Elma. With a worried look on her face, she turned to Calvin.
“Calvin, Sophie really hates our dad. If she finds out about this, will she get mad?”
Elma’s hand flew over her mouth as she promised, “Don’t worry, Calvin. I won’t tell her.”
Seeing her adorable look, Calvin couldn’t help but smile.
“Even if she does find out, she won’t get mad. She’ll understand.”
True to Calvin’s words, when Sophie eventually did find out, she reacted mildly. She sighed softly and then turned the blame on herself. She thought if she were stronger, Calvin might not have felt the need to turn to Landon for help.
Sophie wasn’t working with Landon, but she was independently trying to find Leila.
Leila was debating whether to share what she had overheard that day with Gracelyn. She surely wouldn’t tell the whole truth since Florrie could easily turn the tables on her.
The only thing Leila had to do was to caution Gracelyn.
Leila could have just stood back and watched Florrie and Calvert make Gracelyn’s life difficult and snatch her assets away gradually. After all, this was the White family’s business, not hers. Moreover, Gracelyn had done so many bad things. If things went downhill for Gracelyn, she would feel no pity.
At this moment, Leila wished for more chaos in the White family. Amidst the chaos, she would find a chance to escape.
As Leila carefully chose her words to caution Gracelyn, a loud disturbance outside caught her attention.
Leila quirked an eyebrow and couldn’t resist asking, “What’s happening out there?”
A servant quickly filled her in.
“It’s a spiritual advisor that Mrs. White used to consult. They’ve come to conduct a ritual. Don’t be shocked. It happens monthly. You’ll grow accustomed to it. If it bothers you, you might prefer to stay in your room and not go out.”
Since the recent events, especially Florrie’s punishment, the servants tending to Leila had grown noticeably more respectful. They were even somewhat in awe of her. After all, Leila had a short temper. They were merely there to do their jobs and saw no reason to cross her. As long as she didn’t attempt an escape, they had nothing else to worry about.
Leila was startled by the news. She had expected things to move quickly, but not this fast. It looked like Florrie couldn’t wait any longer. Once Florrie was certain Leila hadn’t overheard anything, arrangements were instantly made.
Leila dropped her head in thought and then said, “Actually, I’m quite open to these practices. If it’s alright, I’d like to see it for myself. If that’s too much trouble, just let Gracelyn know my wishes. If she disagrees, then we’ll drop it.”
The servant pondered for a moment and then nodded.
“Kindly wait here for a bit. I’ll be right back.”
Shortly after, the servant returned with Florrie. Gracelyn had agreed.
As Florrie limped over, her eyes darted toward Leila, a mix of caution and disdain evident in her gaze. However, she masked her feelings with a show of politeness, even going so far as to personally push Leila’s wheelchair.
Clutching the wheelchair, Florrie couldn’t resist asking, “I’m surprised you’re interested in this. Is this a newfound curiosity, or do you have another reason?”
Leila had been resting with her eyes shut, but at Florrie’s question, she opened them and responded coldly, “Enough with your baseless assumption. Have you heard of the tallest sacred site in Burmoos? It’s a place shrouded in folklore, said to bestow fortune and ward off misfortune upon its visitors. I climbed its many steps, my knees wounded from the long journey, all to pray for something I wanted.”
Florrie glanced at Leila in surprise, her expression complex.
Leila read Florrie’s face well, knowing she was silently scoffing at her.
Though Leila had always believed strictly in tangible reality, for Landon’s sake, she had resorted to mystical strength, hoping for divine intervention to bring him back.
While Leila might not fully commit to every aspect of these beliefs, she sought comfort in them to avoid a mental breakdown. Florrie didn’t speak further and continued to wheel Leila outside.
On the way out, Florrie suddenly asked, “Do you believe in reincarnation? It’s the idea that we are reborn into new lives.”
Leila inwardly sneered, seeing through Florrie’s attempt to sway her for assistance in convincing Gracelyn.
Despite her true feelings, Leila nodded.
“It sounds believable. I don’t think a soul just disappears after death.”
Hearing Leila’s response, Florrie’s demeanor brightened, and she spoke with enthusiasm.
“Seems you’re also open to this. Guess what? I know a spiritual advisor who is quite skilled. She has even mastered a new technique recently. She can also help you figure out who your dead loved one is reincarnated into.”
Leila lifted her head and gave Florrie a glance.
“That’s fascinating. I’d like to meet her.”
Florrie straightened her back.
“The spiritual advisor is a close acquaintance of mine. She’s here today to help Mrs. White with certain matters. If you’d like, I could put in a good word for you. I’m sure she would be eager to help you.”
Leila only smiled and said nothing, which prompted Florrie to switch to a more flattering tone.
“Of course, it’s your choice. Who wouldn’t want to honor your wishes in this place?” Only then did Leila nod in satisfaction.
As they talked, they arrived at the main hall.
Almost immediately upon entering, Leila was hit by the smell of smoke from burning items.
The hall was hardly recognizable. Smoke swirled through the air, and various ritual items were scattered all around. To the untrained eye, it might seem convincing.
Leila instantly glanced at Gracelyn, who was sitting in the main seat.
Though silent, Gracelyn watched the spiritual advisor’s mystical performance with evident fascination, showing some level of belief.
Leila couldn’t help but be impressed by Florrie’s capabilities. Despite being just a worker at the White family, Florrie had risen to become Gracelyn’s most trusted servant solely through her skills. Not only that, but she had also orchestrated today’s events. Although the likelihood of success was slim, Gracelyn was genuinely starting to believe in the spiritual advisor. If Florrie used her talents for good, she would definitely have a much more fulfilling life than she currently did.
Leila kept these thoughts to herself. Suppressing her musings, she moved toward Gracelyn with a smile.
“Gracelyn, what’s happening here?”
Gracelyn’s mood brightened upon seeing Leila.
“Florrie mentioned that you’re quite knowledgeable about these things. Do you think I should believe this or not?”
This was a tricky question for Leila. If she told Gracelyn not to believe, that would contradict her previous statements, meaning she had lied. But if she encouraged the belief, she would be held accountable for any subsequent problems.
So, Leila chose a neutral response.
“Whether you believe in it or not is your choice. There’s a saying, isn’t there? ‘It exists if you believe, and it doesn’t if you don’t.'”
Gracelyn looked at Leila thoughtfully and then burst into laughter, seemingly in an even better mood.
“You’re absolutely right.”
Gracelyn gripped Leila’s hand tightly.
“Leila, stick by my side. I miss my grandson so much. You two were close back in the day. He’d be thrilled to see you if he shows up today.”
To an outsider, Gracelyn’s words might have sounded eerie and unsettling.
However, Leila kept up her cheerful demeanor, seemingly unfazed. The ritual was about to start.
The spiritual advisor brandished her sacred cloths, twirling and jumping, occasionally sending out sparks. She looked like she was skilled at what she was doing.