Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
“I’m just so excited!” she exclaimed.
“It’s been ages since I had a proper birthday party with friends and family. Please, Mommy, can we play a board game instead?”
Leila couldn’t say no to her enthusiastic daughter and agreed to the board game.
Landon was still working late at the office, and Calvin was away at a competition. But both had promised to be back in time for the party the following day.
Sophie, as usual, was engrossed in her studies.
Leila hadn’t pressured any of her children to be so dedicated. She would have preferred it if they had a more relaxed and carefree childhood. But perhaps they had inherited her and Landon’s ambition and drive. Once they set their minds to something, they pursued it with relentless determination.
Leila knew she couldn’t change their nature, so she let them pursue their passions. As long as they were happy and fulfilled, that was all that mattered to her. She did, however, constantly remind them to prioritize their health and well-being.
Trying to discourage Elma from staying up too late, Leila pointed out that they didn’t have enough players for a proper game.
“We have Caitlin!” Elma countered with a giggle.
Leila laughed, pinching Elma’s cheek affectionately.
“Alright then,” she said.
“Go and call Caitlin.”
Elma jumped up, her eyes sparkling with excitement, and dashed off to find Caitlin.
Meanwhile, Caitlin was busy packing her things when a knock echoed through the room. She paused, a flicker of annoyance crossing her face, but made no move to answer. She continued packing, her mind made up. After Elma’s birthday party the following day, she would leave. She had no desire to take Leila’s money, so she simply left it on the table.
The knocking ceased for a moment and then started up again, more insistent this time.
Caitlin, her teeth clenched in frustration, finally walked to the door.
“What do you want?” she snapped, her voice laced with ice.
“Caitlin, it’s me!” Elma’s cheerful voice chirped through the door.
Caitlin’s frown deepened, but she softened her tone slightly.
“Elma? What brings you here? Did your mom send you with a message?”
Elma paused, a mischievous glint in her eyes, deciding to play along.
“Yes. My mom said she wants to see you.”
Elma could barely contain a giggle, picturing the look on Caitlin’s face when she learned the real reason for her visit.
Caitlin remained clueless as to the real reason for Elma’s visit. Hearing that Leila wanted to see her, she bit her lip and let out a bitter, humorless laugh. A wave of resentment washed over her. But what choice did she have? Living under Leila’s roof, she was at their mercy. What could she do if they wanted her gone?
When Caitlin remained silent, Elma’s cheerfulness turned to concern.
“Caitlin, why aren’t you answering?” she asked anxiously.
“Are you feeling sick? Don’t worry! If you need a doctor, my mom and I can take you to the hospital.”
Caitlin, preoccupied with her own turmoil, didn’t want to interact with Elma. Taking a deep breath, she forced down her irritation.
“I’m fine, just tired. I need to rest. Tell your mom I’ll see her another time.”
With that, Caitlin fell silent, hoping Elma would take the hint.
Elma’s brow furrowed as she stared at the closed door. Had she imagined it, or had Caitlin seemed unusually subdued? But she couldn’t bring herself to pry. With a sigh of regret, Elma turned and walked away.
As Elma’s footsteps receded, Caitlin’s composure crumbled. Consumed by frustration, she snatched a cup from the table and flung it against the wall, the porcelain shattering into a thousand pieces.
The cup’s destruction only amplified Caitlin’s distress. She collapsed onto the table, tears streaming down her face. A wave of self-pity washed over her, mingled with bitter regret for ever having come to Leila’s house. Yet, the grim truth was, she had nowhere else to turn.
Though puzzled by Elma’s account, Leila offered a comforting explanation.
“Everyone has their down days. It’s perfectly normal. Caitlin’s probably just tired and needs some rest. Don’t worry too much about it.”
Elma nodded, but her concern lingered.
“But she seemed really upset. Shouldn’t we check on her?”
Leila paused thoughtfully.
“We should, but maybe not today. When someone’s feeling low, they often just need some space to themselves. Let’s not intrude, okay?”
Elma nodded obediently, a smile gracing her lips as she embraced Leila.
“Okay, I trust your judgment.”
Leila pressed a gentle kiss to Elma’s forehead.
“And since we can’t play the board game tonight, shouldn’t a good girl like you be tucked into bed?” Elma, unable to come up with a valid protest, reluctantly conceded.
The night flew by, and before they knew it, morning had arrived.
A team of stylists arrived early to prepare Elma for the day’s events.
Having accompanied Leila, Sophie, and Calvin to numerous events, Elma was already well-acquainted with the routine. She even squeezed in a short nap while everyone was busy preparing.
Elma mentally scolded herself for staying up so late the night before. Now, she was exhausted.
The makeup artists chuckled as they watched Elma struggle to stay awake, her head bobbing.
Though sleepy, Elma patiently cooperated, and the makeup session went smoothly.
At the same time, Leila had also arranged for a styling team to help Caitlin get ready.
But Caitlin had clearly forgotten all about it. She opened the door with a yawn, only to find a group of people waiting outside. It took her a moment to register what was going on.
The makeup artist, a man in his thirties, frowned with impatience the moment he saw Caitlin.
“Don’t you understand how important it is to look your best for an event like this?” he said sharply.
“Look at you! Your eyes are puffy, and your skin looks dull. You-“
During a brief break in the makeup session, an assistant kindly explained to Caitlin, “Miss Sinclair, don’t let this bother you too much. That makeup artist always acts this way toward everyone, not just you. Despite his temper, he’s skilled and will ensure you look beautiful.”
Earlier, Leila had warned the makeup team to be very careful, as the person they were styling was her cousin. That was why the assistant took a moment to clarify things.
Caitlin silently stared at the assistant without showing any reaction, though she was still fuming inside. The assistant’s words did help soothe her feelings a little, but she couldn’t shake the suspicion that Leila had intentionally arranged this. After all, Leila knew the makeup artist’s notorious temper. And even if Leila hadn’t known, she should have warned the makeup artist to behave more kindly.
Caitlin hadn’t expected the makeup artist to speak to her so disrespectfully upon their first meeting. It felt like yet another sign that Leila showed little regard for her.
With her temper rising, Caitlin considered stopping the styling altogether, but she managed to control herself and stayed seated. After all, she would be leaving soon and wouldn’t have to endure this kind of treatment any longer. It didn’t matter.
When the styling finished, Caitlin gazed at her reflection in the mirror, stunned. She resembled Leila even more now and looked undeniably gorgeous. Although this style was completely new to her and something she had never imagined trying, she realized it was a sign that maybe she should experiment with something fresh. Indeed, a person’s appearance depended greatly on their outfit.
Another detail quickly caught Caitlin’s eye. She lightly touched the elegant necklace around her neck. Both the necklace and the dress she was wearing were of exquisite quality and value. They perfectly exemplified the saying, “The higher the price, the better the quality.”
Caitlin was engrossed in her reflection when a servant interrupted her.
“Miss Sinclair, Elma’s birthday party is about to begin.”