Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
Observing Leila’s reaction, Irene felt compelled to remark, “Mr. Hayes took it upon himself to arrange this room for you. He knew your preferences and ensured everything was tailored accordingly. Leila, I must say, I’ve never seen Mr. Hayes pay this much attention to anyone’s likes and dislikes. He doesn’t even pamper himself like this.”
Leila offered a smile and motioned for Irene to extend her gratitude to him.
After a brief pause, Leila signaled her thoughts, indicating that although Jerome had directed Brent, Brent’s generosity toward her was more than necessary. She viewed him as a brother and was profoundly touched by his gestures.
“Just as a brother?” Irene inquired, unable to hide her curiosity.
Leila nodded affirmatively, her gaze sincere. She continued to gesture, expressing her deep appreciation for Jerome and Brent, despite not being related to them by blood.
Irene gave a thoughtful nod, and her features softened.
Brent, who had just reached the doorway to Leila’s office, caught the tail end of their exchange and paused. A fleeting look of complexity crossed his face. His hand, initially on the door handle, hovered momentarily. Then, pretending to have heard nothing, Brent turned and exited.
As Sarah’s birthday approached, Edgar began to send frequent messages to Leila. He appeared anxious, concerned that she might not show up that day.
Leila felt this must be because Sarah wanted her there. Landon surely supported Sarah’s decision, as he always seemed to.
Leila reasoned that despite knowing that Sarah’s invitation to her for the birthday celebration was not rooted in genuine kindness, Landon wouldn’t deny such a minor request from his beloved.
Just then, Irene entered Leila’s office clutching an envelope. It contained an invitation to Sarah’s birthday celebration.
Leila gestured toward her phone, smiling, and signed how ironic it was that she had just received a message from Landon’s assistant.
Irene, with a hint of sarcasm, commented, “No surprise they’re together.”
Suddenly realizing her blunder, Irene gave Leila an apologetic look. “Leila, I didn’t mean to…”
Leila shook her head, indicating that Landon was history to her.
Irene expressed her relief. “If you don’t want to attend, just say you have urgent work and can’t make it. If Landon causes any trouble, Mr. Hayes will take care of it. Don’t worry, Landon wouldn’t dare upset the Hayes family.”
Leila’s eyes dropped, the corners of her mouth curving into a subdued smile. She brought up the agreement she had already made with Landon in exchange for Brent getting to know why the client made a scene. Her rejection to attend Sarah’s birthday celebration would grant Landon a pretext to confront Brent.
Moreover, Leila reasoned that, with so many in attendance at Sarah’s birthday celebration, none would dare tie her up and give her a beating.
Irene’s brow furrowed, and she began, “But…”
With a gentle motion, Leila placed her finger to her lips, signaling for silence. She advised Irene to feign ignorance and avoid bringing it up to Brent since Landon surely hadn’t included Brent in the invitation.
Leila added that if things took a wrong turn, Irene could claim she had been coerced.
Worry creased Irene’s features. “Are you concerned that I’ll end up in trouble over this? Leila, it’s your safety I’m worried about!”
Irene’s expression turned grave. “If you don’t care about your own safety, I’ll have no choice but to inform Mr. Hayes.”
With a heavy sigh of resignation, Leila realized she needed to provide Irene with a clear answer today. After some thought, she made her decision.
Signaling to Irene, Leila conveyed that Irene could accompany her to the party.
To reassure Irene, Leila gestured that she could join her at Sarah’s birthday celebration.
Irene, feeling more at ease, nodded in agreement. “Sounds great, I’ll make sure to arrange a stylist for you ahead of time, so you won’t be outshone by Sarah at the event.”
Leila flashed Irene a sincere smile.
Standing up, Leila embraced Irene, her hug comforting and warm, instantly soothing her.
A gentle smile spread across Irene’s face, yet a flicker of confusion lingered in her eyes. Why would Landon betray someone as wonderful as Leila? And what was it about Sarah that was so compelling? Did high-status families truly mind disabilities to such an extent?
Leila’s eyes twinkled as she signed to Irene, expressing that Irene and Linsey were her closest friends.
“Closest friends?” Irene questioned, feeling a warmth spread to her ears.
Suddenly, guilt washed over Irene as she remembered her initial treatment of Leila. Back then, she was no different from the judgmental onlookers outside, dismissing Leila simply because she was mute. Yet, Leila had demonstrated a level of skill and bravery unmatched by many.
Irene quickly cleared her throat. “I’ll prepare everything. Since you’ve agreed to bring me along, make sure to call me. Don’t forget about that, okay?”
Leila gave a firm nod in response.
The day before Sarah’s birthday celebration, Leila made her way back to the Kensington estate.
As a servant escorted Leila into the courtyard, bursts of laughter and chatter drifted from the main hall.
Familiar voices allowed Leila to identify the attendees even before she stepped inside. Shirley and Melinda were there, and, unexpectedly, so was Dean.
Sarah was seated between Shirley and Melinda, appearing timid yet charming. Despite being part of this family for years, such familial scenes were foreign to Leila. The three Kensington and Sarah seemed so much like a real family.
Had it not been for Landon’s urging, Leila would have preferred to stay away.
Upon Leila’s entrance, the warm smiles in the hall disappeared abruptly.
Shirley straightened up, her expression turning frosty and detached. She eyed Leila and asked in a cutting tone, “Why are you here? What do you want?”
Melinda pinched her nose dramatically. “Oh my, the stench of poverty is overwhelming here. Seems like someone couldn’t make it on their own and resorted to begging for a place here. But honestly, Landon already has someone far more suitable by his side. Some people really need to learn their place.”
Leila met their gazes with frosty silence, choosing not to justify herself.
Sarah stood up with a smirk and walked toward Leila, her voice loud and clear. “Oh, don’t be so harsh on Leila. It’s not as if we can’t handle one more person here. Leila’s situation is unique, so I wouldn’t dare act rashly. I certainly don’t want to be accused of mistreating someone with a disability.”
Laughter erupted around them, sharp and cruel. Yet, Leila remained composed, merely tightening her grip into fists. She pulled out her phone and typed a message. “If you have such a problem with me, why bring it up to me? Go talk to Landon. Don’t worry. I don’t need him to intervene. Just a word from him, and I’ll be out of here at once.”
Sarah’s smug smile faded into a scowl. “Landon doesn’t want to throw you out because he feels sorry for you. You’re just exploiting his pity.”
Leila lifted an eyebrow defiantly and typed, “The world is full of pitiable people. Why should he reserve his pity just for me?”
Sarah could no longer contain her fury, and her hand flew up as if poised to strike Leila.
Just before the slap could connect, Landon’s voice sliced through the tension. “Why are you so upset with her?”
As Landon stepped into the room, Sarah’s demeanor shifted dramatically. Tears brimmed in her eyes as she approached him, her face a mask of distress. “Landon, your family came today, hoping for a nice time together, but then Leila shows up out of nowhere, provoking me. She says I don’t belong here and tells me to leave.”
“Really?” Landon narrowed his eyes, his gaze shifting to Leila.
Leila averted her eyes, her face devoid of emotion as she stared off into the distance.
Landon felt a twinge of sadness. This was how she was when facing him, even more so than when she argued with Sarah.
Landon caught himself staring a moment too long before turning away.
Sarah, oblivious to the undercurrents, clutched Landon’s hand and pressed, “Landon, you can’t feel for her and just let this go. Your sister-in-law and mother are witnesses. They’ll back me up.”
Only then did Landon glance at the others lounging on the couch. A cold smirk played on his lips. “So, they’re here?”
Melinda and Dean avoided eye contact. Dean cleared his throat, managing a strained smile as he addressed Landon. “This is your family matter, Landon, we’ll stay out of it.”
Shirley’s face was set in a hard line. “You might as well send Leila packing now that you’re getting divorced. Bringing strangers home is just bad luck. Since when did you become so lenient and forgiving?”
Landon disregarded Shirley’s biting comments. Instead, he smiled at Sarah, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “If Leila bothers you so much, the solution is simple. Edgar, confine her. Make sure she doesn’t leave the house for a few days.”
Sarah’s anxiety spiked at Landon’s suggestion. “Lock her up? But she’s supposed to be at my birthday party, isn’t she?”
Landon responded with a nonchalant shrug. “A birthday should be a joyful occasion. It’s best not to have someone there who upsets you. I have other commitments, so I won’t be hosting anyone.”
With those words, Landon turned and left.