Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
Melinda bristled at his words. “Don’t say that to me in that tone. If Dean weren’t such a scoundrel, I’d have been free of him by now.”
After Melinda had caught Dean cheating, he exploited her predicament and grew even more brazen. He had even started bringing other women home openly.
Seething with anger, Melinda sought out Shirley to discuss the situation.
But Shirley was dismissive. “Why bother telling me?” she snapped impatiently. “If anyone’s to blame, it’s you for not having a son. You’re the reason my son looks elsewhere. Do you think I enjoy seeing this?”
Later, Melinda sought a divorce from Dean.
However, to Melinda’s astonishment, Dean bluntly declared that since she had failed to produce a son, she would not receive a single cent from him if they were to divorce.
Melinda’s own family had already shown signs of displeasure toward her. She couldn’t fathom how she and her daughter would manage to survive if she were to divorce without financial support.
From that moment on, Melinda completely lost hope in Dean and Shirley, seeking assistance elsewhere.
The stakes were high. Many were plotting against Landon. If Landon were out of the picture, Dean would be the rightful heir to the Kensington fortune. This needed to happen swiftly, especially before Dean’s mistresses had their children.
Melinda planned to use this situation as leverage in her divorce to claim half of the Kensington family’s assets.
Shockingly, the ally Melinda found was a long-lost illegitimate child of the Kensington family, a person who had been drifting on the outskirts for years. They found common ground in their shared goals.
Despite her aversion to Stan’s appearance, Melinda was willing to overlook it as long as he could aid her in achieving her objectives. As for the fates of Dean and Shirley, she was indifferent.
“I didn’t come here today to discuss this.” As Melinda reflected on her motives, her voice dropped to a whisper and her expression darkened. “I conspired with a doctor to fool Landon. The truth is, the child Leila is carrying is his. He’s still in the dark about it. I’m not sure why Landon keeps Leila close, but given time, he’s bound to sense something off. And if Landon has an heir, navigating this will become even trickier.”
Melinda stared intently at Stan.
Stan was initially silent and then let out a low chuckle. “You’re suggesting I take care of it?”
In a frosty tone, Melinda responded, “Even if Landon discovers my deception, he’ll only reprimand me. I can take my daughter and flee overseas for a bit. After all, I haven’t really harmed Leila. But for you, it’s a different scenario.”
Stan maintained his smile, though his eyes turned icy. He was keenly aware that Melinda’s scenario could very well unfold. At that point, controlling the situation would be challenging.
“That’s simple. We’ll just make sure Leila loses her baby. For someone as active as her, accidents are hardly uncommon.”
Relieved by Stan’s resolution, Melinda exhaled deeply. “Then, I’ll wait for your good news.”
Tomorrow marked the anniversary of Roderick’s death. Leila felt a wave of sadness wash over her at the thought. In previous years, she and Landon had always visited the grave together to honor Roderick’s memory.
Lost in her reflections, Leila eventually made her way to Landon’s study and knocked on the door.
Landon, usually at his company, was home today.
Leila believed it was important to adhere to their usual tradition of paying respects to Roderick. Her intentions were simple and respectful. After all, Roderick had been a revered figure for both of them.
Receiving no answer, Leila figured Landon hadn’t heard her. She gently pushed the door open and stepped inside.
Scanning the room, Leila finally found Landon asleep on the study’s single bed, still clad in his suit now creased from his slumber. An arm was flung over his eyes, a clear sign of his exhaustion..
Leila seldom witnessed Landon in such a state. He usually maintained a distant, regal demeanor around others. It seemed he was pushed to his limits this time.
Though Leila told herself to remain detached, her concern was evident when she saw Landon so vulnerable.
Leila scanned the room, found a small blanket, and gently draped it over Landon.
As she was about to pull her hand back, a strong grip seized her wrist with firm pressure.
Startled, Leila whirled around to meet a pair of icy eyes.
Landon, surprised to see Leila, released her wrist. His voice was raspy as he spoke. “Why are you here?”
Massaging her sore wrist, Leila started to sign, saying that Sarah was not around right now, and he seemed unwell. She questioned whether he needed her to summon Sarah over.
Landon managed a smile, but it was tinged with sarcasm and a chill that belied his pale, striking features. “Really? That’s very generous of you. Considering you’re still technically my wife, orchestrating a rendezvous with my lover is quite the gesture. When did you become so obliging?”
Leila brushed off Landon’s biting tone, attributing it to his foul mood at the moment.
Leila made her way to a chair on the side and settled into it, her face set in a mask of indifference, as if to say, “Think whatever you like.”
Landon softened his voice as he inquired, “What’s the matter?”
Leila shared her thoughts, stressing that tomorrow marked Roderick’s anniversary and suggested they pay their respects as they had always done.
Landon glanced at Leila and didn’t say anything.
Leila added she didn’t mean anything else and that she didn’t mind paying their respects separately if he found being with her uncomfortable.
Landon massaged his temples, replying, “It’s not necessary to go tomorrow. I’ve got commitments, so you’ll have to go alone. If there are arrangements to be made, just inform Edgar ahead of time. I’m exhausted and need some rest.”
Leila reluctantly rose from her chair. After a few steps, she paused and turned back to ask why he skipped Roderick’s anniversary this year since he never missed it before.
Looking up at her, Landon lied, “Tomorrow, Sarah has an award ceremony that I need to attend.”
Leila felt a constricting sensation in her chest. She was itching to ask Landon if Sarah mattered so much that he would miss his own grandfather’s memorial.
Yet, Leila bit her tongue and said nothing. Her discontent with Landon’s choices lingered, but it was no longer her place to comment. She hoped Landon wouldn’t one day rue his decisions.
Landon clearly perceived the faint shadow of disappointment in Leila’s gaze. As he watched her walk away, he parted his lips to speak, only to retreat into silence. The moment for words had passed. Leila probably viewed him with contempt in her heart.
With a rueful smile, Landon pulled out his phone and dialed Edgar.
“Tell Sarah I’ve got a sudden important meeting tomorrow and can’t be at the awards ceremony with her, but dining with her tomorrow evening is manageable,” Landon instructed. “And Edgar, don’t mention that I’ll be visiting my grandpa’s grave. If Sarah knows, she’ll insist on coming. I need some time alone.”
Edgar sounded slightly taken aback. “Your wife just told me she only needed tomorrow’s arrangements finalized. She didn’t expect you to join her.”
Landon massaged his temples, feeling the onset of a headache. “Just follow my instructions and keep it simple. No need for prying.”
“Understood, Mr. Kensington. Everything will be arranged,” Edgar assured him. “However, the forecast predicts heavy rain tomorrow. It might be wise to delay by a day. The mountainous terrain around the graveyard could be treacherous in the evening rain. I’ve also informed your wife of this possibility.”
Landon paused and then asked, “How did she respond?”
“She is determined to go. She said she’d wrap things up quickly, so there’s no need to worry.”
Landon nodded slowly. “Then, make proper arrangements to ensure her safety.”
“Understood.”
Remembering Edgar’s advice of the unfavorable weather, Leila set out early the next morning.
Unexpectedly, the rain arrived earlier than anticipated.
Upon reaching the base of the mountain, a light drizzle started to fall. The path upward was still accessible.
Roderick was a man who cherished solitude. Landon adamantly suggested they purchase a mountain for Roderick’s final resting place.
Instead of placing Roderick’s ashes in the Kensington mansion, they were interred in the mountain cemetery.
Owned privately by the Kensington family, the mountain was seldom visited due to its remote location and lack of facilities.
Through rain or shine, Landon and Leila were the only ones who consistently came to pay their respects each year.
As Leila watched the rain trace paths down the window of her car, she sighed softly. It appeared she might soon be the sole visitor to Roderick’s resting place.
Leila pondered whether Roderick felt lonely in his eternal rest. The thought struck her abruptly. If she passed away, perhaps no one would continue to visit Roderick.