Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
A car screeched to a stop just in time, narrowly avoiding a collision with her.
The driver who had been pursuing Leila finally slowed to a halt, his breath heavy as he fixed his gaze on Leila. He appeared cautious, reluctant to be noticed by anyone nearby, and paused before moving closer.
The car door swung open, and a woman emerged, striding toward Leila in high heels.
Leila’s eyes lit up with hope. She frantically motioned with her hands, trying to communicate that she had been abducted and was in desperate need of rescue.
“Are you all just going to stand there and do nothing? Hurry up and help her up.” The voice of the woman was soft and comforting, resembling a mild breeze that brought solace to everyone within earshot.
It was the first time Leila had encountered such a soothing voice.
With assistance, Leila got to her feet, albeit unsteadily. She smiled, her face bright with gratitude as she repeatedly thanked the woman.
The woman, clad in a flowing white dress, had long hair that fell gracefully down her back. Her features were delicate and kind, and when she smiled, charming dimples appeared at the corners of her mouth. “Don’t mention it,” she replied. She acknowledged Leila’s gratitude with a nod, but suddenly, a severe coughing fit overtook her, her complexion turning ashen.
The person next to the woman reacted with concern, hastily saying, “Miss, the breeze is too strong here, and your health is fragile. You should get back in the car quickly or you might risk catching a cold.”
“No, I won’t get into the car,” the woman declared, her gaze thoroughly examining Leila from head to toe. “I prefer to stand here.”
Leila found the woman’s statement peculiar.
Then, abruptly, another voice chimed in nearby, “Miss Nixon, my apologies. This woman can be quite a handful. I drugged her, yet somehow she still managed to escape.”
Leila’s eyes widened in astonishment as she spun around to face the earlier driver, who now addressed the woman with respect. Most shockingly, the driver referred to the woman as Miss Nixon. Could this be the same Nixon family the driver and Courtney had mentioned earlier?
Bria Nixon let out a soft chuckle, her gaze flitting briefly over Leila’s pale face. “It’s fine. She’s been delivered, after all. But really, don’t you see how unfit she is for this? Bringing someone in her state to me seems quite inappropriate.”
The driver responded, a note of resignation in his voice, “Miss Nixon, abducting someone these days is tough enough, let alone someone who’s fully capable. Yes, she’s mute, but she’s fit otherwise. Well, except she’s pregnant. How you handle this situation is entirely your decision.”
Leila eyed Bria, noting her gentleness which seemed at odds with her involvement in such clandestine human trafficking activities. What could possibly be Bria’s motive? Given the luxury car and the entourage of bodyguards and servants around Bria, it was clear she hailed from a family of considerable wealth.
Uncertain of her destiny, Leila was overwhelmed by a wave of despair.
Bria snorted. “Do you mean to say that as the one footing the bill, I can’t afford to be choosy?”
The driver, drenched in a cold sweat, quickly explained, “No, that’s not what I meant at all. I assure you, if there are better options, I’ll present them to you immediately.”
At this, Bria’s expression softened slightly. “Alright, I’ll settle for her for now. After all, there’s still some time left. This doesn’t concern you anymore. You may leave now.”
With a sigh of relief, the driver turned and departed swiftly.
Bria then turned her gaze to Leila, observing the latter intently.
In stark contrast to her earlier panic, Leila now seemed much more composed.
Bria approached and examined Leila closely. “You look delicate and pretty. What does your family do?”
Leila pressed her lips tightly together, offering no reply.
Suddenly, someone shoved Leila roughly, scolding her, “Miss Nixon is asking you a question. Why aren’t you answering?”
Leila nearly stumbled from the force.
Bria scowled. “Why are you handling her so roughly? Be gentle.”
Despite her words, Bria crossed her arms and made no move to assist Leila.
An awkward smile crossed Bria’s face as she suddenly remembered something. “Oh, sorry, I forgot you’re mute. Can anyone here communicate using sign language?” Instantly, someone stepped forward.
Bria smiled as she gazed at Leila.
Leila let out a resigned sigh and began to use sign language. Her gestures communicated that she didn’t have any family members and was merely an ordinary person. Attempts to gain some ransom or something profitable from her would be futile.
Bria shook her head, dismissing Leila’s concerns. “That’s okay. All I need is for you to be healthy.”
Leila’s brow furrowed with suspicion. Bria didn’t look like she was short on servants.
Bria turned to her assistant and pointed at Leila. “Now that we have this mute woman, we shouldn’t stay here any longer. Let’s quickly pack up and head back to Ferelden.”
The assistant voiced her worries, “But Miss Nixon, the doctor recommended you stay in Avalon for your health. Plus, your grandfather is here. Your mother thinks now is the perfect time for you to show your devotion.”
Bria scoffed at this. “What’s more crucial, my health or the so-called devotion? Besides, do you honestly think this mute woman, who claims she has no family members, is telling the truth? Things aren’t this simple. Let’s avoid unnecessary trouble.”
Yet, the assistant persisted, unyielding. “You are the heiress of the Nixon family. Even if this mute woman has someone powerful behind her, who would dare challenge you? Not even the formidable Kensington family here would dare to cross you.”
Flattered by the compliments, Bria lifted her chin proudly. “Of course, but…”
Bria’s tone shifted, a trace of malice glinting in her eyes. “My cousin excels at winning people over, and those two people’s main reason for returning is to find someone. Why should I get involved? Let’s just bring this mute woman back to Ferelden to avoid further complications. Some things are forbidden in Avalon.”
“Understood,” the assistant replied, nodding.
Meanwhile, Leila was lost in her thoughts, oblivious to the quiet exchange between the two. By the time she snapped back to reality, she was being pushed into another car.
Beside Leila sat Bria’s assistant.
With a stern expression, the assistant instructed the driver, “We’ll head to the hospital first to have her run through a check-up to see if there are any health concerns.”
Feeling uneasy yet trying to remain calm, Leila was subjected to a thorough examination, which showed all her functions were normal.
It was just that Leila was pregnant. Considering her recent emotional turmoil and lack of appetite, the doctor recommended she increase her intake of nutrients.
Standing outside the consultation room, Leila couldn’t help but overhear the assistant’s inquiry from within. “Is an abortion possible?”
Leila jumped to her feet, alarmed. Her gaze shifted fearfully toward the consulting room as her hands began to perspire.
Luckily, the doctor shook his head dismissively. “She’s had an abortion previously. Another termination could trivialize the issue of conceiving again. More importantly, it could have serious health repercussions, weakening her body significantly. I would advise against an abortion if you want her to remain healthy.”
The assistant’s face fell with disappointment. “Then, I hope you can prescribe something to bolster her health and strengthen her constitution.”
Suddenly, a chill voice cut through the air near Leila, directed at Bria’s assistant. “Aren’t you Bria’s assistant? Did she send you here to fetch some medication because she’s feeling ill?”
The assistant turned around to find Ewing Nixon in the doorway, a look of surprise etched on her face.
Unsure of when he had arrived or what he had overheard, the assistant quickly masked her shock with a flawless smile. “Miss Nixon is quite well. It’s one of her servants who’s unwell and came here for a consultation. Thank you for your concern, Mr. Nixon.”
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“Is that so?” Ewing cast a glance downward at Leila.
Leila dropped her gaze to the floor, deliberately avoiding eye contact with Ewing.
Initially, Leila had thought about asking Ewing for help, but he bore the Nixon surname and seemed to be on good terms with Bria. Being relatives, Leila assumed Ewing and Bria would naturally look out for each other. Any rash action on her part could jeopardize her chance to break free.
Ewing adjusted his glasses, his handsome features marred by a flicker of suspicion. “Am I intimidating? Why won’t you look at me?” he asked Leila.
Leila bowed her head even lower.
The assistant swiftly intervened, positioning herself between Leila and Ewing, and offered a smile. “I apologize, Mr. Nixon. This servant is new and still unfamiliar with our ways. She cannot speak and is extremely timid. She’s an orphan. Without Miss Nixon’s generosity, she likely wouldn’t have found employment with the Nixons. Please, bear with her.”
Ewing let out a laugh, though his smile was tinged with a chill of derision. “I never thought I’d see the day Bria turned compassionate. But, it’s a welcome change. Assure her there’s no need to be so cautious. Our grandpa and I are fully supportive.”
“Yes, sir.” The assistant nodded, understanding the directive.
Leila, positioned behind Bria’s assistant, naturally missed Ewing’s facial expression.