Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
Ewing took another look at Leila and then turned to leave. However, just as he was about to step into the elevator, he glanced back.
At that moment, Leila looked up, and their eyes met in a fleeting exchange.
Leila possessed strikingly clear and beautiful eyes, not those of naive innocence, but rather those reflecting a serene indifference seasoned by life’s many trials.
This look struck a familiar chord in Ewing. Once kindled, this sense of familiarity was hard to shake. He couldn’t recall anything beyond those eyes, yet they left an indelible mark on his heart.
Leila’s eyes reminded Ewing of those he had seen in his dreams, similar yet tinged with sadness and a hint of gentleness. Still, the memory of their owner eluded him. He only remembered glimpses from his early childhood.
Just then, the elevator chimed upon reaching the floor, pulling Ewing out of his reverie. He dispelled the haunting memories and stepped forward.
In a large ward that resembled more of a spacious apartment complete with a living room, bedroom, and kitchen, an elderly man sat playing the piano.
The nurses and staff moved about with deliberate care, their faces etched with concern. They tiptoed and whispered, their demeanor cautious not to disturb the man at the piano. He was, after all, the most revered figure in the city.
Suddenly, the sound of footsteps approached the door. Bria entered, her arms cradling a bouquet and a warm smile gracing her lips.
As the music ceased, Bria approached, her praise ringing clear. “Grandpa, your piano skills are improving every day.”
Her next words carried a note of concern. “But remember to look after yourself. The doctor advised plenty of rest. We certainly don’t want you to overexert yourself and fall ill again.”
Tyrone Nixon merely stared out the window, ignoring Bria completely.
Unfazed outwardly but internally vexed, Bria squatted in front of Tyrone, her voice soothing. “Grandpa, why don’t you rest on the bed? How about I ask someone to move the piano away?”
At that, Tyrone’s voice cut through the air, cold and sharp. “Who are you? What right do you have to meddle with my belongings?”
Bria’s smile froze, and she shook her head in disbelief. “Grandpa, how can you still not remember? I’m Bria, your granddaughter.”
Tyrone’s expression finally changed. “You are my granddaughter? Then where is my other granddaughter?” he muttered, his eyes clouding with sorrow.
Bria clenched her jaw. She couldn’t fathom why Tyrone remained so attached to a woman long missed, perhaps even dead.
“Bria.” At that moment, Ewing entered. “I was the one who suggested we put the piano here. It’s the only hobby our grandpa has left. He’s aging, and we shouldn’t limit what brings him joy, right?”
Bria blinked innocently and said, “Ewing, that’s not what I meant. I just think our grandpa needs more rest. I was only trying to…”
Ewing interrupted firmly, “The doctor recommended letting him pursue his passions. It might even help bring back his memory. If you truly care for him, you should just let things be.”
“Fine.” Bria conceded, her voice tense.
No sooner had Bria agreed than she grasped her chest, her complexion turning ashen.
Ewing asked with concern, “What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell again?”
Bria shook her head and responded, “It’s nothing serious. Just the usual issues. We should be more worried about our grandpa’s health.”
At that moment, Tyrone, whose thoughts had become clearer, raised his head to look at Bria. “Haven’t I told you to look after yourself? There’s no need for you to visit so often. Ewing’s here, and everything’s under control.”
Bria gently shook her head and said softly, “I worry about you, which is why I came to check on you. By the way, I have some performances lined up, so I really should head back. I’m sorry I can’t stay longer to look after you. But my regular doctor is in Ferelden. Even though Avalon has advanced medical facilities, I’m more comfortable with the doctors I know.”
Tyrone nodded understandingly. “Don’t worry about me. No need for you to come all the way here just to check on me. Go ahead. I’ll arrange for someone to drive you to the private airport.”
Meanwhile, Ewing, who had been silent, suddenly remembered Leila, whom he had seen earlier in the hospital, her familiar eyes lingering in his mind. He interjected abruptly, “Bria, perhaps you should stay a bit longer. I’ve arranged for you to see a specialist next week, and he’s only available then.”
Tyrone nodded, finding Ewing’s suggestion reasonable. “You’re aware of Ewing’s connections. Since he’s secured a capable doctor for you, just stay and consult the doctor. It’s for your health.”
Bria frowned subtly and forced a smile. “If securing an appointment proves difficult, then let’s not bother. No matter how many doctors I visit, my condition remains unchanged. I’d rather return to Ferelden.”
Ewing looked at Bria with a meaningful gaze. “It seems you’re upset with me. Alright, disregard my suggestion.”
With Ewing having put it that way, Bria found herself unable to protest further. She clenched her teeth, relenting. “But I do want to visit the doctor. Thank you for your arrangement, Ewing.”
Ewing gave a nod and then cast a glance at Bria, signaling her to step outside.
However, Bria seemed not to take his cue. She approached Tyrone and began massaging his shoulders. “Grandpa, I heard that my cousin is soon to be located. Is that true? What does she look like? I’ve never seen her photo, not even her mother’s images. I really can’t even picture her.”
The smile vanished from Tyrone’s face, leaving him staring vacantly. “I don’t know what she looks like either.”
Witnessing Tyrone’s troubled expression, Ewing grew concerned. He swiftly said to Tyrone, “Grandpa, don’t fret. I’ve already dispatched someone to relay the message to the Miller family. When Sarah arrives, you can see for yourself if she’s the one you’ve been searching for.”
“Miller family? Sarah?” Bria mused for a moment before an idea dawned on her. “Sarah is our lost cousin? That would indeed be wonderful news.”
Ewing noticed Bria’s intent to provoke Tyrone, and his tone carried a hint of irritation as he addressed Bria, “It’s not yet confirmed. This isn’t something you need to concern yourself with.”
Bria, feeling slighted, retorted, “Why? Just because I’ve been excluded from family matters due to my delicate health doesn’t mean I shouldn’t inquire. Are you upset with me?”
As Bria spoke, tears began to form in her eyes, spilling over her lashes and accentuating her woeful expression. Her already pale face, flushed with distress, made it even more difficult for anyone to reprimand her.
Ewing felt a nagging headache coming on. He was well aware of Bria’s congenital heart disease, a condition she had battled since childhood, making it impossible for people to scold her harshly.
Although Bria had grown up and lost some of the innocence of her childhood, in Ewing’s eyes, she remained his cousin.
Ewing’s voice softened as he spoke. “I didn’t mean it that way. We haven’t confirmed anything yet. I plan to bring Sarah to the hospital for our grandpa to meet. If our grandpa recognizes her as the one he’s been searching for, we’ll move forward with a paternity test. After all, our grandpa is the only one who had seen both my aunt and cousin.”
Bria stopped crying and wiped away her tears, nodding slightly. “I see.”
Despite her understanding facade, Bria was filled with reluctance. How could someone who had been missing for so many years still be considered part of the Nixon family, especially when they didn’t even share the same last name?
Bria couldn’t grasp why her grandfather, despite his advanced age, was so determined to find his missed granddaughter, even suggesting offering half of the family inheritance.
To Bria’s astonishment, Ewing seemed to be unbothered by this suggestion.
A sense of crisis began to swell within Bria. Due to her fragile health, she had always been the focal point of her family’s care and affection. The thought of losing that exclusive love and attention to someone else was unbearable.
Having gathered enough information, Bria soon excused herself.
As Bria made her way out, she nearly walked straight into someone.
The man reacted swiftly, grabbing Bria’s arm to prevent a collision.
Bria steadied herself and looked up to see the man with a sharply defined jawline and piercing, dark eyes. His features were striking, and he stood tall, leaving a lasting impression of handsomeness on Bria.
Although Bria hadn’t encountered many good-looking men in her life, this one quickened her pulse like no other. However, his demeanor toward her was decidedly aloof.
Once Bria regained her balance, the man immediately let go of her arm and stepped back, pressing his lips together in a tight line, showing no desire to converse.
At that moment, Edgar, who was nearby, chimed in with an apologetic smile, “Sorry about that, miss. Mr. Kensington is in quite a rush. Are you alright?”
Bria paid no heed to Edgar, her eyes locked on Landon, the man in question.
“Mr. Kensington? The Kensington family?” Bria muttered under her breath, her tone laced with a touch of disdain as she scrutinized Landon, her pretty face betraying a trace of arrogance that made clear her disregard for the Kensington family.
Edgar could discern from Bria’s tone that she likely hailed from an affluent background.
Just as Edgar was bracing for a challenging encounter, Ewing emerged from Tyrone’s ward and cast a glance at Bria. “Bria, this is the visitor. If you have nothing else to do, just head back.”
With apparent reluctance, Bria shifted aside, making way for Landon to pass.
As Bria moved away, she couldn’t resist throwing a furtive glance over her shoulder at Landon.
Landon, for his part, did not give Bria a second look, not once turning to acknowledge her.
A tumult of emotions flickered in Bria’s eyes. She grasped her current predicament involved figuring out how to handle Leila. If Leila remained in Avalon, complications would surely arise.