Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
Noemi’s body trembled slightly. She surely knew the grave consequences she faced by taking all the blame upon herself, yet, she had no choice. Bria simply wanted to scapegoat her and publicly humiliate her.
“In that case, you…” Before Ewing could finish, Bria interrupted, her voice feigning urgency as she approached them.
“Ewing!” Bria called out, stamping her foot to attract his attention. “Even if Noemi did wrong, it was for my sake. You all know about my illness, but none of you care as much as Noemi does.”
Ewing’s gaze shifted to Bria, noticing a fleeting look of smugness in her eyes. He responded coolly, “Noemi made a grave mistake. As the head of the Nixon family, it’s only right that I address it accordingly.”
Bria, unable to counter Ewing’s reasoning, knelt beside Noemi in a dramatic gesture. “You just can’t punish Noemi! She has been with me since my childhood. If you decide to punish her, extend the punishment to me.”
Ewing couldn’t help but burst into laughter, the absurdity of the situation striking him amidst the tension.
Ewing stood firm in his resolve, his tone unyielding as he addressed Bria, “I never intended to let you walk away without paying for it. I’ve arranged for you to return to Ferelden as soon as possible. Until then, you are confined to your room for reflection.”
At his words, a subtle shift flickered across Bria’s face before she dramatically clutched at her chest, feigning a medical relapse.
Noemi, ever the loyal aide, sprang into action to support Bria’s act. “Mr. Nixon, please reconsider. Miss Nixon is innocent. Besides, she has suffered from a heart condition for years. If any misfortune befalls her during her journey to Ferelden, the regret will weigh on you forever,” Noemi implored.
Ewing, however, clenched his jaw and responded with determined clarity, “If my memory serves me right, she’s been expressing her burning desire to return to Ferelden for some time. I’m merely fulfilling her wish. Shouldn’t she be pleased? Plus, the top medical team that has previously treated her is based there. I’m doing this for her benefit.”
As Ewing laid out his reasoning, Bria’s performance escalated. She cried out, simulating immense pain and seeming on the verge of collapse, in a bid to garner sympathy and perhaps sway Ewing’s decision. Noemi, despite her own pain, had no choice but to continue supporting Bria in her theatrical display.
Ewing’s gaze swept coldly over Bria and Noemi before he let out a weary sigh. His voice softened slightly as he commanded, “Go back to your room now. I’ll inform you of my decision once I’ve made up my mind.”
As Ewing turned to walk away, Bria immediately dropped her act. She shot a look of displeasure at Noemi, her frustration evident. “You’re the reason why Ewing is not falling for it.”
Noemi, feeling both helpless and responsible, replied with an apologetic tone, “Apologies, Miss Nixon. I take full responsibility for my failures.”
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Bria responded dismissively, her voice cold, “Keep kneeling here until I say otherwise.”
Bria’s mind then shifted to visiting Leila, her long-missed cousin who had recently returned to the clan.
The bodyguards reported it to Ewing as soon as Bria came to visit Leila. After a moment of contemplation, Ewing consented but with strict instructions. “Increase the security around Leila. Keep her safe at any cost. If anything goes wrong, report it to me at once.”
“Yes, sir.”
While Leila was enjoying a peaceful walk accompanied by a nurse specially assigned by Ewing, she suddenly heard a sweet female voice from behind.
“There you are, Leila!” Bria called out cheerfully as she approached with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes.
Leila immediately felt a chill. Just the sound of Bria’s voice was enough to give her goosebumps. She turned to face Bria with a look of stark indifference.
Unperturbed by Leila’s icy expression, Bria breezed over and took Leila’s arm as if they were the best of friends. “Welcome home, Leila! I’m so glad you’re back. I brought you a gift! I hope you’ll like it.”
Leila’s gaze sharpened with vigilance as she quickly shook off Bria’s grip, distancing herself. It seemed to her as though Bria had transformed into a different person overnight, conveniently forgetting the tensions that had flared just the day before.
As Leila gestured her response with sign language, her messages were simultaneously interpreted. “Bria, kindly drop your act since our relationship isn’t as close as you pretend. Relax if you are concerned I’ll hold you accountable for your doings. Since you haven’t actually harmed me, I will just look past your behaviors. It will be best if you keep your distance from me.”
However, Bria simply blinked, feigning innocence and confusion. “Are you trying to cut ties with me, Leila? But we’re family. I’m sorry for the past, and I hope you can give me a chance to make amends. We should try to get along, at least for Ewing’s sake,” she implored, her voice sugary sweet.
Leila’s disdain grew as she watched Bria’s performance, the insincerity palpable. She gestured discreetly to the nurse and the bodyguards, signaling them to give her some space.
Reluctantly, the bodyguards and the nurse stepped away, leaving the two alone in a tense standoff.
The bodyguards didn’t go too far away, watching Bria and Leila intently. They wanted to make sure Bria didn’t hurt Leila.
As soon as everyone else left, Bria’s demeanor changed drastically. Her sweet smile turned into a mean look.
Glancing around, Bria snorted. “Since you returned, Ewing barely paid me any attention. Guess how he will react if he finds out you’re not his cousin at all?”
Leila raised an eyebrow and started typing on her phone. “What are you trying to say? Are you threatening me?”
Bria smirked. “Come on. Don’t play dumb with me. You tricked Ewing and Tyrone into believing you’re the one they have been looking for just to get out of my grip, didn’t you? Tyrone often gets confused due to his senior age, and he has mistaken others for his long-missed granddaughter multiple times. Ewing’s concerns and respect for Tyrone made him fall for Tyrone’s claim without much thought. You must have seen through all these, therefore, you lured Tyrone into the misconception, following which you swiftly earned Ewing’s trust. I finally get why you offered to make the birthday present for me then. You’re so scheming!”
Leila almost laughed out loud at the absurdity of Bria’s groundless accusations.
After some thought, it hit Leila that Bria wasn’t close by when Ewing stepped in and negotiated with her. Therefore, Bria had no idea Ewing was the one who wanted her to stay even if they might not be related by blood, a decision driven by his concerns for Tyrone since Tyrone firmly believed she was his long-lost granddaughter.
Given Bria’s ignorance of Ewing’s proposal, she assumed Leila had succeeded in manipulating the situation to her advantage.
Precisely speaking, part of Bria’s accusation was correct. Leila had inquired about Tyrone’s hobbies and thus tailored the birthday gift to his likeness.
Bria was no fool, though her speculation took the wrong direction.
Bria took Leila’s silence as a yes, feeling she finally spotted Leila’s weakness, which she intended to use in her favor.
Her eyes gleaming with a hint of threat, Bria grabbed Leila’s arm tightly and hissed, “If I were you, I wouldn’t have the guts to stay here. I can’t believe how shameless you are. After you have the baby, you should leave right away. Or else, I’ll show you what trouble really is.”
Leila withdrew her hand from Bria’s grip and gave Bria a cold look. She started typing her reply. “Don’t worry. I’ll be leaving soon.”
Leila never planned to stay long, no matter whether she was part of the Nixon family.
Bria’s spirits were lifted, assuming Leila gave in to her threat. She snorted and walked away, feeling like a winner.
Their conversation was privy only to them, oblivious to those bodyguards not far away.
Hearing the report from his subordinate, Ewing frowned.
“That’s typical Bria,” Ewing commented. “She hasn’t hurt Leila yet, so leave her alone. If she knows we’re watching her, she might do something crazy. Anyway, she will be sent away soon. Arrangements were already made. During this period, ensure Leila’s safety.”
Right after Ewing finished talking, the butler came in, looking embarrassed. “Mr. Nixon, Mrs. Kensington has a visitor.”
“Is he Leila’s friend? Did he say who he is?” Ewing asked, curious.
The butler nodded. “His name is Landon Kensington.”
Ewing was surprised. “Why does he come?” he asked. “Does he have doubts about my arrangements, or is he planning to tell Leila something?”
Ewing supposed Landon was a jerk who left his pregnant wife for another woman.
Although Ewing appreciated Landon’s decisive approaches and remarkable capabilities, he had reservations about Landon’s personal life.
Ewing had intended to dismiss Landon outright. However, he changed his mind after a second thought.
“Ask Leila if she wants to see him. If she does, find a place for them to meet.”
“Yes, sir,” the butler said politely.
Leila was stunned when she heard Landon’s arrival for her. She thought Landon would send her the divorce papers directly and didn’t expect him to show up in person. Could it be that he wanted to see her sign the divorce papers himself? It could be the reason behind his visit since he surely wanted to end things with her so that he could marry Sarah.
Leila nodded as she desired a swift closure of their unhappy marriage.
Five minutes later, Landon was escorted to her room. He was still as handsome as before. His demeanor was constantly calm, and his eyes rarely betrayed his feelings.
As Landon walked in, Leila stood up and nodded at him as a greeting.
After the encounter yesterday, Leila was much more composed when facing him.
Approaching Leila, Landon managed to conceal his inner delight and forced himself not to sit too close to her.
“How’s the baby? Everything’s good?” Landon asked gently.
Leila nodded, caressing her belly with a faint smile. As the baby grew, she could feel the little kicks and movements, a truly magical experience.