Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
Jennifer said to Leila, “Leila, despite your differences with Bria, she’s suffering. Now’s the time to put aside your grievances.”
Leila smiled and replied, “I’m certainly willing to help, though I’m not sure Bria would like to see me. After all, I’m well aware of how much she dislikes me. If I were to stay in the hospital, it would only upset and anger her. But Jennifer, please don’t think I’m heartless. I promise to visit often.
The most important thing to note is that I’m scheduled to return to Avalon the day after tomorrow. That’s been in the plans for a while. However, if Bria doesn’t mind, I’ll make sure to stay in touch even after I go back.”
Bria, wiping away tears, scoffed. “See, Jennifer? I told you Leila wouldn’t be on board. She probably hopes something goes wrong during my surgery.”
Abram slammed his hand on the table, glaring at Leila. “You can do as you please at home because of Tyrone’s affection for you, but Bria is your cousin. How can you just stand by and watch her suffer alone in the hospital?”
Leila raised her eyebrows and replied, “Aren’t you going to be there? Why do I need to be?”
Jennifer replied with a hint of contempt, “That was your thinking? It’s unbearable watching you take advantage of everything the Nixon family offers while you disregard everyone else. You are not boarding that plane the day after tomorrow. You need to be there for Bria’s surgery. We’re a family, and it’s time we started acting like one. If you refuse, I’ll have no choice but to tell the elders about your heartless behavior!”
Jennifer, seeing Leila wasn’t budging, doubled down on the guilt trip. She sneered, “Or do you want your own daughter to be labeled a heartless woman just like her mother? Don’t come crying to me when she grows up and resents you for this.”
Leila felt trapped, her stomach churning with frustration. This bunch was hell-bent on keeping her here. Even if she managed to slip away, they’d probably drag her back kicking and screaming. What the hell were they going to do?
Klein, the little weasel, sauntered over to Tyrone, a wicked glint in his eye. He announced, “Ladies, don’t be so harsh on Leila. Leila can leave. I’ll handle Tyrone’s care.”
Klein put a possessive hand on Tyrone’s arm, his smile a thinly veiled threat. “Don’t fret. I’ll be here for Tyrone when Leila and Ewing are away.”
Leila’s eyes narrowed into icy slits. “He is your grandfather, Klein,” she hissed.
Klein blinked, feigning innocence. “What’s that supposed to mean?” he asked, all wide-eyed. “I’m just being a good grandson.”
The room crackled with tension. Everyone knew Klein was holding Tyrone hostage.
Abram’s family sat in stony silence. Even Jennifer remained quiet.
Abram and Jennifer’s husband had a history of bad blood, but Jennifer had always been close to Abram’s family. A wave of bitter irony washed over Leila. Was Ewing really raised by Jennifer, this manipulative witch? It was hard to believe Ewing and Jennifer were as different as night and day.
Leila’s shoulders slumped in defeat. “Fine,” she said with a sigh. “I’ll cancel the ticket.”
Astrid plastered on a sickly-sweet smile and patted Leila’s shoulder. “That’s a good girl. This is all for the good of the family. Maybe you and Bria can finally bury the hatchet. You’re cousins, after all.”
Leila forced a smile. “I could be happy with you if you and Bria would just leave me alone. But you won’t, so don’t pretend you care.”
Then, Leila pushed Tyrone’s wheelchair to leave.
Astrid’s smile vanished. She glared at Leila, muttering curses under her breath, “Damn it! Does she think she’s so important? Tyrone is just blind to her true nature!”
Bria walked over to Astrid, hesitation coloring her tone as she asked, “Mom, is it true that Leila will get a third of Tyrone’s inheritance when he dies?”
“Yes, it’s true,” Astrid whispered. “When Tyrone was in his right mind, he gave his will to Ewing. Jennifer saw it, or we’d all be clueless.”
Astrid and the others were already far from reconciled with the idea that Leila would take a share of Tyrone’s assets upon his death. In their eyes, Leila was simply the daughter of Tyrone’s only daughter and didn’t deserve to gain a dime at all. They were astonished to learn Tyrone intended to leave so much to Leila.
Tyrone had planned to split his money equally between his three children.
Abram thought Leila shouldn’t get anything since her mom wasn’t alive.
But Tyrone wanted Leila to have her share anyway. Certainly, Astrid and the others didn’t like this idea at all.
At first, Jennifer had no intention of getting involved. But she changed her mind upon seeing Tyrone’s will. She swiftly decided to side with Abram’s family and support their schemes.
The day of Bria’s operation arrived quickly.
Leila, having known about Bria’s delicate condition and predicted the lengths Abram’s family would go to, decided to play it safe this time.
Leila showed up at the hospital but wouldn’t go anywhere near Bria’s ward. No matter who tried to corner her, she would just employ the well-prepared excuse.
Whenever asked, Leila would fake a cough behind her mask. “I’ve got the virus, gotta stay isolated. I’ll swing by when Bria’s better. Don’t worry. I’m practically camping out here already, eating hospital food and all. This can be taken as keeping her company.”
“Seriously, Leila? What’s the deal?” Jennifer snapped. “If you didn’t want to be here, why the hell did you come?”
Leila batted her eyes innocently. “Jennifer, don’t you remember why I’m here?”
The realization hit Jennifer like a brick. They were the ones who’d practically dragged Leila here.
Now, Leila was glued to this place, leaving Jennifer at a loss on how to proceed with the grand schemes.
Jennifer’s face turned thunderous. “Screw this,” she muttered, storming off.
Sophie peeked out from behind Leila, her big eyes wide. “Mommy, she was scary!”
Leila stroked Sophie’s hair, soothing her. “Stick with me, sweetie. Don’t go anywhere, no matter who asks, okay?” Sophie nodded eagerly. “Mommy, I’ll be good.”
Leila smiled and caressed her cheek. “Good girl,” she whispered.
Leila asked around and discovered that neither Ewing nor his father was able to make it. They seemed to be swamped with things happening at the Nixon family estate and couldn’t get away. If that was the case, it was understandable.
But something still felt off to Leila.
One day, Leila had lunch and did some quick math. In two days, Bria would be fully recovered, and she could finally take Sophie away.
Sophie had been born in Ferelden. Even though she was Avalonese, she’d never actually set foot in Avalon.
Despite her young age, Sophie could speak both Ferelden’s and Avalon’s languages.
Even so, there were cultural differences between Ferelden and Avalon.
Worried that Sophie might not be used to Avalon, Leila found some popular videos for Sophie to watch so she could get a better understanding of the culture in Avalon. Leila was already drowsy before Sophie even finished the first video.
Looking at the locked door, Leila beckoned Sophie over. Sophie put the tablet down and ran to Leila’s side.
“Sweetheart, do you want to take a nap with me?” Leila asked, holding her daughter close, feeling like she held the whole world in her arms.
Rubbing her eyes, Sophie nodded sleepily. “Okay, Mommy. I’m sleepy too.”
The room fell silent as rain started to patter against the windows.
In her sleep, Leila felt someone gently pull a quilt over her.
Blearily, Leila opened her eyes and saw the masked man from the auction house that day.
The man’s eyes held a hint of warmth.
“What are you doing here?” Leila asked, surprised. This was the Nixon family’s private hospital. How did he sneak into the hospital and this room without anyone noticing?
The man stayed quiet and took off his mask.
Leila’s eyes widened. It was none other than Landon! Before Leila could speak, Sophie in her arms started to wiggle.
Sophie reached out for Landon, took his hand, and said, “Daddy!” Landon took Sophie’s hand and walked away, leaving Leila stunned.
Leila tried to leap out of bed to follow Landon, but her limbs were inexplicably heavy. No matter how hard she pushed herself, she remained immobile. All she could do was watch as Landon moved further away with Sophie.
Sophie glanced back at Leila occasionally, but each time, Landon tugged Sophie forward.
“No!” Leila jolted awake from her nightmare.
Outside, a drizzle persisted, the air fresh and the temperature mild. Yet, Leila was drenched in sweat, the terror of her dream clinging to her. She massaged her temples, attempting to soothe her nerves.
Leila’s thoughts drifted to Sophie, who should have been sleeping beside her. The commotion should have disturbed Sophie. Perhaps Sophie was too deep in slumber to have awakened.