Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
To say she harbored disappointment and resentment would be a lie. Yet, despite everything, she couldn’t ignore the deep-rooted connection forged from their shared past, starting from childhood.
In her heart, Landon was the most important old friend she had. No matter what, she wanted him to live a good life.
At the revelation of his death, her mind was thrown into turmoil.
After ten minutes of silence, Leila finally spoke, her voice thick with bitterness and hoarseness. “Go on.”
Mr. Lando opened his eyes and looked at Leila before continuing, “I met him in the black market. Ever since I was a child, I have been considered unattractive, and no one wanted to be close to me. I had money. He was broke but incredibly smart. We clicked immediately and took control of the black market together. With his help, we expanded the black market’s reach and started many companies.
“There were so many businesses that I couldn’t manage them all, so he took over. He worked tirelessly, like a machine that never needed rest.
I treated him as my brother and even thought about introducing some girls to him, but he refused. He never wanted to go back to his homeland. Beside him was always his subordinate, Edgar.
“Later, someone tried to kill me, and he sacrificed himself to save me. Before he died, he told me that even after all these years, there was one person he couldn’t forget. So, after his death, I decided to look for you.”
Leila’s lips moved, but no words came out. She looked up, touching her face and feeling the icy coldness of her tears as they streamed down.
Her initial reaction to the story was sheer disbelief. “How could that be? Wasn’t Sarah the most important person to him?” she blurted out.
Mr. Lando tilted his head, puzzled, an expression of confusion on his face. “Sarah? Who is that? I’m afraid I don’t know who that is. But it doesn’t matter. I’m a bit selfish. I saved your life, which means that I have repaid the debt I owed him. Remember our agreement. From now on, your life and death are none of my concern.”
Leila wanted to question Mr. Lando further. Wouldn’t he feel even a twinge of guilt? But as the thought settled, she realized that Landon’s choices were his own. She had no right to hold anyone else accountable.
With a trembling voice, Leila replied, “I understand. Thank you for saving my life, Mr. Lando.”
With a dismissive wave, Mr. Lando motioned for her to leave.
As Leila approached the door, she suddenly remembered something. She paused and glanced back at Mr. Lando. “Landon didn’t want to go home because he was wronged and driven away. If you value his kindness toward you, you shouldn’t allow the current Kensington family to live in comfort.”
Mr. Lando’s lips curled into a wry smile, a trace of sarcasm lacing his laughter.
“I’m no fool. After your incident, Lenny already conducted an investigation. The Kensington family might be behind your recent ordeal.
I know there has been bad blood between you and them. You are just trying to use me to settle scores with them, right? I have already saved your life, which is more than enough repayment. Don’t expect me to intervene for your sake.”
His condescending tone left Leila feeling frustrated and dissatisfied. She had no intention of manipulating him.
With a cold gaze, Leila offered a curt apology. “Sorry if I came across as blunt.”
After saying that, she exited the ward.
However, Mr. Lando’s gaze remained fixed in the direction she had left for a long time before he finally looked away. He couldn’t help but let out a sigh.
Instead of returning to her ward, Leila headed straight to arrange for her discharge. She then called Stan.
When Stan answered the call, Leila cut straight to the chase. “Stan, you have two choices. Either send Courtney over yourself, or I’ll involve the police to capture her.”
There was a pause on the other end before Stan finally spoke up, “Leila, I’m afraid I don’t understand what you’re talking about. When I heard about your car accident, I was genuinely worried. I’m on my way to the hospital right now. I understand that you might suspect me, but using such clumsy methods against you does me no good. Perhaps there has been a misunderstanding between us. If you are upset, I would like to make it right. After all, the accident happened not long after our meeting, and I feel a sense of responsibility.” Stan’s voice was pleasant and soothing.
Leila didn’t fall for it in the slightest. With a hint of sarcasm, she said, “I don’t want to repeat myself. If I’m calling you to discuss this, it means I already have enough evidence in my hands. If you are not willing to cooperate, I’ll have to involve the Nixon family. Since I returned to Avalon, Ewing has been quite concerned about me. Just imagine his reaction if he found out it was one of your henchmen who almost caused my death in that so-called car accident.”
After Leila returned to the Nixon family, Ewing placed her on a pedestal, cherishing her above all others. This respect wasn’t just known among the people in Ferelden; even the elite circles of Burmoos were aware of it. Otherwise, Courtney wouldn’t have risked taking such drastic actions driven by jealousy and a fragile state of mind.
On the other end of the phone, Stan lost his cool, aiming to regain his composure by taking a deep breath repeatedly.
Suddenly, Leila heard a faint female voice pleading for mercy. “Please, Mr. Kensington. I’m begging you. Don’t do this.”
“Shut up!” Stan snapped at the woman, his voice brimming with anger.
Realizing he was still on the line with Leila, Stan took a moment to compose himself and calm his emotions. He chuckled dryly and said, “Thanks for the reminder, Leila.”
Leila understood his decision and couldn’t help but smile.
Courtney had been by Stan’s side for so long and helped him commit countless nefarious schemes. She somehow had the illusion that she was of importance to him. In reality, she was nothing more than a disposable pawn.
Stan was no fool when it came to choosing between crossing the Nixon family and abandoning Courtney.
What surprised Leila was how quickly Stan abandoned Courtney. She had expected she would need to engage in a psychological battle with him. After all, she had no concrete evidence to back her claims.
After returning home, Leila rested for a while.
Soon, Liza brought some news. “Our informants said the Kensington family is planning to make a move in the political arena. Mrs. Charlene Martel from the Martel family is hosting a birthday banquet in a week.
She has always had a deep love for paintings. Coincidentally, we have just acquired a highly sought-after ancient painting. The Kensington family is eager to get their hands on it. Should we consider not displaying it tomorrow?”
“Why on earth should we not display it?” Leila raised an eyebrow, a thoughtful expression crossing her face.
“In fact, we should do the exact opposite. We need to showcase it prominently and create a buzz around it. Spread the word that Mrs. Martel has a special fondness for this painting. Let’s turn up the heat and make it a challenge for the Kensington family to get it.”
“Understood.”
On the day of the auction, Leila insisted on being there despite her ongoing recovery.
As Leila was about to leave, Sophie dashed out and seized her hand.
“Mommy, please don’t go,” Sophie’s large, earnest eyes pleaded with Leila. “You should rest at home.”
Leila stroked Sophie’s hair soothingly. “Sophie, there’s no need to worry. I’ll be back before you know it.”
Sophie’s lips quivered, tears brimming in her eyes.
“I’m scared you’ll get hurt if you go.”
Leila’s heart twisted with pain. The car incident from a few days prior had not only frightened Tyrone but Sophie as well, leading to Sophie’s nights being haunted by nightmares for days.
In Sophie’s dreams, she would call out for Leila, terrified that Leila wouldn’t be there when she awoke.
“Sweetheart,” Leila murmured as she embraced Sophie tightly. “I promise I’ll be careful. You need to stay here with your great-grandpa, okay? When I get back, we’ll go out and have fun together.”
It wasn’t until then that Sophie released Leila’s hand, though her voice was tinged with reluctance.
“Mommy, don’t break your promise, or you have to make it up to me.”
With a smile, Leila reassured Sophie once more.
Upon reaching the auction house, Leila half-expected the No. 1 private room to be taken as usual. To her surprise, Errol had reserved it just for her.
Errol ushered Leila into the No. 1 private room. With a slight frown, Leila said, “You didn’t have to reserve this room just for me. Business comes first, after all.”
Errol offered a reassuring smile. “Actually, no one booked it today.”
Leila wasn’t convinced by his explanation. As she passed the No. 2 private room, a string of curses spilled out. She surmised that Errol’s fianc?e had arrived and was evidently upset.
Casting a glance at Errol, Leila suggested, “You seem worn out lately. How about I give you a day off? Spend some time with your fianc?e, perhaps?”
Errol’s expression darkened briefly before he shook his head. “She knows I’m swamped with work. She understands. Besides, you rarely visit the auction house in Avalon. I wouldn’t trust my staff to attend to you properly in my absence.”
Leila saw through Errol’s motives. A sudden headache gripped her as she recognized his unrelenting affection for her, despite her clear refusals and his current engagement.
“I won’t take no for an answer,” Leila stated firmly. “What? Are you going to disobey my order?”
Struggling for words, Errol finally said, “Thank you for your concern.”
With the auction about to commence, Errol exited the No. 1 private room, leaving Leila to her thoughts.