Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
Before Landon could translate Leila’s sign language for the others, Jerome interrupted with a surprised exclamation. “Are you saying the bracelet was flawless after you repaired it? And there’s a video of the process? Can I see it?”
Jerome’s unexpected ability to understand sign language shocked everyone in the room.
Stella stood frozen on the sidelines, disbelief etched on her face.
Leila nodded at Jerome and retrieved the USB drive she had prepared in advance.
“Seriously? This long of a video? How are we supposed to watch them all? Are you doing this on purpose?” Stella blurted out in frustration as the USB was connected and the banquet hall’s projector lit up, revealing the files.
Stored on the USB were video files totaling over ten hours.
“Just focus on the finished image,” Landon interjected sharply, his tone cutting through the rising chatter.
Leila, surprised by Landon’s unexpected defense, shot him a quick look. Stella, however, turned noticeably red-faced as whispers and soft laughter spread among the guests.
“Why does the younger Hayes daughter seem so flustered? Is she hiding something?”
“What’s her reason for framing Mrs. Kensington?”
Gripping her skirt tightly, Stella’s mind raced, trying to find a way to deflect the growing suspicion.
Meanwhile, Leila navigated the computer and played the video showcasing the fully restored bracelet. The high-definition footage zoomed in, showing the bracelet immaculate, as though untouched by time. Even the seams, where the fragments had been meticulously glued, were invisible to the naked eye.
Gasps filled the room as the guests witnessed the flawless restoration.
In the video, Leila carefully placed the newly restored bracelet into a box, which Hayden had sealed with his unique stamp and emblem. Although Hayden was not visible in the footage, his distinctive seal was unmistakable.
“You work at Hayden’s restoration studio?” Jerome exclaimed, his voice filled with surprise as he hurried over to Leila.
Stunned by his reaction, Leila simply nodded.
Overwhelmed, Jerome remarked, “You… Why didn’t you mention this earlier? My dear, I am so sorry for this whole ordeal. I apologize on my granddaughter’s behalf. She didn’t know any better. Please forgive us.”
Jerome’s demeanor changed dramatically as he took Leila’s hand and led her to the seat of honor, treating her with more respect than even his own granddaughter.
Leila, taken aback, sat down, her face reflecting her confusion.
“Grandpa, I…” Stella stammered, equally shocked by her grandfather’s reaction to hearing Hayden’s name. She was about to offer a rehearsed excuse when Jerome interrupted her.
“Apologize to Mrs. Kensington! The audacity of blaming someone from Hayden’s studio! Framing? You’ve truly disappointed me!”
“I… I didn’t mean to,” Stella stuttered, tears brimming in her eyes. The arrogance she had shown earlier was now replaced with fear.
Jerome was known for his short temper, especially with his family. He wouldn’t hesitate to cut off their allowances or punish them harshly. Despite her hatred for Leila, Stella found herself stepping forward, adopting a tone of false remorse. “I’m sorry, Leila. I should have taken better care of the bracelet after your hard work. I never meant to falsely accuse you.”
Leila blinked and began to sign her response. However, knowing not everyone understood sign language, she was about to type her response on her phone when Landon stepped in, translating her signs.
Landon spoke clearly, “Normal wear wouldn’t cause this type of damage. Items restored by Hayden’s studio are almost as sturdy as the originals. They don’t break easily.”
Leila wasn’t trying to humiliate Stella. She was simply stating the facts. She refused to let anyone think that the antiques restored by Hayden’s studio were fragile.
Continuing to sign, Leila pointed at the bracelet that Jerome had set aside, while Landon interpreted her signs, saying, “The damage to this bracelet wasn’t caused by a fall or accident. It looks like it was deliberately struck with a hammer or a similar tool. See here? There’s a distinct flat dent.”
Jerome quickly put on his reading glasses, inspecting the bracelet closely. With a sharp intake of breath, he declared, “Indeed! This isn’t damage from a fall!”
“I…” Stella’s tears flowed freely-not from guilt, but from the realization that her scheme had been exposed. She put on a pitiful facade, hoping to avoid further scrutiny.
Unmoved by her act, Jerome delivered a sharp slap to her face. “You’re going to claim ignorance now? Blame it on a friend or a servant who supposedly broke the bracelet? Do you think I can’t see through your petty tricks?”
Stella covered her face, too frightened to cry any further.
Her excuse was flimsy at best. The Hayes family always ensured that gifts were perfect for Jerome’s banquet, checking each one meticulously. Any defect would have been noticed, and any damage was certainly intentional.
The slap silenced the room, leaving everyone stunned until a young guest whispered, “Jerome’s temper hasn’t mellowed. I remember when I was a child, he caught me climbing a tree, pulled me down, and gave me a spanking, saying it was a lesson from my father. After that, I was too scared to ever visit the Hayes’ again.”
Turning back to Leila, Jerome’s tone softened. “I’m truly sorry for any trouble caused today. I’ll make sure to visit Hayden later and personally apologize for this.”
Leila shook her head, indicating that she was satisfied now that the misunderstanding had been cleared.
“By the way, why do you look so familiar to me? Aren’t you the little girl from the Kensington family, Leila?” Jerome asked.
Jerome had been addressing Leila as Mrs. Kensington, but now he finally recognized her.
Leila knew his recognition wasn’t a coincidence. To the outside world, she had always been seen as just a housewife, an extension of Landon. But now, after proving her abilities, she had earned their respect.
Leila nodded, offering Jerome a warm smile as she gestured that she still remembered him.
“I recall you were always interested in antiques as a child. I was there when Hayden took you on as an apprentice at the Kensington’ estate,” Jerome exclaimed with excitement.
He then turned to his butler, instructing, “Please bring the set of azure glazed porcelain from my study.”
Facing Leila again, Jerome smiled faintly. “I’ve had this set of porcelain in my collection for years. Though two pieces are slightly damaged, I believe you can restore them.”
Leila was pleasantly surprised, not expecting a new commission so soon.
Jerome then announced to the room, “This is a gift for you. I hope you’ll like it.”
Gasps echoed through the hall.
This set was a prized piece from Jerome’s collection, considered priceless in the antique market. Many collectors had offered vast sums of money for it, but Jerome had always refused. Now, he was giving it to Leila as a gift.
Leila stood there stunned for a moment before shaking her head vehemently, gesturing that she couldn’t accept the gift, as it was far too valuable.
“It’s really no big deal. You were quite adored by Roderick…” Jerome sighed, giving Leila’s hand a gentle pat. “You deserve all the good things in life.”
Jerome’s eyes filled with emotion. The smart, spirited young Leila had lost some of her sparkle after her marriage to Landon. But today, standing up in front of everyone, reclaiming her passion and proving her strength, Jerome felt like he was seeing glimpses of the old Leila.
Thanks to Jerome’s high regard, Leila became the center of attention for the rest of the event.
Before, people had only acknowledged her as Landon’s wife, calling her Mrs. Kensington. Now, they addressed her by her first name, shook hands, and even picked up some basic sign language to communicate with her.
Leila felt as though she was in a dream, transported back to her days as the beloved adopted daughter of the Kensington family, once again the star of the event. It wasn’t her title that mattered; it was her talent and capability that shone through.
“She’s too thin.” Landon’s voice broke through Leila’s reverie, pulling her back to reality.
She then realized that Landon had commented on her being too thin after someone had just praised her slim figure.
“Proper nutrition is essential. My daughter isn’t a big eater, so I hired a nutritionist and chef for her…” A guest continued, addressing Landon.
Leila expected Landon to grow impatient with the conversation, but surprisingly, he listened with genuine interest.
As the banquet ended, Landon and Leila left together. In the backseat of the car, Leila smiled contentedly.
“Happy?” Landon asked, turning to look at her.
Leila nodded slowly, carefully gauging his reaction. In the past, he had been reluctant to let her attend social events. Would he think she had embarrassed him tonight? But she felt she hadn’t done anything wrong.
“Do you enjoy your work as a restorer?” Landon asked further.
Encouraged by his calm tone, Leila nodded enthusiastically, her smile widening. She was truly happy to have rediscovered her worth.
However, Landon’s expression darkened. He remembered Leila’s reason for becoming a restorer: to quickly earn twenty million dollars, pay him, and then divorce him. Was she so eager for their separation? Did the thought of divorcing him fill her with such joy that she couldn’t suppress her smile?
Noticing Landon’s sour mood, Leila quickly bowed her head, stifling her smile. She assumed her inability to speak was always a source of shame for him.