Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
Leila was already feverish, lying in bed, feeling a disorienting mix of excitement and dizziness. Every sound around her seemed to be amplified, piercing her ears with an intensity that made each noise overwhelming.
Leila overheard Ernesto speaking to Griffin. “If you intend to push her to the brink, then why did you have me bring her here? Can’t you wait until the baby is born? Her baby is your final beacon of hope.”
At that moment, Leila could barely hear them speak. She couldn’t shake the unsettling thought of what it meant by saying her baby was Griffin’s last hope.
She suddenly realized their interest in her baby might go beyond merely keeping it. They likely harbored far more horrifying intentions. She knew she had to find a way to escape and was determined to succeed.
Fortunately, Leila’s fever only lasted a few days. She wasn’t one to cower easily, but since she’d arrived, her nerves had been stretched thin, constantly on edge.
After witnessing the horrific scene the other night, she couldn’t bear to stay there any longer.
Ernesto decided to move Leila to another location. She was relocated from the seaside house to a more secure residence in the central area.
The environment was significantly better, and the
furnishings were incredibly luxurious, made of rare wood and jade.
This building was located close to the main residence of the Perry family.
Leila guessed that they must be incredibly wealthy. Ernesto assigned numerous people to protect Leila, but he no longer restricted her freedom.
Ernesto offered Leila a reassuring smile. “Miss Nixon, don’t worry. What happened that night was just an accident.
As long as you remain here and follow our rules, we won’t harm you. You’re free to roam wherever you like. Just know, there are a few restricted areas strictly < off-limits. "
Looking at the seemingly kind-hearted elderly man, Leila couldn’t help but think of Griffin. Although Ernesto and Griffin didn’t resemble each other at all, and contrasted a lot in their ages, they shared a similar aura, especially in their eyes.
Their gaze toward her was like that of a predator eyeing a cornered prey.
Leila lowered her eyes and feigned submission. “1 understand,” she replied, her voice trembling slightly. This was the first time since her arrival on the island that she had cooperated so willingly.
Ernesto nodded in satisfaction and had someone wheel him away.
As the hum of the wheelchair gradually faded, Leila lifted her gaze. Any trace of fear was long gone from her expression.
She knew she couldn’t remain alone and helpless. She needed to find a companion, but who could it be? Everyone who wasn’t a member of the Perry family had their tongues cut out as a grim reminder of their silence.
The inner circle members were even less inclined to divulge any information to her.
Leila’s eyelashes fluttered lightly as an idea came to her mind. Perhaps she could find a way to gain their trust.
Upon relocating, Leila found herself more frequently in the company of the Perry family.
Leila made no obvious attempts to win their approval. However, whenever they crossed paths, she readily engaged them in conversation. The center of their discussions often revolved around the baby growing inside her.
Leila cleverly used her pregnancy as a segue into conversations, making the interactions feel less forced.
When Griffin heard Leila could feel the baby’s movements, he eagerly assumed it indicated robust health. His smile widened, and his eyes shone peculiarly as he gazed at her swelling belly.
Out of the blue, Ernesto posed a question. “Miss Nixon, you seem to have settled in well here. Have you thought it through?”
With a mild smile, Leila responded, “Yes, I have. Though I can’t return, I find peace in my new surroundings. I have no grievances. It’s clear to me that you bear me no malice. If your intentions were otherwise, I suspect you would have acted by now. Honesty is the best policy, after all. We could be allies. I’m willing to share all I know about the Kensington and Nixon families.”
Seizing the moment, Griffin delved into several sensitive inquiries.
Leila responded to the questions effortlessly, aware they likely had their own sources even if she withheld information.
Ernesto and Griffin shared a knowing look, a hint of satisfaction in their eyes. Although this didn’t secure their trust in Leila, it softened their wariness toward her somewhat.
Two months slipped by, and during that time, Leila discreetly nurtured her pregnancy.
In her spare time, she would chat with Ernesto. Her broad knowledge and keen sense of timing brought frequent laughter from him, much to her quiet delight.
Ernesto, with a reflective sigh, commented, “I always wondered why the Nixon family decided to bring you back so suddenly. It appears the world has greatly underestimated you.”
Leila offered a gentle smile, masking her unease while maintaining her composed demeanor. “Speaking with you always brings my grandfather to mind. You remind me of him, a kind and remarkable elder.”
This comparison brightened Ernesto’s spirits even more. Leila’s grandfather, Tyrone, had been a prominent figure in his younger days.
Leila had learned Ernesto’s early days in society were marked by humble beginnings and a climb to the top that wasn’t without its controversies. His reputation was a mixed bag..
While he had risen to significant stature, critics argued he was unworthy of his accolades. Ernesto hid it well, but deep down, he felt a profound emptiness, despite his wealth and power.
When Leila compared him to a revered figure, Ernesto couldn’t help but feel overjoyed.
Leila continued to praise Ernesto even though she didn’t quite mean her words. “I once had a mentor who taught me a great deal,” she told Ernesto. “When I speak with you, he comes to mind.”
“Really? Who might that be?” Ernesto asked, his interest piqued as he narrowed his eyes slightly, suspicious of the flattery that might be too good to be true.
Leila left him guessing, choosing not to reveal her mentor’s identity. Instead, she elaborated on her apprenticeship in antique restoration under his tutelage, explaining how the craft had a calming effect and refined her tastes.
Over time, she came to see her taste as superior to most.
This intrigued Ernesto, and Leila took the chance to offer her services to restore some of his valuable but damaged antiques.
Ernesto, eager not just to have the antiques restored but also to observe and perhaps learn the process, agreed enthusiastically.
However, his interest was more about the experience than actually learning the craft.
Ernesto had begun to view Leila as a charming diversion from his boredom. He felt no need to guard himself around her, as one might feel around a harmless pet.
Consequently, Leila found herself enjoying an unprecedented closeness with Ernesto.
Betsy, Saniya Mason’s real name, upon noticing this, seethed with anger. She had long held herself in high regard as the most efficient assistant to both Griffin and Ernesto.
Externally, Betsy even claimed to be like a daughter to Ernesto. Yet here was Leila, the woman she had introduced to the Perry family, swiftly becoming an insider.
Ernesto seemed to reserve his warmest smiles for Leila, much to Betsy’s chagrin.
In a fit of fury, Betsy cornered Leila, her expression icy and menacing. “Stop with the cunning little games! Do you really think you can earn your freedom by charming them?” she hissed.
Leila’s eyes widened in feigned confusion. “What do you mean? Why would I want to leave? It’s actually quite nice here.”
Betsy’s voice dripped with sarcasm as she sneered, “Oh, is that so? A pampered pet rarely understands its own plight.”
Leila’s smile vanished in an instant. Her expression hardened as she addressed Betsy. “You’re just jealous, aren’t you, Betsy? You don’t have to talk nonsense. They’ve been nothing but kind to me. Their only concern is a matter involving the Nixon and Kensington families, which frankly, has nothing to do with me.”
Betsy’s gaze darkened, her voice dripping with suspicion. “And once they have what they want, do you really think they’ll continue to be kind? Are you that naive, Leila?”
With a firm shake, Leila freed herself from Betsy’s grasp..
“I won’t fall for your stories. If you persist, I’ll discuss this with Ernesto. He’ll clear things up.”
A flicker of panic crossed Betsy’s face. Her plan was merely to drive a wedge between Leila and the Perry family.
“Leila!” Betsy called out, stepping in front of Leila and lowering her voice. “Don’t you want to uncover the true reasons they’re keeping you here? Aren’t you curious about the secrets hidden within these walls?”
Leila eyed Betsy warily. “And why should I trust anything you say?”
Betsy snorted, crossing her arms over her chest. “I’m the only one who will tell you the truth on this island. Believe me or not, the choice is yours.” Just then, Griffin appeared.
Betsy confidently faced Leila, certain her offer would tempt her.
However, Leila unexpectedly turned and parroted Betsy’s words to Griffin.