Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
To Anna, Leila’s words seemed like mere jest. “Well then, call the police and have us arrested. Let’s see if you manage that.”
Anna got up and approached Leila. She reached out, seized Leila by the chin, and forced Leila to meet her gaze.
Anna relished seeing Leila’s terror and tears, feeling a perverse sense of satisfaction.
“You ought to be grateful. My father considered your recent compliance and opted to end your life swiftly without revealing the truth. But at least I’ve told you everything, so you won’t die ignorant.”
Leila, shivering with rage, managed to say, “You’ll be punished for your wicked actions!”
Anna chuckled. “Really? Where’s this punishment?”
Leila regained her composure, her gaze intense.
“Remember how your brother saved you and fled years ago? You two relied on each other. He endured much hardship to raise you. He likely figured out Ernesto’s true intentions and tried his best to keep you out of it. Even in his final moments, he made Landon swear to protect you. Yet, here you are, back in the very place your brother tried to rescue you from. Don’t you ever get haunted by thoughts of him?”
Anna’s rage boiled over, and she slapped Leila. “Silence!” At that moment, a bodyguard interjected. “Miss Perry, if anything happens to her, it’s on you.”
Anna, breathing heavily, fought the urge to lash out further. She clenched her teeth.
“If it weren’t for you, Landon and I could have had a peaceful life together. All my suffering is because of you!”
Leila took a few shaky steps back, her hands instinctively cradling her swollen belly.
After taking a moment to steady herself, Leila resumed her mockery of Anna. “No, Anna. You’re here because of your own choices. You made your bed. Now, lie in it. Let me tell you something. Landon is never going to love you. Even without me, he won’t. If you doubt me, ask him yourself. Or, if you’re feeling bold, you can kill me right now and see if what I said isn’t true.”
Anna’s composure shattered completely, unraveling in a whirlwind of emotions. It was painfully clear she was spiraling, caught in the throes of an uncontrollable episode. Her face contorted, veins bulging on her forehead as murderous intent blazed in her eyes.
Anna gritted her teeth, her hand trembling as she slowly pulled a knife. “Leila, do you think I won’t kill you?” The bodyguards, usually stoic and composed, faltered at the sight of Anna’s deranged state.
As the bodyguards moved to intervene, Anna lunged with wild strength, stabbing one of them. Blood spurted from the bodyguard’s wound as he collapsed to the floor.
Leila’s mind raced, ducking behind a nearby table, buying herself precious seconds as she calculated the time.
Just as Anna charged, knife raised to strike, the door burst open.
“Stop!” Ernesto’s voice boomed, sharp with authority.
The tension in the room was palpable as Ernesto wheeled himself in, his urgency pushing him to almost rise from his chair.
Several more bodyguards rushed in, swiftly restraining Anna, but her fury was far from spent.
Anna thrashed and screamed, eyes bloodshot and wild. The crowd exchanged uneasy glances, most of them unaware of Anna’s struggle with mental illness.
With so many eyes on them, any chance for Ernesto to shield Anna or cover up her outburst had vanished. His cold gaze swept over the chaotic scene, resting on Anna with disdain.
“Anna, have you forgotten what you promised me?” Ernesto asked, his voice trembling with barely contained rage. “Is this really the time for that? Do you have any idea who you’re putting in danger?”
Anna’s rage subsided under Ernesto’s withering glare, and slowly, the reality of her actions dawned on her. Tears welled up in her eyes as her body shook.
“Dad… It wasn’t my fault. Leila provoked me. She’s trying to manipulate you! She’s the one who’s scheming!” Anna cried, her voice cracking.
“Shut up!” Ernesto barked, his anger surging again, a violent coughing fit.
Ernesto waved a hand, dismissing Anna. “Take her away. I don’t want to see her face today.”
Anna, stunned, tried to protest but was quickly dragged away, her cries fading down the hallway.
Saniya, standing quietly behind Ernesto’s wheelchair, gently patted his back, soothing him. “Mr. Perry, don’t let your anger take over. Remember, you’ll be healthy again soon. Right now, your health is far more important.”
Ernesto found Saniya’s words compelling, and gradually, he felt his anger dissipate like mist in the morning sun. Ernesto glanced at Leila, a strange smile playing on his lips. “Did Anna tell you everything?”
Leila, her heart pounding in her chest, quickly knelt before Ernesto. “Mr. Perry, I beg you, spare my life. I’ll do anything you ask. I’ll be honored if my child serves your purpose.”
Ernesto pursed his lips, his expression dripping with disdain at Leila’s desperate groveling. But on second thought, if he pushed Leila too far and caused a miscarriage, the consequences would be disastrous.
Ernesto had initially planned for Leila to deliver the baby prematurely, as his deteriorating health couldn’t afford to wait for her children to reach full growth. No further accidents could occur with Leila.
Ernesto glanced at Saniya, who immediately understood his silent command. She stepped forward, gently helping Leila to her feet.
“Leila, Miss Perry was just trying to scare you,” Saniya said with a rare smile, her voice soft. “You’ve been remarkably cooperative and have a good relationship with Mr. Ernesto Perry. Naturally, he wouldn’t harm you. Besides, once the child is born, it will need its mother. So don’t worry, your life is safe.”
Leila exhaled, relief flooding through her. For now, she had avoided death.
Ernesto motioned toward the door. “I have special guests to attend to. Saniya, stay behind and comfort Leila.” With that, Ernesto wheeled away, his entourage following closely behind.
As soon as Ernesto left, Saniya’s gentle facade vanished. She turned to Leila with a cold, calculating stare. “Stop pretending. What’s your real motive? You know as well as I do that Ernesto won’t spare your life.”
Leila’s fawning expression vanished. She remained calm and cold. “I understand, and that’s why I need your help. I promised to make you Ernesto’s most trusted confidant. You see for yourself. I only employed a small trick to turn Ernesto against Anna.”
Saniya studied Leila, unsure whether to trust her.
Saniya grasped that Leila was undeniably ruthless. If Ernesto had arrived just a moment later, Anna might have killed Leila, leading to three tragic deaths. By then, not only would Leila and her babies be lost, but Ernesto would be furious, likely leading him to kill Anna in retaliation. So, even if Leila died, Anna was dragged down.
“So, what’s driving your desire to continue cooperating with me? I have nothing left for you to exploit,” Saniya said, her voice filled with skepticism.
Leila’s gaze softened as she stared at Saniya, her voice almost pleading. “I helped you handle Griffin and weaken Anna. All I ask in return is that you protect my child.”
Saniya scoffed. “That’s a weak excuse. Even if I don’t step in, your child will be well cared for here. Do you get what I’m saying?”
Leila shook her head, her voice trembling with emotion. “I’m carrying twins. Ernesto only wants one. I need you to help me protect the other.”
Saniya’s eyes widened in surprise. She looked down at Leila’s noticeably large belly, realizing the truth behind Leila’s words.
After a moment’s hesitation, Saniya nodded. “Alright. I’ll help you.”
Leila’s eyes filled with tears of relief. “Thank you,” she whispered.
But as Saniya turned away, her mind whirled with thoughts of betrayal. She had no intention of protecting Leila’s children, but for now, she would play along.
Saniya approached Leila and said, “Now that I’ve agreed, tell me what to do next. If the reward isn’t worth it, I might regret it.”
Seeing the undisguised greed in Saniya’s eyes, Leila couldn’t help but sneer inwardly.
Leila reached into her pocket, pulled out a small pill, and handed it to Saniya. “This pill is harmless, but Anna’s situation has shifted. If she takes this pill in her manic state, she could spiral into even more chaos. If she embarrasses Ernesto publicly, he’ll be forced to get rid of her.”
Saniya stared at the pill in Leila’s hand, uncertainty flickering in her eyes.
Following a prolonged silence, Saniya voiced her concern, “What if we get caught? Your plan is risky.”
Leila dismissed the worry with a shake of her head. “We won’t be caught. I’ve entrusted you with my child. What good would it do me if you were discovered? I assure you, you won’t get caught.”
Saniya considered this and decided it was logical. With a confident grin, she accepted the pill. “Don’t worry. Once I gain Ernesto’s complete trust, caring for your child will be straightforward.”
Outside, the atmosphere was bustling. The banquet was lavish in every aspect.
Hope flickered in Leila’s eyes as she said, “I know my time is short, but I long to see this scene once more. Please, take me to the banquet. I’ll keep to myself and won’t be any trouble.”
Saniya hesitated, concerned. “It’s risky. What if you’re hurt by someone accidentally?”
Leila clutched her stomach, feigning distress. “Can you not fulfill even this simple wish? If not, I must speak to Ernesto.”
Alarmed, Saniya quickly assisted Leila outside.
The entire island was abuzz with the banquet festivities. Wherever Leila looked, she saw people enjoying themselves.