Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
Yet, observing the extravagant displays, Leila felt only revulsion. Inside the banquet hall, no one paid her any attention.
As Leila approached the banquet’s heart, the security detail of the Perry family tightened conspicuously.
Security personnel from the Perry family appeared frequently, underscoring the high level of security. Unexpectedly, Leila encountered a familiar face.
“Clayton!” she exclaimed, a strange emotion stirring within her.
At the sight of Leila, Clayton’s surprise was evident. Upon noticing her belly, his expression turned cautious. “Why are you here?” he asked with a note of suspicion.
Leila managed a serene smile. “I was invited. I’ve heard great things about this island and the grandeur of its banquets, and I wished to see it for myself.”
Clayton looked skeptical, aware that this was neither the time nor the place for more probing questions.
He drew Leila aside and murmured, “Let’s talk for a moment, and then you should leave quickly. If you’re here against your will, I’ll ensure you’re safely out of here today.” Leila sensed something.
Observing Clayton’s scanning gaze through the crowd, she realized he was not merely a guest but was on a mission to find someone.
“What does this person look like?” Leila inquired, offering to help. “I can keep an eye out.”
Clayton offered a fleeting smile and, using the crowd’s movement, gently pushed Leila aside. They quickly lost each other in the throng.
Looking up, Leila locked eyes with someone unsettling. It was Griffin. His gaze was menacing, reminiscent of a venomous snake in the shadows, poised to strike. Feeling a shiver, Leila quickly looked away after brief eye contact.
Luckily, Griffin was preoccupied and didn’t approach Leila. He was a living testament to a successful, albeit controversial experiment, drawing many curious onlookers who bombarded him with questions.
The cost of undergoing such an experiment was astronomical, starting at a minimum of 100 million, with participants signing a liability waiver before commencement. Should anything go awry during or after the experiment, the Perry family would be absolved of responsibility.
Despite the steep costs and significant risks, the allure of rejuvenation drew many annually, and even those not interested used the gathering to network.
The immoral dealings had significantly contributed to the Perry family’s immense wealth.
Leila found the scene ironic, watching the refined yet ruthlessly self-serving elite. By her calculations, Saniya’s task should have been completed by then.
As expected, chaos erupted shortly after.
Feigning ignorance, Leila edged closer to the source of the upheaval, where screams filled the air.
Suddenly, Anna emerged, her white dress splattered with blood, amidst several bloodied bodies.
The sight triggered screams of horror, further aggravating Anna, whose bloodshot eyes darted through the crowd before she charged toward the disturbance.
Bodyguards converged on the scene, but Anna, with remarkable strength and agility, dodged their attempts and continued her rampage, wounding several more in the ensuing chaos.
Leila, sensing an opportunity, purposefully headed toward the disturbance.
Ernesto arrived just as the situation escalated. Witnessing Anna’s frenzied state nearly made him faint from fury.
Anna’s rampage had not only claimed the lives of bodyguards but also that of several affluent guests, each worth a fortune, striking a harsh blow to Ernesto’s financial interests.
His voice heavy with lethal intent, Ernesto ordered, “Do whatever necessary to subdue Anna. It doesn’t matter if she survives.”
The bodyguards responded affirmatively and sprang into action.
In the tumult, Ernesto’s gaze fell on Leila struggling in the crowd. Fear for her safety momentarily overcame him, and he shouted, “What are you standing there for? If anything happens to the children she’s carrying, none of you will survive!”
Leila had hoped to remain unnoticed by Ernesto as she navigated through the crowd. She gritted her teeth against the pain and moved determinedly toward the center, calling out for assistance. She knew chaos was her ally in escape. She just needed to endure until Landon could reach her.
However, her presence didn’t go unnoticed for long.
“There she is! Be quick! She looks unsteady!” one bodyguard shouted.
Another grumbled in frustration, “Managing her in this state is troublesome. Ernesto mentioned we might need to handle her delivery tonight to avoid further issues.” Bolstered by a surge of adrenaline, Leila pressed on.
Despite her efforts, the bodyguards closed in.
Just as they were about to apprehend Leila, the sky was lit by an ominous red glow, followed by a thunderous explosion.
“Boom!” The sound echoed, signaling something significant had just occurred.
Leila felt the intense heat wash over her face. The crowd surged in panic, their screams and cries mingling in a desperate plea for mercy.
Flames illuminated the area, casting an eerie glow that felt like a glimpse into hell itself, punctuated by the relentless explosions echoing around them.
Anna stood at the center, her expression wild and frantic. What had once appeared luxurious now lay in ruin. Yet, in truth, it had always been hell beneath the surface.
Leila felt a surge of excitement bubbling within her as she snapped back to reality. She had been waiting for this moment.
The bodyguards who had been watching Leila were distracted, caught in a moment of panic.
In the chaos, Leila seized the opportunity to slip away, disappearing into the crowd. She sprinted through the crowd, her body glistening with sweat after just a few hundred meters.
The explosions echoed in the distance.
Leila had no idea what Landon had done, but she knew one thing for certain. It was no longer safe on the island. Just then, Leila stumbled upon Saniya, who quickly seized her arm.
Through gritted teeth, Saniya asked, “Which direction are you running? Did you orchestrate all this chaos tonight?”
Leila, still wide-eyed with fear, shook her head vigorously. “How could I? I don’t have that kind of power! I was just terrified and didn’t know where to go!”
Saniya regarded Leila with suspicion. “Forget it. I’ll take you somewhere safe. You were headed for the VIP yachts. They are planning to set sail soon. You better not even think about escaping, or I won’t let you out of my sight.”
Leila nodded, but inside, her heart raced with anxiety. She was just a few dozen meters away. How had she been discovered? Why now? Was it fate that had conspired against her escape? Saniya prepared to lead Leila away.
As Leila watched the yacht she had hoped to board slip farther into the distance, despair washed over her like a cold tide.
Suddenly, Saniya let out a sudden cry, her strength fading as she fainted to the floor.
Leila’s hand, still clasped in Saniya’s grip, was pulled down with her.
Instinctively, Leila tried to protect her belly, bracing for pain that never came. Instead, she felt herself cradled in familiar arms, enveloped by a comforting scent.
“Leila, I’m here.” At the sound of Landon’s voice, Leila felt as if she were caught in a dream. Looking up, she saw his handsome face, the one she had known so well.
Landon’s dark eyes sparkled with light and joy as he grasped Leila’s hand tightly. “I made it. Now, I’ll take you away from here.”
Leila felt a surge of emotion, almost crying out loud. She knew this wasn’t the moment for words. With Landon’s presence, a surge of courage coursed through her. “We need to move quickly. Let’s leave together.” Leila tightened her grip on Landon’s hand..
Landon allowed Leila to lean against him, shouldering most of her weight. This way, they could move faster. Leila watched as Clayton helped a pregnant woman aboard the yacht.
Leila’s eyes widened in surprise. It seemed she wasn’t the only expectant mother trapped in this situation. How many heinous acts had the Perry family committed?
When they finally reached the yacht, Leila hurried on board. But she noticed Landon had no intention of joining her.
“We are leaving together. Hurry up and get on!” Leila’s voice trembled with anxiety as she reached out to Landon.
Landon shook his head firmly, determination etched on his face. In a swift motion, he rushed up and embraced Leila, taking care not to hurt her.
Landon kissed Leila. The kiss was quick but passionate.
Leila’s eyes widened as something dawned on her. Tears streamed down her face as she stared at Landon, her chest tightening with emotion.
Landon forced a smile and said, “I can cause all this chaos on this island, and surely, I can easily get away. But I have to stay behind to cover your escape. If I don’t, the Perry family will hunt us down and kill everyone to hide the truth. I won’t let them hurt you. Leila, do you love me?”
Leila shook her head stubbornly and replied through clenched teeth, “Come with me, and I’ll tell you.”