Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
Leila was familiar with Elma’s fiery spirit and laughed it off without taking offense.
Clayton observed their playful exchange, yet felt a growing unease. He then told Elma, “Why don’t you spend some time with the bodyguards? I need to talk to Leila.”
Elma agreed with a simple “Got it,” and hurried off, casting a lingering glance at Leila.
Elma always seemed hesitant to leave Leila’s side, which struck Leila as odd.
As Elma departed, Clayton addressed Leila earnestly, “I must express my gratitude again. Without your help, I’m unsure what would have ensued.”
Leila dismissed the gratitude, saying, “It’s nothing significant, Mr. Morgan. Surely, you have more pressing matters to discuss.” Her gaze held a deeper meaning.
Clayton, with a dry smile, remarked, “It seems you can see through everything.”
Leila, growing concerned, inquired, “Is this concerning Elma?”
Clayton nodded slowly, struggling to articulate, “I hope you can keep your distance from Elma moving forward.”
Leila, taken aback, stared at Clayton in disbelief.
With a heavy sigh, Clayton looked away, unable to meet Leila’s eyes. He explained, “You know Elma’s mother, Cara, had challenges before. Despite not being an ideal parent, she’s now remarried. Elma’s father and I adore Elma. Cara remains overly protective and fears losing Elma.
Your interactions with Elma haven’t gone unnoticed and tend to unsettle Cara. I know you mean well, but it agitates her. Every time you’re near Elma, it triggers a crisis for Cara. Elma is too young and headstrong to grasp these issues, and it only exacerbates tensions between her and Cara.”
Leila frowned and pursed her lips together. She had no hidden motives and merely found Elma endearing. Honestly, she was perplexed by Cara’s attitude toward Elma. Though she understood it wasn’t her place to critique Cara’s family dynamics,
Leila felt like arguing yet ultimately opted against it. She remained thankful to both Cara and Clayton. Back when she delivered the twins, Clayton risked his life to move her to safety, leaving Cara unattended, who accidentally fell into the sea and lost a baby.
Leila’s eyes grew dim. “I’m sorry. I didn’t expect it to affect you.”
Clayton’s face flashed with sadness. At her words, he quickly reassured her, “This isn’t your fault. I struggle to deal with Cara, which is why I came to talk. Actually, the apology should come from me.”
Leila gently shook her head, replying, “It’s nothing like that. I remember how you looked after me. Without that, I wouldn’t have made it back to my country.”
Clayton said, “That was my choice. I asked nothing in return. My only wish is for you to have a safe and peaceful life.”
As Clayton spoke, anxiety crept into his voice. “You are like family to me.”
Leila noticed the intensity in Clayton’s look and felt uneasy. Clearing her throat, she excused herself. “I must attend to something. Calvin is due for a check-up.” Clayton sensed her hesitation, his expression saddening. “Please extend my best wishes to Sophie and Calvin,” he said softly.
Elma waited a considerable time before a disheartened Clayton approached.
Though young, Elma was insightful and quickly sensed Clayton’s distress. She inquired, “What’s troubling you?”
Clayton chuckled, trying to dismiss her concern. “I’m fine, really. Don’t worry about that.”
Elma, hands on her hips, responded, “I might be young, but I understand. Every time you see Miss Nixon, you seem both joyful and sorrowful. Did she turn you down?”
Clayton replied, “Where did you pick up such ideas? Please, let’s not talk about that.”
“Who is Miss Nixon? Clayton, are you in love with someone?” Cara’s voice suddenly interrupted the moment.
Elma’s smile vanished, and she instinctively took refuge behind Clayton.
Clayton’s smile diminished greatly as he attempted to cover up. “Oh, Elma is just mimicking TV dramas. There’s no one special.”
Landon was here with Cara, maintaining his usual stern demeanor. His expression softened markedly upon seeing Elma.
Cara visibly bristled at seeing Elma’s reaction to her presence. Trying to appear cheerful, she crouched down and coaxed, “Elma, come here. Aren’t you happy to see me?”
Elma remained still, and Cara’s demeanor shifted despite her effort to smile.
“So, you prefer being with your daddy and Clayton over me? You’re very young yet so picky.”
Elma didn’t grasp the full intent behind Cara’s words, but she sensed blame was being cast her way. She felt a sudden sadness. It wasn’t that she chose to be near Landon and Clayton. She was genuinely frightened of Cara.
The memory of Cara pinching her ear until it bled was vivid in her mind. The pain was too much, and she dreaded going through that again.
Landon was visibly upset, taking a deep breath to calm himself.
Seeing Landon and Cara were about to conflict, Clayton could only pat Elma’s back and say, “Go to your mommy, Elma. Try not to upset her, okay?”
Feeling cornered yet powerless, Elma complied without protest. She wished to avoid witnessing a fight between her parents.
With hesitation, Elma approached and took Cara’s hand, murmuring, “Mommy.”
Cara’s expression warmed significantly. “Good girl.” Her kindness was not genuine but a fa?ade. With Elma’s compliance, she could feign a perfect family life with Landon to onlookers.
As expected, Cara rose and grasped Landon’s arm.
Landon’s initial reaction was to pull away.
But Cara whispered urgently, “Do you want to make this awkward for Elma? Remember, we are still a family. Do you want others to believe Elma’s parents are unhappy?”
Landon’s forehead veins bulged as he fought the urge to reject Cara’s touch, ultimately deciding to maintain contact.
Elma quietly observed the tension between Cara and Landon. She suddenly felt a wave of guilt wash over her.
She realized that her father seemed to be enduring her mother’s demands because of her. This left her confused and unsure of what to do. She didn’t want to be the reason for her father’s unhappiness.
Soon, the festival was around the corner. Calvin’s ankle finally healed. Both he and Sophie were thrilled about the prospect of attending the local event.
It was a long-standing tradition in the area, passed down through generations, rooted in ancient customs.
Furthermore, it was made even more extravagant this year, thanks to the Morgan family’s sponsorship. The festival was sure to draw a large crowd.
For the festival, the Morgan family was going to hold a private party.
Leila didn’t feel like attending that private party. She knew Cara wouldn’t want her or her children’s presence. Luckily, Clayton seemed to have considered this and didn’t extend an invitation to her.
Urged by Calvin, Sophie, and Linsey, Leila eventually agreed to get dressed up for the festival.
Linsey’s eyes sparkled with excitement, and she eagerly took charge of Leila’s wardrobe and makeup.
“I’ll be your stylist for the day! You are in good hands,” Linsey declared confidently.
Leila raised her eyebrow as she glanced at Linsey. “Remember when you were sixteen and insisted on showcasing your makeup skills on my face?” She shook her head, the memory bringing a playful glint to her eyes.
“Landon almost didn’t recognize me when I got home. He was this close to kicking me out, thinking some weirdo had wandered in.”
Her makeup back then was outrageously over-the-top. At that time, Leila couldn’t speak due to the damage to her throat. If Landon hadn’t realized it was her just in time, she might have burst into tears.
Linsey let out a dry chuckle, waving her hand playfully.
“But I’ve gotten better since then. Trust me! No more clown makeup. You’ll look stunning, I promise!”
Leila erupted in laughter. “I knew. I was only joking!” However, Leila’s laughter faded abruptly as memories crept into her mind.
Noticing Leila’s shift in mood, Linsey hesitated. She wanted to comfort Leila but wasn’t sure where to begin. How could she promise that everything would be fine and they would find Landon?
Leila and the Kensington family had been searching for Landon and Chloe for so long without a trace. It was as if they had vanished into thin air. Perhaps they had died, or worse, Landon didn’t want to see Leila anymore.
Yet, deep down, everyone recognized the depth of Landon’s love for Leila. What could make him hide from her instead of reaching out if he was still alive?
Even if Landon were reluctant to face Leila, Leila’s bond with their daughter, Chloe, was undeniable. There was no way Landon would keep Leila from seeing their daughter.