Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
Leila was perplexed, struggling to unravel the mystery behind it all. She wondered if Landon was just a figment of her drunken imagination that night.
“Maybe Landon lost his memory and doesn’t remember me,” Leila murmured, lost in thought.
Linsey attempted to reassure her, saying, “Even if that’s the case, we’ll find him. There could be other explanations. Try not to read too much into it. I think it’s best to let go of these thoughts and move forward. Don’t let them affect you this much.”
Leila averted her gaze, concealing the sorrow that flickered in her eyes. “You’re right,” she said quietly. She shifted the topic, her voice lightening. “Let’s not linger on those thoughts anymore. Now, let’s enjoy and make the most of our time together. I’ll need to head back home after the festival.”
After all, countless matters awaited Leila back home. The Kensington Group had been without proper leadership for too long.
Sophie and Calvin were still too young, but Leila was determined to begin grooming them for the day they would inherit the Kensington Group.
Sophie, however, showed little interest in business matters, so Leila had no choice but to start training Calvin.
Despite his young age, Calvin sometimes displayed a maturity and authority that reminded Leila of her and Landon.
The much-anticipated festival day arrived in the blink of an eye.
Linsey’s skills did not disappoint. Leila looked stunning after Linsey applied her makeup.
Sophie and Calvin couldn’t contain their excitement, their faces lighting up with pure joy.
Linsey’s eyes sparkled with pride as she pushed Leila toward the mirror.
Leila was adorned with flawless makeup and a breathtaking gown. She found herself momentarily lost in thought, as if the world around her had faded.
Leila had largely neglected her appearance over the years, letting it fall by the wayside as life consumed her focus.
She consistently dressed in a polished and professional manner, presenting herself with an air of understated elegance.
Even though she remained beautiful, today’s transformation elevated her to a whole new level of stunning.
Leila was a little embarrassed and self-conscious. “I’m a mother now, and not young anymore. Maybe this dress is too much.”
“Who says you’re not still young?” Linsey immediately retorted. “You’re as young as you feel! Besides, who cares what others think?”.
“You look amazing and young even with three children. If you don’t embrace the chance to dress up now, when will you get the opportunity?” Linsey teased.
Leila was left speechless.
Sophie jumped in. “Mom, you’ll always be beautiful to me. Don’t say you’re not young!”
Leila smiled softly and pinched Sophie’s cheek. “Alright. Let’s get going.”
The festival was steeped in local traditions, rich with a vibrant cultural atmosphere that enveloped everyone.
Given that it was a significant local holiday, many people adorned themselves in their finest attire, creating a dazzling display of colors and styles.
Leila didn’t feel out of place at all. In fact, as she strolled through the crowd, she inadvertently drew the gaze of many onlookers, who admired her with awe and appreciation.
Several young men were so enchanted by Leila’s beauty that they blushed.
A few daring ones even gathered the courage to approach Leila and offered to accompany her on her stroll. But Leila politely declined their advances with a gentle smile.
Linsey grew visibly anxious. She glanced over her shoulder and caught sight of Wayne, noticing his furrowed brow.
“What’s wrong?” Linsey asked, concerned.
Wayne shook his head, letting out a slight sigh. “I had a friend who was supposed to be here today. We missed each other last time, and we were hoping to catch up this time, but he just told me he couldn’t make it.”
“It’s rare to meet someone like him,” Wayne added, a hint of disappointment in his voice. “We really clicked the first time we met. It’s quite a shame as I won’t be around here again anytime soon.”
Linsey thought for a moment before asking, “Does your friend live nearby?”
Wayne nodded but seemed resigned. “Yeah, but it’s complicated. Even if I make the effort, seeing him isn’t exactly easy. Sometimes, it’s best to let things be. He is with the Morgan family.”
Linsey quickly caught on to Wayne’s drift.
Tension had been brewing between the Morgan and Simpson families recently. Neither side approved of the other’s behavior, and with tensions running high, it would have been especially inappropriate for Wayne to visit the Morgan family.
Linsey’s face lit up with an idea. “Leila is close with the Morgan family’s eldest son, Clayton. He’s the heir to the family business. Maybe Leila could help you meet your friend.”
Wayne’s eyes widened with hope. “Really?”
“Of course,” Linsey replied with a grin. But her expression quickly turned serious. “But I have one request.
You’ve worked in journalism and know people from all over. Could you help Leila find her husband and daughter? It might be easier for you to track them down through your connections.”
Wayne nodded. “I’ve heard bits and pieces about her situation. Her husband and daughter vanished without a trace.”
Wayne’s lips curled into a wry smile as realization hit him. “Ah, so you’re asking me to help find them after all this.”
Linsey let out a playful snort. “So, you don’t want to help?”
Wayne quickly said, determination flashing in his eyes, “I’m more than willing to lend a hand.”
He fixed his gaze on Linsey, his eyes brimming with sincerity. “You won’t have to put yourself through all this again. Whatever you need from me, say the word, and I’ll take care of it for you.”
A message from Noa: I hope you enjoyed the chapters! New updates will arrive on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Remember, God loves you, and Noa sends you warmest wishes. (?O??)? ??/p>
Linsey’s cheeks flushed under Wayne’s unwavering gaze. She quickly glanced away, stammering, “I get it. They’re getting ahead of us. We should catch up.”
Wayne noticed Linsey’s discomfort. He’d heard about the situation with the Brooks family before. Linsey’s older brother, Ethan, had been a constant source of heartache for her.
Though Linsey wore a happy face every day, Wayne knew she was more sensitive than she let on, hiding her pain beneath the surface. He was confident that, in time, he could get her to open up.
Leila quietly observed their exchange, a soft smile tugging at her lips.
As Linsey jogged over, Leila couldn’t resist a playful grin. “What were you two gossiping about?” she teased, raising an eyebrow. “It looked like you were having the time of your life.”
Linsey cleared her throat awkwardly. “Oh, it was nothing important. Don’t overthink it.”
But Leila wasn’t convinced. “I see the way Wayne looks at you, Linsey. He cares about you. I might not be able to say it, but don’t let a good guy slip through your fingers. You might regret it someday.”
Linsey understood the message behind Leila’s words. She sighed, linking arms with her. “I get what you’re saying, but it’s hard to move on when I think of Ethan. Everything he’s gone through, and what that awful woman, Joanna, did. I just lack the courage to start a relationship.”
When Leila heard Ethan’s name, her face softened. “How’s he doing now?”
Linsey’s expression turned grim. “He’s out there somewhere, wandering, lost. It’s like he’s vanished from the world. In our last conversation, he hinted he might never come back. He’s my brother. Just the thought of never seeing him again breaks my heart. Ethan tried to make things right, but Joanna went too far. They could’ve had a peaceful life together.”
Leila didn’t know how to comfort Linsey. Forgiving Joanna wasn’t an option. So, instead, she gently patted Linsey on the shoulder, offering silent support.
But then, a sudden chill ran down Leila’s spine as she sensed someone staring at her from a dark corner. She swiftly spun around. Yet behind her, the bustling crowd surged.
After scanning the area, Leila found no one suspicious. The unsettling feeling of being watched gradually faded.
Linsey noticed the change in Leila’s demeanor and whispered, “What’s the matter? Did you spot someone?”
Leila frowned, unsure whether it was real or just her imagination. “Never mind. Maybe I didn’t rest well and had illusions.”
But Leila’s instincts told her otherwise. She discreetly signaled the bodyguards to keep an eye on Sophie and Calvin. Meanwhile, across town at the Morgan family’s manor, Cara received a message from the butler.
Days earlier, the butler and his nephew had grasped the consequences of Cara’s fury at the bar’s gate. Without wasting a moment, they sprang into action as Cara had instructed.
The butler sent a message to Cara to update her. “Miss, we’ve located the woman who was pestering Mr. Kensington at the bar the other day. Would you like me to show you her photos?”