Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
Suddenly, Elma’s thoughts shifted to Leila. Leila had been there to help her bathe and change when she was sick, soothing her with nursery rhymes when she cried uncontrollably. It was something Cara had never done for her.
As Elma watched Calvin walk away, her heart sank. Calvin and Sophie were indeed fortunate to have such a wonderful mother like Leila.
Upon arriving back at the Morgan residence, Keely went directly to Cara’s room.
The room was a mess, with Cara sitting on the bed in a camisole, looking as though she had just had a meltdown. Keely paused at the door, her mind racing with the gossip she had picked up upon her arrival.
Landon had come back to collect his belongings. Whatever he and Clayton had discussed in Burmoos had convinced Clayton to let him move out. Landon wasted no time packing.
Despite Cara’s objections, Clayton had stood his ground. Rumors had it that Cara intended to charm Landon once more upon his return, but the unfolding scene suggested her attempt had fallen flat.
Keely made to leave, but was stopped by Cara’s icy voice. “Keely, where do you think you’re going? Am I that frightening? Do you feel the need to flee at my mere sight?”
A chill ran through Keely, and she hesitantly entered, offering a tentative smile. “Ma’am, it’s not like that. I just thought you might be tired and didn’t want to bother you.”
Cara fixed Keely with a silent, penetrating stare, making Keely’s skin crawl.
Navigating around the scattered remnants, Keely approached Cara and began kneading her shoulders, trying to lift her spirits. “You’re stunning, truly. Such beauty and grace. Mr. Kensington just doesn’t know how to appreciate your merits.”
Cara let out a derisive laugh. “Spare me the empty words. They only serve to remind me of my misery.”
Keely quickly shook her head. “I’m sincere. Remember your school days in Burmoos? You had admirers everywhere, clamoring for your attention.”
A trace of wistfulness flickered across Cara’s face.
Keely’s words were undeniably true. Back then, before all of this, Cara had been vibrant and full of life. While she wasn’t strikingly beautiful, she had a knack for dressing well and socializing, which earned her a vast network of friends.
During that period, the Morgan family had not yet achieved significant fame, but Cara was a well-known figure to many. Numerous distinguished men vied for her attention, eager to be chosen by her.
At the time, however, Cara remained uninterested in anyone, believing that only a man of unparalleled merit deserved her.
But then, everything changed. After her rescue, stories about Ernesto and Griffin began circulating in her hometown. The way people viewed her shifted. They looked at her with contempt and judgment. Even her family’s remarks grew harsher. Only Clayton stood by her, continuing to defend her.
Despite the challenges, Cara’s standards remained high. She continued to believe she deserved only an exceptional partner. Having an excellent partner by her side would force her detractors to respect her.
Yet, Cara couldn’t help but wonder why Landon showed no interest in her, despite all her efforts. What was it about her that pushed him away?
Seeing that Cara wasn’t losing her temper immediately, Keely seized the chance to offer some comforting words.
Cara’s tension visibly eased. She gently tapped Keely’s hand and remarked, “Alas! After all these years, you’re the one who truly gets me. Even Clayton is taking Landon’s side now.”
A shadow of bitterness flashed in Cara’s eyes as she mentioned this.
Keely comforted her. “Your brother may have his reasons, but you can count on me to have your back.”
“Really?” Hope flickered in Cara’s eyes.
Cara clasped Keely’s hand warmly, but her next words sent a chill through Keely. “Then, do me a favor. Sneak a bug into Clayton’s study. It’s not that I have ulterior motives. It’s just that everyone’s wary of me now, and I need to know what he and Landon are plotting privately.”
Keely’s legs felt weak. “Ma’am, it’s not that I don’t want to help, but I really can’t handle something like that. Besides, if this gets discovered, I’m screwed.”
At Keely’s refusal, Cara quickly pulled her hand back and huffed. “So, all your earlier words were just lies, huh? Do you realize the consequences of lying to me?”
Keely shuddered, feeling Cara’s icy stare pierce through her.
Cara’s fury peaked, and she delivered a stinging slap to Keely. “You refuse to talk, huh? Fine, I’ll make sure you do!”
Terrified, Keely crumpled to the floor, overwhelmed by fear. “I’ll do whatever you want. Just please…”
Cara’s rage subsided slightly as she regarded Keely with a mix of suspicion and relief. “Really? You’ll help?”
Tears welled up in Keely’s eyes as she nodded, regretting her decision to come and comfort Cara. But it was too late for regrets now.
Under Cara’s direct orders, Keely secretly sent Elma to a boarding school without informing Clayton and Landon.
Keely knew she’d be in deep trouble if Clayton and Landon ever found out. Her only hope was Cara’s protection. Without it, she couldn’t fathom the consequences she’d face.
Resolute, Keely vowed to see Cara’s task through, no matter what.
Cara, changing her expression, rose to her feet and gently helped Keely stand. Her tone softened. “Look at you, acting like I scared you. Am I really that frightening? You’ve been around here for years, and I know you’re more than capable. That’s why I’m giving you this responsibility.”
Cara paused for a moment, then added, “Don’t worry. I won’t leave you to handle it alone. I’ll let you know when Clayton is out of the way.”
Keely forced a tight smile. “Thank you.”
Cara stretched lazily, letting out a yawn before something crossed her mind. Her eyes grew colder. “Has Elma been sent off?”
Keely quickly nodded. “Yes, she’s been enrolled. Even if your brother or Mr. Kensington finds out, there’s nothing they can do. It’s the top school, and each student only gets one shot at admission. If she leaves now, she won’t have many options for good schools in this country.”
Cara’s lips curled into a triumphant smile. “They’ve got no one to blame but themselves for staying in this country. Who knows what they’re thinking? Anyway, it’s better Elma is out of the way. Now, no one will stand between me and Landon.” With a disdainful look, Cara glanced around the chaotic room. “Why are you just standing there? Get someone in here to clean this mess. It’s driving me crazy.”
It seemed Cara had forgotten that she was the one who caused the mess.
Keely gave a quick nod and headed out to summon some servants, who could only count themselves unfortunate.
If anything valuable had been broken, Cara would shirk any accountability. The blame would fall on those cleaning the room. None dared challenge Cara, nor did anyone have the courage to inform Clayton. After all, they remembered what had become of Betty, who had once been close to Elma.
The Simpson family extended an invitation to Leila to celebrate Rachel’s engagement.
Though Leila and Rachel weren’t the closest of friends, they had maintained a connection over the years, and Leila felt compelled to attend. Leila asked if her children wished to accompany her, and they consented.
On the way, Calvin hesitated before finally confiding in Leila about a troubling issue at school involving Elma.
Leila, perplexed, responded, “What did you mean by ‘finding a missing person’? Is someone actually missing?” Calvin merely shook his head, unsure himself.
Leila pondered for a moment before her face grew solemn. “It’s possible the ‘missing person’ Elma referred to is Betty.” The children, puzzled by the reference, remained silent. Sophie’s curiosity peaked. She quickly asked, “Mom, who is this Betty you speak of?”
Leila was abruptly pulled from her thoughts. She smiled and touched Sophie’s head. “No one. We’re nearly there.”
A feeling of discomfort began to build within Leila. She hoped it was all in her head. Cara was Elma’s adoptive mother, and logically, Cara wouldn’t be this merciless to Elma.
At the Simpson family estate, luxury cars rolled in one after another.
Though the Simpson family wasn’t as prominent as the Nixon, Kensington, or Morgan families, they were highly respected among the elite in Burmoos, known for their deep-rooted history spanning centuries.
Aside from Wayne, the children of the Simpson family were all quite distinguished. At the entrance, a host was ready to usher Leila inside.
Rachel was to be engaged to a man of humble origins, yet it was rumored that their love was deep and genuine, and he was a man of ambition. The Simpson family was open-minded about Rachel’s fianc?’s modest background.
Together, Rachel and her fianc? mingled among the guests, warmly accepting their blessings. Leila had carefully selected a gift, which she now presented with care.
Rachel approached Leila, accompanied by her fianc?. “Leila,” Rachel called out warmly. Her usually composed face softened into a smile. Leila and Rachel shared a quick embrace.
Rachel then turned her attention to Leila’s two children, greeting them with a rare and genuine smile, a clear sign of her happiness about her upcoming marriage. Leila offered her heartfelt blessings, making Rachel’s smile shine even brighter.
Rachel then softly said, “I’ve been meaning to catch up with you. I just returned from abroad, but you had already left overseas. Since I’ve come back, I’ve been swamped with engagement preparations. Finally, we meet! Oh, your kids are so adorable! Your eldest daughter really takes after you.” Rachel gently pinched Sophie’s cheek.
Sophie, ever perceptive, showered the couple with congratulatory phrases, drawing laughter from them.
Leila ruffled Calvin’s hair gently. “Actually, Calvin has prepared a gift for you. I hope you’ll appreciate it.”
Rachel expressed her amazement. “No way! Calvin made that model? That’s incredible!”
Calvin had crafted a lifelike, intricately detailed model of the couple from just their photos.