Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
As the group exchanged pleasantries, a sudden commotion erupted from the other side of the gathering. At that moment, a man in a suit moved swiftly toward Rachel.
The man leaned close and murmured, “Miss, two members of the Morgan family have arrived.”
“The Morgan family?” Rachel’s voice came out louder than she intended. “Did I even invite them?” The man shook his head, equally puzzled.
With a frown creasing her brow, Rachel cast a quick look. Catching her gaze, Leila offered a reassuring smile. “Looks like they’ve arrived, invited or not. We should welcome them as guests, regardless. Turning them away could lead to trouble, don’t you think?”
“But…” Rachel hesitated, wanting to object.
At that moment, Cara appeared, clinging to Landon’s arm. The guests’ attention shifted toward the newcomers.
It was common knowledge that Landon and Leila had once been a couple, and their planned remarriage was no secret. They had even gone so far as to announce that Sophie was Landon’s daughter.
Later, Landon disappeared, and Leila had exhausted every avenue in an attempt to enlist their friends’ help to find him. Yet, here Landon was, unexpectedly returning-not alone, but with a woman by his side. Rumors quickly spread that Landon and Cara had been happily married for a while, making Landon’s past with Leila seem like old news. This was the first time the three of them had been seen together in public.
Anticipation for their encounter was high, with many expecting it to turn into a dramatic confrontation.
“Miss Simpson.” Cara, knowing Leila would be present, had carefully chosen her outfit. It was so striking that it nearly overshadowed Rachel, the hostess. “Congratulations on your engagement. I wish you both all the happiness.”
Rachel offered a polite smile in response to Cara’s well-wishes, though her expression momentarily stiffened. “Thank you.”
Cara shot a covert glance at Leila, feeling a twinge of dissatisfaction. Despite her glamorous attire, she couldn’t outshine Leila.
Leila, in her understated light purple halter dress, minimal jewelry, and neatly tied-back hair, radiated a quiet elegance and beauty.
Cara noticed Landon’s gaze drifting toward Leila, which only intensified her irritation.
Cara turned back to Rachel with a strained smile. “Actually, Miss Simpson, may I take a moment during this lovely event to share some important news? Think of it as my way of adding to the joy of the occasion.”
Cara’s intentions were transparent.
Rachel forced a smile, her lips pressed tightly together as she struggled to maintain her composure.
“I’m afraid that’s inappropriate,” Rachel’s fianc? interjected with an icy tone, gripping Rachel’s hand protectively. “Today belongs to my fianc?e. Your outfit has already drawn plenty of attention. Do you really need more?” Laughter rippled through the gathering.
Cara’s complexion blanched. “You!” she snapped, nudging Landon to defend her.
Yet, Landon seemed unwilling to defend Cara.
Cara’s frustration mounted. Others defended their partners-why wouldn’t Landon? Was he content to let her face ridicule? Rachel’s blatant display of her romantic life was to blame!
As Cara’s glare toward Rachel grew more malicious, Leila leaned in and murmured to Rachel, “Try not to cross the Morgans. Remember, you’re working with them this quarter. Clayton might seem level-headed, but he’ll always back his sister, no matter what. Even if you can do without the partnership, it’s best not to antagonize them.”
Rachel’s frustration deepened, but she recognized the wisdom in Leila’s words. She was simply unfortunate to be tangled with someone like Cara.
“I understand,” Rachel replied, nodding subtly.
Rachel inhaled sharply and led her fianc? to one side while still making her case. With a reassuring smile, she said, “It’s okay. I’ve got this.”
Leila cast a complex glance at Cara and Landon before ushering her children away.
Sophie kept glancing back at Landon, but Landon seemed not to recognize her. He remained silent, not sparing her a single look. Frustration surged within Sophie, and she quickly turned away. If Landon chose to ignore her and her mother, she would simply ignore him in return.
Relinquishing the spotlight, Rachel stepped aside.
In front of the gathered crowd, Cara declared that she and Landon were going to get married.
Landon’s expression dropped. Cutting through the murmurs of the crowd, he asked, “When did we decide that?”
Cara’s smile carried a hint of secrecy. “It doesn’t matter if you’re not aware of the plan. As long as I am,” she whispered calmly. “Don’t worry. I’ll handle everything.”
Landon was about to walk away when Cara swiftly grabbed his wrist. “Do you want to see Elma or not? If you’re interested in finding out where she is, you can’t leave now.”
Landon’s voice was low and firm as he replied, “Let me be clear. If you think I’m going to marry you, you’re mistaken.”
For a moment, Cara’s smile faltered at his words. The idea of a wedding meant little to her. Her true goal was to cause pain for Leila. Whether Landon loved her or not was irrelevant. After all, with what she and Clayton had done, Landon and Leila could never reunite.
With that realization, Cara’s sense of victory returned. She had achieved what she wanted.
Meanwhile, Leila, huddled in a corner with her two children, couldn’t escape Cara’s voice amplified through the sound system. The words hit her hard.
Memories flooded back to Leila. She and Landon had never had a proper wedding. Their initial union had been rushed, and although Landon had later promised a lavish ceremony, it now seemed that the grand event would proceed without her as the bride. Leila, feeling disheartened, poured herself a few more glasses of wine. Despite the weight in her heart, she tried to remain composed and convince herself to relax.
Outwardly, Leila kept her composure, much to the disappointment of those who had expected her to break down. A gentle hand softly patted her back, pulling her from her thoughts.
Looking up, Leila saw Calvin standing beside her.
With a maturity beyond his years, Calvin asked, “Mom, was that man my dad?”
Leila opened her mouth to answer but realized there was no point in lying. She nodded weakly. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have brought you to a place like this.” Even she felt downhearted, and she knew the children shared the same feeling.
Sophie had been quiet and gloomy from the start.
Calvin sat next to Leila, casually swinging his legs. “Don’t worry. I’m not upset. I don’t think he’s that impressive. You deserve only the best.”
Stunned, Leila struggled to find the right words. “Who told you to say that? Stop talking nonsense.”
But Calvin shook his head, his denial firm. “I’m not talking nonsense. I really mean it. Don’t be sad. The most important people to Sophie and me are you.”
Calvin meant every word. As far as he was concerned, Leila and Sophie were the most important people in his life. He had no memory of his father’s face.
Sophie had always said their dad was a good guy, and that everything had gone wrong because he’d disappeared.
Great dad, why would he make their mom so unhappy? He hated seeing his mom and Sophie upset. Sophie tried to comfort Leila.
Seeing her kids trying so hard to make her feel better, Leila couldn’t just wallow in sadness in front of them. She pulled herself together, changed the subject, and tried to lighten the mood. A bunch of other kids showed up to play with Sophie and Calvin. Sophie and Calvin were at that age where all they wanted to do was run around and play, so Leila reminded them to be careful and let them go.
But as soon as the kids ran off, someone came looking for Leila. “Well, if it isn’t Miss Nixon. Long time no see. Don’t you have something you want to say to me?” Leila looked up and saw Cara standing there.
Cara had a smug look on her face, arms crossed, with a smirk playing on her lips.
Leila bit back her anger, stood up, and held out her hand. “Miss Morgan, it’s been a while,” she said.
They shook hands, just to be polite.
Leila tried to make a quick getaway, but Cara held onto her hand, the smirk still on her face.
“Hold your horses, Miss Nixon,” Cara said. “We need to talk.” Leila’s eyes turned icy. “There’s nothing for us to talk about. I have things to do. Maybe some other time.”
Cara refused to let go, her face twisting into a nasty sneer. “Don’t forget that my brother saved your life. You’d be dead if it wasn’t for him. The Morgan family did you a huge favor, and this is how you repay us?”
Leila struggled to find words. She was in a tough spot. She owed the Morgan family a favor, and they were clearly about to call it in. She took a deep breath, steeling herself. “Alright,” she said. “What’s this about?”
Cara released Leila’s hand with a smug smile, then pulled out a handkerchief and meticulously wiped her hand, as if she’d just touched something repulsive.
“Oh, it’s not about what I want,” Cara purred, her voice laced with malice. “It’s about what you’re planning.”
Cara’s voice grew louder, her tone turning accusatory. “Did you know Landon and I would be here? Did you come here specifically to throw yourself at my husband, your ex-lover, Landon?”
The commotion drew the attention of nearby guests. It was clear that Cara was deliberately causing trouble. After all, it was the Morgan family who had come uninvited, and no one expected Cara to appear with Landon.
Leila’s recent rise to success had made her a target for envy. Some people in the crowd were secretly hoping for her downfall. The onlookers watched with a mix of amusement and judgment, their eyes filled with scorn, pity, and mockery.
Leila felt their stares like daggers piercing her heart. But she kept her cool. “Have you had a bit too much champagne? I had no idea you’d be here.”