Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
Now intrigued, Leila no longer felt the urge to leave. She was keen to hear more from the two secretaries. But just as Leila was settling in to eavesdrop further, their conversation abruptly stopped. The sound of approaching footsteps heralded a change in the room’s atmosphere, and Landon appeared at the lounge doorway.
“Mr. Kensington!” the two secretaries exclaimed in unison, their voices laced with a mix of respect and urgency as they promptly greeted him.
Landon acknowledged them, his gaze shifting to Leila. “Why didn’t you come in?”
Leila quickly stood up, explaining that Edgar had just mentioned he was in a meeting and she didn’t feel like disturbing him.
“Even if I’m in a meeting, you can always come in,” Landon said firmly.
Leila nodded in acknowledgment and picked up the food container she had set aside earlier. Landon turned and left without another word, his departure restoring a sudden quiet to the lounge. The two secretaries, previously absorbed in their gossip about Leila and how Landon interacted with her, were now visibly shaken. As the realization dawned on them, the two secretaries exchanged panicked glances. Could Leila have heard their entire conversation? They worried she might report their indiscretion to Landon, which could cost them their jobs.
However, Leila only offered them a reassuring smile, diffusing the tension. As Leila gathered her things to leave, a thought struck her. She paused, pulled out her phone, and typed a message, showing it to the secretaries. “Does Sarah often spend time alone with Mr. Kensington in his office?”
The secretaries hesitated, their eyes darting nervously before one of them responded, “Well, not often, but there are afternoons when they’re both in there for hours, and when they come out… Well, they both seem quite pleased with themselves.”
The insinuation in the secretary’s words was unmistakable, hinting at a relationship between Sarah and Landon behind closed office doors. Leila typed another message to reassure them. “Thank you. Don’t worry. I didn’t hear anything just now.”
Relief washed over the two secretaries, their tension easing visibly as they realized Leila was not going to cause trouble for them. Turning to enter Landon’s office, Leila felt a sudden twinge of regret. Why had she even asked the question? It would only deepen the ache in her heart.
Landon’s meeting room was expansive and notably devoid of any personal touches that would suggest a female presence. Holding the food container, Leila felt slightly adrift in the formal space until Landon instructed her, “Sit on the couch.”
Leila placed the food container on the table and had just settled down when there was a knock at the door. A male employee stepped in, holding a document. “Mr. Kensington, this is the document that needs your signature.”
“Let me see that,” Landon remarked, taking the document from the employee. He appeared more focused on scrutinizing the paperwork than on starting his meal. Leila didn’t immediately open the food container so the food wouldn’t get cold. Meanwhile, the male employee lingered nearby, stealing curious glances Leila’s way.
Unaware of the special visitor’s presence, except for the receptionists and the secretarial department who were notified, employees from other divisions hadn’t seen Leila’s photo. When the male employee noticed Leila adjusting the food container, he assumed she was one of Landon’s domestic staff. He took it upon himself to caution her in a patronizing tone, “Be careful not to spill any oil. We wouldn’t want a mess when guests are visiting Mr. Kensington.”
The male employee nodded to himself, satisfied with his intervention, believing he had just prevented a minor disaster and thus aided Landon. However, Landon’s reaction was swift and chilling. His icy stare fixed on the male employee, causing a shiver to run through the latter.
“You have no right to speak to her in that manner,” Landon declared icily. “Apologize to her right now.”
“I’m so sorry!” the male employee hastily said, a sheen of cold sweat forming on his forehead. Landon’s frosty demeanor was often a precursor to severe repercussions, and he feared for his job. Leila was taken aback. She hadn’t anticipated Landon defending her over such a seemingly trivial matter. The employee’s remark, while condescending, hadn’t caused any real harm, yet Landon’s intervention spoke volumes about his regard for her.
“Don’t set foot on this floor again,” Landon declared crisply, moments after signing the document. He flung the folder toward the male employee, his tone sending a clear message. Relief washed over the male employee as he quickly nodded and hurried away, grateful to still have his job.
Landon then turned his attention back to the lunch awaiting him on the couch. But before he could settle down, the office door burst open and a voice charged through the tension. “Landon, why on earth didn’t anyone at home know you’re ill? I had to hear about it from the hospital!”
The voice belonged to Shirley, Landon’s mother, her presence filling the room with a new kind of authority. Leila’s heart raced as she stepped back, her eyes following Shirley cautiously.
“Are you the one taking care of Landon?”
Shirley’s voice sliced through the air, her eyes darting from Leila to the untouched food container on the table. Her gaze hardened as she assessed the scene before her. “Can’t even manage to open the lid? Just leaving it there? Landon might as well cook for himself if that’s the help he’s getting!”
“She was waiting so the food wouldn’t get cold,” Landon interjected as he sat down, his eyes briefly meeting Shirley’s. Shirley, caught off guard by Landon’s defense of Leila, furrowed her brow in visible disapproval. Shirley took a seat across from him, her tone shifting as she inquired about his health. “How are you doing?”
“I’m fine. You didn’t have to come here to see me,” Landon replied curtly, focusing on his meal rather than meeting his mother’s gaze.
“Well, that’s good to hear! Your brother is no longer able to have children, and if you fall ill too, the Kensington family legacy could be at risk!” As Shirley spoke, her gaze shifted toward Leila. It was clear from Shirley’s expression that she didn’t consider Leila suitable to carry on the Kensington family lineage. In her eyes, Leila was merely an impediment. Keeping her gaze lowered, Leila pretended not to catch the meaning behind Shirley’s look.
“Is that why you’re here?” Landon finally shifted his gaze from the food to Shirley, his question directed sharply at her.
“I’m here because I care about your well-being. Now eat,” Shirley replied, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes, conspicuously avoiding further talk of heirs. Shirley remained in her seat until Landon had finished his meal. She then rose to leave, with Leila reluctantly following. Walking alongside Shirley was the last thing Leila wanted, but there seemed no polite escape from it. Leila could only hope the uncomfortable proximity would be brief.
As Shirley and Leila stepped into the elevator, Shirley’s dissatisfaction manifested physically. She grabbed Leila’s arm sharply.
“Leila, I’m begging you,” Shirley began, though her tone carried more weight of command than plea. “Landon isn’t getting any younger. It’s time to consider having children. A family like ours can’t afford to lack heirs. And one heir isn’t sufficient!” Her voice hardened, each assertion driving home her point.
“Since you’re his wife, what does that make children from other women? Illegitimate!” The word was spat out with clear frustration. “Roderick raised you all those years, and you got your wish to marry Landon. It’s been five years. I assume that’s enough. If you have an ounce of gratitude, you’ll hurry up and get a divorce!”
Shirley’s tone softened slightly, but the gravity of her words remained. “Think about Roderick. How would he feel, looking down from heaven, knowing Landon has no children?”
Leila bowed her head, submitting to the moment in silence. She couldn’t bring herself to explain to Shirley that she had already broached the subject of divorce with Landon, only to be met with his adamant refusal. Leila knew that even if she had disclosed this, Shirley wouldn’t believe her.
“Do you get it? Please, just nod if you do! Seriously, look at you! Completely useless! How does the Kensington family even cope with a daughter-in-law like you?” Throughout the elevator’s descent, Shirley kept up her relentless critique of Leila, her tone harsh and unforgiving.
But as soon as the doors opened, Shirley abruptly shifted gears. She smoothed her expression into a controlled, polite smile and greeted the employees in the lobby with a rehearsed charm, embodying the poised matriarch perfectly as she walked out of the company with Leila.
“Leila?” Just as they stepped outside, a voice reached Leila from nearby. She glanced over to see Brent, dressed sharply in a business suit and carrying a briefcase, approaching them.
Leila quickly waved and flashed a smile, grateful for the interruption. She had informed Hayden about her scheduling conflicts but hadn’t yet communicated to Brent that she couldn’t take on the advisor role for his company.
“Brent!” Shirley’s demeanor transformed, her face brightening with genuine enthusiasm upon spotting Brent.
Brent, a prominent figure in the Hayes family and its designated heir, commanded respect due to his family’s business stature, which rivaled that of the Kensington family. Shirley had always held him in high regard for this reason.
Brent approached and shared a few cordial exchanges with Shirley. “You’re working nearby? If you’re finished, why don’t we go out for a meal? Hannah will join us!” Shirley proposed warmly.
Hannah Dixon, Shirley’s niece and Landon’s cousin, had been the subject of Shirley’s matchmaking attempts with Brent, a fact Leila was well aware of.
“Unfortunately, I have other plans this afternoon.” Brent politely declined the invitation to dine together and then shifted his attention to Leila. “Have you made up your mind yet? My grandpa is eagerly awaiting your response.”
“What’s this about?” Shirley interjected, her surprise evident. She directed a suspicious gaze at Leila.
“Leila has a rare talent for restoring artifacts, so my family is interested in bringing her on board as an advisor,” Brent explained.
“‘Leila? How could she possibly-” Shirley began, instinctively poised to belittle Leila as usual.
But Brent cut her off before she could continue. “Leila has already proven her capabilities to my grandfather. He’s very keen on having her as an advisor.”
Shirley was taken aback, her eyes widening as she turned to look at Leila with a mix of surprise and reevaluation. Jerome, Brent’s grandfather, was a well-respected figure in their circles and had shared a good relationship with Roderick. Shirley not only respected him but also feared his influence. This forced her to bite back any dismissive remarks she might have made about Leila being merely “a good-for-nothing mute who could only cook.”
Leila, sensing the shift in dynamics, smiled gratefully at Brent and typed a message on her phone. “I have some personal matters to handle right now, so I might not be able to commit to the consulting role.” Leila carefully avoided mentioning Landon’s illness, aware of the potential repercussions on the Kensington Group’s public image if such news were to spread.
Brent, while visibly disappointed by her response, didn’t press the issue further. After pondering for a moment, Brent asked, “When do you think you’ll be available?”
Leila shook her head, her expression uncertain. Her response was typed down on her phone. “I’m not sure.”
While Landon’s illness wasn’t critical and didn’t require constant attention, Leila was unsure about how long she’d continue delivering meals for him. There was a chance Landon might grow weary of the arrangement by tomorrow and ask her to stop coming. Alternatively, as the secretaries had hinted, Sarah might stir up trouble, possibly leading Landon to insist she stay away.
“Regardless, we’ll hold the consultant position open for you,” Brent stated resolutely. “That’s also my grandpa’s wish. Take care of your priorities first, and reach out to us when you’re free.”
Leila felt a mix of surprise and gratitude at the recognition of her skills, but a sense of foreboding crept in, knowing Shirley was now aware of the offer. “I’ll take off now. I have commitments this afternoon.” With that, Brent quickly departed.
As soon as Brent was out of sight, Shirley’s cordial smile disappeared, and she gave Leila a sharp pinch. “Why does Brent treat you so kindly? Have you been charming men behind our backs? Have you no shame at all?” Shirley’s accusations were sharp and merciless.
Leila shook her head emphatically, trying to convey her innocence, but Shirley was unmoved. This pattern had been the same for the last five years. No matter how much Leila tried to explain, Shirley never listened.
“If you dare to flirt with another man again, believe me, I’ll tell Landon everything!” Shirley threatened as she began striding back toward the company building. “I’ll make sure he sees you for who you really are! I’ll have him divorce you and kick you out!”
Leila remained still, watching Shirley’s retreating figure. She made no attempt to follow or stop Shirley. The front of the Kensington Group building was bustling, especially now during lunchtime. Other office buildings nearby also spilled their employees into the streets, creating a lively atmosphere. This was not the place for a private dispute, as many people were out and about, potentially watching or recording.
Realizing the potential harm to the Kensington Group’s image if their altercation was seen, Shirley abruptly halted. She turned back to Leila and quickly grabbed Leila’s arm, her voice low but firm. “Since that’s the case, you’re coming back home with me. You need to kneel down and really reflect on your actions. You need to be taught a lesson!”
Shirley forcefully pulled Leila toward her car and shoved her inside without a hint of gentleness. Leila, though fully capable of resisting, chose not to. She assumed Gilbert, the driver Landon had hired, must have witnessed the scene from nearby and would probably leave since there was nothing he could do. Leila remained silent with her thoughts.
Before long, Shirley and Leila reached the Kensington family mansion. Shirley impatiently waited for a servant to open her car door. Once outside, she carried herself with an air of arrogance, raising her chin high and pointing sternly at Leila. “Bring her to the hall! Make her kneel! And she will stay kneeling until I say otherwise!”
This mansion had seen Leila punished by Shirley many times before. Whether it was for inadequately caring for Landon during his sickness or failing to keep the mansion spotless, Shirley always found a pretext to chastise and torment Leila.
Now alone, Leila knelt silently in the hall, feeling the cold seeping into her bones. The room was chilly and musty, stripped of any cushions by Shirley’s cruel design, forcing Leila to endure the hard, cold marble beneath her. Her knees were bound to throb for a long time even after she left this place.
As dusk settled in, Leila had been rigidly kneeling for several hours. She shifted slightly to ease her aching back just as someone opened the hall door. “What are you up to?” Shirley snapped upon noticing Leila’s movement. “Were you just loafing around, waiting for someone to see you kneeling?”
Leila faced Shirley and shook her head, but Shirley paid her no attention, signaling to a servant. “Fetch the cane. I’ll show this bitch a lesson for messing around!” A chill of dread swept through Leila. Shirley was preparing to strike her.