Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
From the sidelines, Lacey watched, her heart pounding in her chest. Anxiety swirled inside her as she feared for Landon.
The bald man stood frozen, too intimidated to join in. He watched as his men were taken down, his gaze shifting to Landon with growing caution. “Who the hell are you? What’s your background?” he asked.
Landon wasn’t about to reveal the truth. Instead, he shot back with a casual edge, “And why should that matter to you?”
The bald man eyed Landon and then glanced at Lacey. He figured Landon probably didn’t come from a wealthy background since he had to fight his own battles. Plus, Landon’s clothes didn’t scream affluence.
Straightening himself, though still wary of Landon, the bald man spat on the ground and snapped at Lacey, “He might be good-looking and know how to throw a punch, but he’s broke! You’ll regret falling for him, Lacey.”
Lacey flushed, either out of anger or embarrassment. “Shut up!” she shot back.
Landon cut in, his tone steady. “You’ve got it wrong. Miss Payne and I aren’t together. She saved my life, so I owe her. I’m just returning the favor. I’m warning you. If you keep harassing her, you’ll regret it.”
The bald man spat on the ground one last time before turning and walking away.
As soon as the bald man was gone, Lacey rushed over to Landon, her concern clear.
Landon’s wound had reopened, blood staining the bandages. He grimaced but stayed stoic.
“Get inside. Let me fix that bandage,” Lacey said, gently nudging him, her voice edged with concern.
Landon stepped back, avoiding Lacey’s touch. “I’m fine. I can handle it.”
Lacey’s expression hardened. “Mr. Kensington, what’s this about? A doctor doesn’t care about gender.”
Landon’s voice remained calm. “That’s not what I meant. I can handle the medication and bandaging on my own. No need to trouble you. Moreover, after what just happened, I’d rather not give people more reason to misunderstand our relationship. You saved me, and if I don’t avoid raising suspicion, it would look like I’m ungrateful.”
Lacey’s hands tightened into fists before she forced a sigh.
“Sorry, I overreacted.”
Landon shook his head. “No harm done.”
With a softer tone, Lacey said, “Thank you for what you did today.”
Landon waved it off. “It was nothing.” He turned and headed back inside without saying another word.
Lacey watched him walk away, emotions swirling inside her. She sighed, trying to push away the thoughts that kept intruding.
Just then, Jeanette ran over, tugging at Lacey’s sleeve. “Do you have a crush on him?”
Lacey smiled and ruffled Jeanette’s hair. “Don’t be silly. He’s got a wife and kids. I can’t fall for him.”
Meanwhile, Leila had been recovering at the hospital for almost a week. Clayton hadn’t left her side once. Truth be told, Leila wanted nothing to do with him. She had others looking after her and could see through his intentions.
Yet, despite her resistance, Clayton refused to leave. Each time Leila attempted to send him away, he countered by sharing news about Landon.
The dark circles under Clayton’s eyes betrayed how tirelessly he had searched for Landon. Leila couldn’t bring herself to tell him to leave anymore.
Leila’s relationship with Elma had grown stronger during her hospital stay. The children visited her after school, filling the room with laughter. Elma, who once kept her distance, now spoke freely with Leila.
This warmed Leila’s heart. Her spirits lifted as her recovery sped up.
One afternoon, Sophie approached Leila, looking uncharacteristically hesitant. “Mom, can I talk to you about something?”
Leila’s heart sank. Sophie rarely acted this way. “Is something wrong at school, Sophie? Are you being bullied?” she asked, her voice laced with concern.
Sophie shook her head. “No, it’s this.”
Sophie handed Leila a letter. It was an invitation to an international children’s music competition.
Leila wasn’t too familiar with the music world, but she understood enough to know the prestige of such a competition. If Sophie could win, it would be a huge step forward in her life. The invitation came after Sophie was recognized by several professionals in her field. Leila’s face lit up. “This is amazing! When is it? We’ll all go with you.”
Sophie bit her lip. “I’m not so sure, but it’s either next week or by the end of the month. I’ll need to be there for at least two weeks if I attend.”
Leila immediately understood Sophie’s dilemma. With everyone focused on searching for Landon, Sophie didn’t want to be a burden. The longer the delay, the slimmer the chances of finding Landon.
Caught in a tug-of-war, Leila felt torn between her desire to find her husband and the deep need to be there for Sophie. She was forced to make a decision that couldn’t be avoided.
Sophie paused, carefully considering her words. Then, with determination, she spoke. “Mom, I can go on my own. You don’t have to worry about me. I’m almost thirteen. I can handle it.”
Leila gently took her hand. “Sophie, it’s not that I don’t trust you. You’ve always been responsible. But this is a huge opportunity for you. I’ll make sure we’re all there with you.”
Sophie’s eyes softened with warmth.
However, doubt lingered in her voice. “But what about my dad?” Leila sighed deeply. “We’ll keep searching. He’ll be okay. We have to believe that.”
Sophie nodded, though she still looked troubled. Leila pulled her into a hug. “When the time comes, Elma, Calvin, and I will accompany you. Don’t worry about school. Elma and Calvin can miss a few days.”
Calvin and Elma were in elementary school, and their academic performance was outstanding. This was a pivotal moment for Sophie. Missing a few days of school wouldn’t hurt Calvin and Elma.
Sophie’s smile finally returned. She snuggled closer to Leila as she said, “Thanks. You’re the best.” Leila playfully tapped Sophie’s nose with affection.
Suddenly, an idea crossed Leila’s mind. Why wait around for news when she could search for Landon herself? She planned to visit the location where Cara’s body had been found. If she and Landon shared the connection she believed they did when they were in love, maybe she could find him.
Unexpectedly, Clayton had the same thought. “I was planning to go and wanted to ask if you’d join me, but I wasn’t sure if your condition could handle it. After all, you’ve only just recovered. I don’t want you getting sick again from the journey.”
Leila smiled softly. “I’m fine now. Moreover, it’s not far. I need to go and find him.”
Clayton responded immediately, “Once you’re ready, we can leave tomorrow, as weather forecasters said it will be a sunny day. It’s been pouring for days, and I heard some villages on the outskirts are submerged, with roads becoming impassable.”
This piece of news sent a wave of unease through Leila. Sensing her distress, Clayton quickly offered consolation. “I’m sure Landon’s alright. No need to worry.”
Managing only a half-hearted smile, Leila observed the tired lines etching Clayton’s face.
As Clayton was about to exit, Leila felt an urge to speak up. “Mr. Morgan?”
Clayton paused and turned, his face lit with a flicker of anticipation.
Leila took a breath, pausing briefly. “You’ve been pushing yourself too hard lately. Let me take you out for dinner someday. My treat.”
She quickly added, “Oh, and my kids will join us, too.” The glimmer in Clayton’s eyes dimmed as he managed a smile. “We’re beyond formalities, aren’t we? Well, since you invited me, how could I say no? Let’s figure out a time that works for us.”
Leila watched Clayton as he walked away, feeling a mix of gratitude and concern.
That same night, Landon was plagued by a terrifying dream. He woke up bathed in sweat, the old wound on his side throbbing with each heartbeat. Gathering his senses amidst the sound of relentless rain, his thoughts wandered to Leila, stirring a blend of concern and longing.
Landon’s recent nightmare centered around Leila. In the eerie depths of his dream, Leila was forced to collaborate with Clayton to track him down, but Clayton was secretly scheming against her.
Throughout the dream, Leila remained unaware of the deceit. Unknowingly, she walked straight into Clayton’s trap, each step deliberate and calculated.
Landon, desperate to warn her, couldn’t utter a word. No matter how hard he tried to yell, his voice failed him. In the end, he could only watch as Clayton led Leila farther and farther away.
From the moment his memory returned, Landon had sensed something unsettling about Clayton. While Clayton had not been directly involved in Cara’s manipulative schemes, he had played a role in covering them up. More damning was the fact that when Landon had lost his memory, it was Clayton who had deceitfully introduced Leila as Sarah. Clayton had lied to him. These revelations painted a clear picture: Clayton was not as innocent as he appeared.
With this in mind, Landon knew he had to return to Burmoos urgently. He had lost his phone and didn’t have Leila’s contact details. Although he had Clayton’s number, reaching out to him didn’t seem wise. Landon scowled, deep in thought, when suddenly the light flicked on with a sharp click.
Landon glanced cautiously at the door and asked, “Who’s there?” It was Lacey, clad in a nightgown. With a touch of embarrassment, she explained, “I heard your voice and got worried something might be wrong, so I came to check.” The tension in Landon’s eyes softened. “I’m fine. Sorry for bothering you. Miss Payne, you can go ahead and rest now.” Lacey’s grip on the doorframe tightened slightly, but her curiosity got the best of her. “You were having a nightmare, calling for Leila. Is she your wife?”
Landon wasn’t keen on discussing it but responded patiently with a nod.
Lacey nodded back, then paused before leaving, advising him to take care in the coming days so he wouldn’t aggravate his injury.
The rain persisted lightly throughout the night but stopped by morning. Not only had the rain ceased, but the sun had also emerged, signaling a break in the weather. The villagers, delighted by the change, wore smiles all around. Even the typically stoic Lacey found herself smiling as she busied herself in the kitchen.