Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
Landon rubbed his temples, attempting to shake off the remnants of his grogginess.
He didn’t respond to her question right away, which only deepened Lacey’s worry.
Setting aside what she was holding, she hurried to his side. “Mr. Kensington…”
Before her hand could reach him, Landon caught it, his grip firm. “Miss Payne.” His gaze was ice-cold. “Why did I pass out all of a sudden yesterday without any reason?”
Lacey’s heart skipped a beat. She knew he was clever and cautious, but his sharpness had caught her off guard. Her words stumbled as she tried to explain herself. Her mind raced for a plausible excuse, quickly settling on one.
“I noticed your injury wasn’t healing properly, so I gave you a stronger remedy. If you don’t believe me, check for yourself. You should feel more robust now. Some herbal treatments come with side effects, but as a doctor, I can adjust them so that all you feel is a little drowsiness.”
As Lacey finished speaking, her voice carried a note of quiet grievance. “I only wanted to help you recover faster. I didn’t expect it to lead to a misunderstanding.”
“Fine.” Lacey pulled her hand from his grasp, her demeanor cooling instantly. With a touch of irritation, she continued, “If you don’t trust me, feel free to seek someone else you do.”
Landon furrowed his brow, now fully alert. He realized he felt much stronger, and his injury no longer ached. Perhaps he had misunderstood her. Moreover, if Lacey truly wanted to harm him, she had plenty of opportunities to do so. Why would she act now?
Landon cleared his throat awkwardly and apologized. “I’m sorry, Miss Payne. I just had to ask. It’s not that I don’t trust you, and I hope you won’t take it to heart.” His sincere apology softened Lacey’s resolve. She turned her head, avoiding his gaze.
“Do as you see fit. My advice is to rest and recover here before leaving. But if you are in a rush, there is nothing I can do to stop you.”
Landon mulled it over and saw the sense in her words. He hadn’t yet known whether Clayton had already made a move against Leila. If he reappeared too soon, before fully healing, he might draw Clayton’s attention and land himself in trouble.
“Miss Payne,” Landon began as an idea formed in his mind. His expression grew serious. “Could I ask you for a favor?”
The words “Of course” nearly slipped from Lacey’s lips, but she caught herself, clearing her throat and frowning. “Is it something troublesome?”
Landon hesitated, uncertain how to proceed, worried he might be bothering her. He shook his head. “Never mind. It’s nothing. I’m sorry for today. I hope you won’t hold it against me.”
Lacey clenched her hands at her sides. “Don’t say that. Just tell me whether or not it’s troublesome. After all, you have helped us before. It’s only fair I return the favor.” At her words, Landon spoke up.
“There’s a Morgan family in Burmoos. I hope you can keep an eye on their movements for me.”
Landon surmised Clayton likely wouldn’t linger in Avalon for long. Clayton was constantly in the spotlight, and if he left Avalon, there would surely be some news. But if Landon personally investigated, he would quickly draw unwanted attention. It was too risky.
Landon contemplated for a while and then made a sincere promise. “Once I’m back with the Kensington family, I’ll repay you generously. Money won’t be an issue.”.
Lacey’s eyes flickered with mild displeasure. “I’m not interested in those things.” Despite her words, she agreed and then told Landon to get some rest.
Soon, the day of the concert arrived. True to her word, Leila brought the three children abroad. At first, they were in a sour mood, but the trip gradually lifted their spirits.
Sophie was nervously preparing for her performance. Although she had participated in similar events before, this particular concert held great significance, causing her palms to sweat with anxiety.
To ease the tension, Elma began telling jokes. Her delivery was so deadpan that it became unintentionally hilarious.
However, no one laughed as she expected. Elma huffed, “If it’s not funny, that’s fine. You don’t have to look at me like I’m a fool.”
Leila was amused. Wrapping her arms around Elma, she chuckled. “Everyone thinks your jokes are hilarious, and you’re absolutely adorable.”
Sophie couldn’t help but smile. “Thank you, Elma. I’m much better now and not as nervous.”
Elma beamed, her arms happily winding around Leila’s neck.
Later, Sophie drew her performance slot, but she had to wait a few days before going on.
Leila decided to take the children out for a quick tour of the area to help them relax. Unexpectedly, she ran into Clayton.
However, just as Leila and her children stepped out of the car on the outskirts, a group of motorcyclists sped toward them.
Their target was clear. One of them reached out to grab Leila’s handbag.
Leila held on as tightly as she could, but the rider had no intention of stopping. He accelerated instead. If Leila didn’t let go, she might be dragged away.
Panic surged through Leila as the invitation was ripped from her grasp. She regretted not bringing bodyguards. On the verge of tears, Sophie cried out, “Mom, the invitation is in there! Without it, I can’t perform!”
Leila wiped Sophie’s tears gently and reassured her. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. I’ll get it back. I promise.” Gradually, Sophie calmed down.
Leila tried calling the police, but as she watched the motorcycles vanish into the distance, a sense of hopelessness washed over her. In such a situation, getting her handbag back seemed unlikely. There were no cameras on this road, and robberies were common here. They would probably have to accept their misfortune.
But Sophie’s eyes still held a glimmer of hope, and Leila couldn’t bear to let her down.
Just then, the motorcyclists returned. This time, they were battered, with bruises on their faces. Before Leila could say a word, they handed the handbag back to her.
Leila hesitated, wary of a potential trap. She didn’t reach out immediately, keeping her distance.
At that moment, a car pulled up nearby, and Clayton stepped out. “I got it back. There’s nothing to worry about.”
Upon hearing this, Leila took her handbag from the motorcyclists.
Clayton gave her a warm smile before turning to the thieves, his expression hardening. “If I see you causing trouble here again, you won’t get off so easily next time.”
The motorcyclists nodded frantically before speeding off again.
With Clayton’s intimidating bodyguards surrounding him, no one in their right mind would dare defy him.
Leila frowned, her confusion growing. “Why not just report them? These guys clearly haven’t learned their lesson.”
Clayton exhaled slowly, his tone deliberate. “It’s more complicated than that. They may seem like small-time troublemakers, but they’re connected to gangs in the city. This isn’t Avalon. Things are rougher here. Getting involved could cause more problems, especially with Sophie’s competition so close. We can’t afford any distractions right now.”
Leila considered his words, nodding. “I understand. Thank you. My handbag has something incredibly important in it. Without your help, who knows what might have happened.”
Before Clayton could respond, Sophie darted over, her face glowing with excitement. “Thank you, Mr. Morgan!” Clayton’s features softened immediately. He knelt slightly and ruffled Sophie’s hair. “No need to thank me. Just focus on doing your best in the competition. I know you’ve got this.”
Sophie grinned and bounced away to rejoin her siblings. As the children laughed and played, Leila’s smile faded. Her eyes sharpened, and her expression hardened as she turned to Clayton. “Clayton, are you secretly following me?”
The warmth from earlier had vanished, replaced with suspicion. She hadn’t told Clayton about her trip. She hadn’t mentioned Sophie’s competition. And yet, he knew every detail. She was grateful for his help a moment ago, but this was something else entirely. Needless to say, she didn’t like being followed.
Seeing the anger in Leila’s eyes, Clayton quickly explained, “That’s not what I meant.” He cleared his throat as a slight flush crept up his cheeks. “I know you’ve been going through a lot lately, and I just couldn’t stop worrying about you. That’s all. As for Sophie’s competition, it’s no secret. If I wanted that information, I wouldn’t need to follow you.”
He hesitated, searching her face. “But if I’ve made you uncomfortable, I’ll leave right now.”
Leila sighed softly, the tension in her shoulders easing just a little. The truth was, she had turned Clayton down more times than she could count. Yet, for some reason, he persisted. He wasn’t a bad man. In her eyes, he was kind and thoughtful. But her heart belonged to Landon. Even in death, her feelings wouldn’t change. She couldn’t imagine herself loving anyone else.
Lowering her gaze to hide the emotions flickering in her eyes, Leila spoke calmly. “Mr. Morgan, I’m sorry if my words were harsh. I didn’t mean to hurt you. There are many wonderful people in this world. You don’t need to waste your time on me.”
“I don’t see that I am wasting my time on pursuing you.”
Clayton opened his mouth, desperate to say something more, but Leila cut him off with a gentle smile. “For the rest of my life, I only want to watch my children grow up in peace. That’s all I need. I don’t want anything else.” Her voice softened even further. “Please, Mr. Morgan, don’t waste your time on me anymore.”
Clayton’s heart clenched. Bitterness settled deep inside him, but he hid it well, forcing a casual smile. “I understand,” he said lightly, though his voice betrayed a touch of sadness. “I don’t want to cause you any trouble.
When I return home, I’ll follow my family’s wishes and settle down..
My concern for you is simply because the Morgan family still owes you.”
Hearing this, Leila felt a small sense of relief. “In that case, you have your own obligations to fulfill. I won’t keep you. I’m planning to take the children kite flying. You can say hello to Elma if you’d like.”
Her words were clear. She was politely asking him to leave.
Clayton glanced over at the large, open lawn where Elma laughed joyfully, playing with Calvin and Sophie. He smiled, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “Elma seems happy,” he said, shaking his head gently. “I wouldn’t want to intrude. I’m not really her uncle, after all.”
Leila returned his smile politely. “You can’t say that. To me, you’re like a big brother. It’s fine if Elma calls you ‘uncle.'”
Clayton’s heart sank further at her words, a fresh wave of bitterness rising within him. “I’ve got other matters to attend to,” he said, turning to leave.