Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
“Mr. Kensington,” Lacey called out, her voice softening with a sweetness that wasn’t usually there. “Do you think this dress fits me well?”
An embarrassed flush crept up her cheeks as she quickly added, “I just picked it up on a whim. I’m worried it might not be ‘me.’ Your impeccable taste is something I’ve always admired, and I really want your input.” Landon only gave her a brief glance, his attention fleeting, not resting on her for more than a few moments.
Lacey gazed at Landon with hopeful eyes, anticipating a compliment that would make her day. A simple kind word would have sufficed, something she could cherish.
But Landon, ever nonchalant, gave his thoughts in just a few indifferent words. “The outfits you like are the ones best for you. Choose what you love. It’s entirely your decision.”
Feeling slightly let down, Lacey couldn’t resist probing further. “Do you think this looks good on me?”
Landon’s reply came back even more indifferent. “If you feel you look good, then you do. And if not, then you don’t.”
The light in Lacey’s eyes dimmed as she toyed with the hem of her skirt, her spirits dampened. “I understand.”
“But…” Landon’s tone shifted unexpectedly.
Lacey’s spirits lifted momentarily, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. But the words that followed took her by surprise. “My wife adores this brand. If you’re keen, I can connect you with her once I’m home. She might have some advice for you.”
Advice? The word lingered in the air, extinguishing Lacey’s smile. Why would she need Leila’s advice? What right did that woman have to advise her?
Landon, oblivious to Lacey’s growing discomfort, continued. “Speaking of which, she loves wearing light green or lavender. These colors can be tricky, but her smooth skin and undeniable charm make anything look good on her.”
Lacey couldn’t hear another word after that. It was her first encounter with heartbreak. Struggling to hold back her tears, she summoned all her strength to retreat to her room, where her frustration finally boiled over. She was irrationally furious.
After her outburst, Lacey stared at her rumpled reflection in the mirror, feeling bewildered. Why had she become like this? Was Landon really worthy of this transformation? Yet, Lacey’s distress was undeniable.
She couldn’t get what made her inferior to Leila in Landon’s eyes.
Hadn’t Leila abandoned and hurt him? Why did he care only about her? If Leila had been devoted and kind, she might have gracefully accepted the truth. However, from what Lacey had observed, it was clear Leila harbored darker intentions, maliciously spreading rumors of Landon’s supposed death to erase his existence.
Gradually, Lacey calmed herself, firmly believing that Landon would one day recognize her virtues.
Pondering her next move, Lacey took a deep breath, grabbed her phone, and dialed the number from the business card.
Elsewhere, Leila noted that the date of the gang leader’s birthday celebration was fast approaching. She remained on the move, gathering information about the current leader.
So far, all she had uncovered was that the gang, founded by the current leader’s predecessor, was called the Snow Gang. The current leader, Cody Hopkins, originally from Avalon, had somehow ended up abroad. His power had not been self-made but inherited through succession.
The gang, which had once carried different names, was a venerable institution, centuries old, and revered locally, with no one daring to challenge its authority. Cody Hopkins, by some means, had managed to infiltrate the gang, rising through the ranks until the former leader not only approved of him but allowed him to marry his daughter and take control, renaming the gang in the process.
Strangely enough, shortly after Cody married the leader’s daughter, she passed away. While living overseas, Cody surrounded himself with numerous women, most of whom were foreigners. He cohabited with them without ever marrying. Despite his advancing years, he continued to attract many women. It was revealed that Rola and Freya, though sisters, had different mothers, explaining why they didn’t resemble each other.
Besides Rola and Freya, Cody had several other children, yet mysteriously, only Rola and Freya remained by his side. Leila theorized that Rola and Freya were indispensable to him, which explained their presence. She wasn’t so naive as to believe that Cody’s first wife had merely succumbed to a sudden illness. Having witnessed the darker sides of human nature, Leila instinctively assumed the worst.
Luckily, Leila was in her homeland, where most of her business operated. While her influence in Burmoos wasn’t overwhelming, no one dared cross her here.
Suddenly, Elma burst in, holding an invitation letter. “Mommy! A woman just gave me this invitation. She hopes you’ll come.”
Elma handed the invitation to Leila.
Puzzled, Leila hadn’t heard of any upcoming events in her circle. But when she unfolded the invitation, she understood.
It was an invitation from the Snow Gang, mentioning a charity event that would attract the elite from Burmoos. The event was designed to mix and make connections. It also conveniently coincided with Cody’s upcoming birthday, making it the perfect prelude.
The invitation exuded politeness, written in sincere and courteous words.
However, Leila, recalling the rumors of Cody’s questionable activities overseas, found the term “charity event” on the invitation laughably ironic. His real goal was networking, not philanthropy.
Leila had no interest in mingling with such characters. Yet, skipping the charity event might make her presence at his birthday celebration alongside Clayton seem disingenuous. So, she decided to discuss it with Clayton first..
Clayton hadn’t been invited yet, though it was only a matter of time before he would be.
When informed about the event, Clayton offered his support. “If you’re up for it, I’ll be there with you. Don’t worry. I’ll handle everything.”
Leila gave a small smile and gently refused. “That won’t be necessary. Even though I agreed to put on an act at Cody’s birthday banquet with you, that doesn’t make you my date for every party. I prefer to avoid misunderstandings.”
Clayton grasped her undertone immediately and didn’t push it, choosing to adopt a strategic concession. “I won’t go then. I guess it would be best if you leave your three kids behind to avoid any complications. If you’re concerned, I can help take care of them.”
Leila glanced at her children, joyfully playing in the garden, and nodded her agreement. “Thanks. I appreciate that.”
On the day of the charity gala, Leila made her way leisurely to the mansion hosting the event.
The turnout was impressive. The place was buzzing with guests.
Although many influential figures present hadn’t even heard of Cody before, he had managed to gather a sizable crowd, piquing Leila’s curiosity.
At the gala, Leila eventually came face-to-face with Cody, the man at the helm of the Snow Gang.
Cody didn’t appear special. He was short and unremarkable in appearance, sitting in a wheelchair and being pushed by others. However, despite his unassuming appearance, he was the formidable leader of the notorious Snow Gang overseas.
Leila was taken aback but knew better than to underestimate him. His rise to the top was a clear indicator that there was much more to him than met the eye.
Leila noticed that, despite Cody’s seemingly friendly demeanor, there was a stark chill in his gaze. He was a perilous man, more akin to a wolf disguised in sheep’s clothing. He could inflict harm when least expected with his deceptively plain look.
Even though the event was bustling with many guests, only a handful were cordial to Cody. Most held a subdued contempt for him.
After all, Cody’s reputation was less than stellar. Plus, he hailed from a humble and troubled background. Rumors circulated that his parents were criminals, sentenced to death.
While Cody held some sway overseas, at home, his influence was negligible.
Leila watched the room with keen interest, taking note of how others interacted. Without any prejudice, she went over to greet Cody kindly.
“Mr. Hopkins, I’ve heard you’ve been unwell. You seem much healthier today,” Leila remarked with a genuine smile.
Cody glanced up, a brief flicker of emotion crossing his features before it disappeared. “Thank you for your kindness, Miss Nixon. I should stand and raise a glass to you, but as you see, my legs aren’t in the best condition.” Leila gave a nod, signaling her understanding. “It’s no big deal. Just look after yourself,” she said with a faint smile.
Shortly after the cordial small talk, Leila was searching for a way to excuse herself when Cody unexpectedly halted her. “Miss Nixon, I’ve heard your three kids are both smart and sweet. How come they’re not here today?” Leila tensed at the question, her gaze shifting uneasily toward Cody. It didn’t seem like mere curiosity about her kids was driving his question.
Cody caught the caution flickering through Leila’s eyes, yet his demeanor remained calm. “Please, don’t misunderstand, Miss Nixon. I mean no harm. It’s just that my daughter was a bit rude, and I’ve been wanting her to apologize personally to your kids. I thought perhaps they’d be with you today, so I had Rola prepare a gift to make amends.”
Leila’s tension eased slightly, and she responded with a casual wave of her hand. “That’s fine. Kids will be kids. They act out sometimes. I get it. Plus, Rola had apologized publicly to my daughter before.”
“That’s not quite what I meant,” Cody interjected, shaking his head earnestly. He then gestured to his bodyguard. “Please, bring Rola here.”
“Understood,” the bodyguard responded, departing promptly.
Moments later, Rola was reluctantly brought over. Freya was keeping Rola company.
Freya had come prepared, wearing a stunning gown.
At the sight of Cody, Freya’s and Rola’s usual arrogance was nowhere to be seen. They both lowered their heads, their demeanor meek.
Rola hesitated, and Cody’s expression grew stern instantly. His voice was devoid of warmth as he questioned, “What? Have you forgotten my words?” Quick to respond, Rola shook her head, her eyes on Cody not with admiration but with palpable dread.
Kneeling down, Freya offered a comforting pat on Rola’s back and tried to persuade her with feigned gentleness in front of Cody. “Rola, come now. You’ve messed up. The right thing to do is apologize and then set things right.”
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Rola moved toward Leila, her eyes brimming with tears. Leila, for her part, had little affection for Rola. Still, she was careful not to put Rola in a tough spot. She decided she would accept the apology if it was heartfelt and not accompanied by any belittling gestures.
However, Rola’s next action took Leila by surprise. She knelt down and bowed deeply to Leila, striking her forehead against the floor so violently that it began to swell, tears mingling with her cries of pain.
“I’m sorry. Truly, I am sorry. The fault is mine,” Rola said between sobs, her voice trembling with emotion. “Please, can you forgive me?”
Rola’s abrupt movement startled Leila, causing her to instinctively retreat several steps, her heart racing with shock.