Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
Leila’s laugh was cold and mocking. “Surely, you can tell if I’m spouting nonsense. You traded your past with him for what you perceived as a life of luxury and prestige, severing any chance of making amends. Landon’s retaliation against the Miller family was a direct result of your betrayal.”
The weight of the revelation made Sarah’s legs buckle, and she nearly collapsed. Driven by an unexpected storm within the Miller family at that time, she felt an urgent need to marry, as if that decision could restore some balance.
That year, the Miller family seemed to have unwittingly crossed someone. First, their products were slammed with quality complaints, followed by a tax investigation revealing evasion. Her parents were apprehended overnight.
At that point, the Miller family chalked it up to misfortune, oblivious to Landon’s involvement.
A question popped into Sarah’s mind: If Landon had ever loved her, could he have been so cruel? Realizing her monumental mistake, she sobbed, her heart filled with sorrow and regret.
From a secluded spot, Lacey watched the spectacle unfold before her eyes.
She had been invited.
When Lacey contacted Cody that day, he quickly made her an intriguing proposal: be her exclusive doctor.
He promised her a hefty monthly salary, in the high thousands, with additional allowances for travel and living expenses.
The proposal was too advantageous for Lacey to turn down.
More importantly, Cody’s influence was not to be underestimated.
She sensed that he might be the key to moving up the social ladder.
Upon arrival, however, Lacey was struck by the glaring social inequalities.
The elite were celebrating with an extravagant feast.
Lacey watched as the guests feasted on rare and succulent dishes while engaging in cryptic conversations beyond her comprehension.
The variety of unfamiliar gourmet foods and premium beverages highlighted the depth of luxury.
Leila’s presence immediately caught Lacey’s attention.
Leila’s understated style, with a light dress and minimal makeup, seemed to further enhance her natural charm, drawing the eyes of others.
From her hiding place, Lacey watched Leila with subtle curiosity.
Although Lacey was unaware of the details of Sarah and Leila’s conversation, the sight of Sarah slumping to the floor, overcome with emotion, increased her contempt for Leila.
Leila’s insensitivity was palpable.
Sarah’s emaciated appearance spoke clearly of her struggles with illness and a difficult life.
Yet Leila’s face remained void of empathy.
It seemed unimaginable that Landon could have feelings for someone like Leila.
Perhaps he was blissfully unaware of her true nature.
After a brief pause, Lacey approached the spot where Sarah lay.
‘Hi,’ she murmured.
Eyes full of compassion, she asked, ‘Are you okay?’
Sarah, masking her anger and bitterness, looked up at her, feigning frailty, a lone tear hanging from the edge of her eye.
‘I’m fine,’ she whispered, hiding the truth behind her words.
Lacey’s heart went out to Sarah as she helped her to her feet.
Sarah was alarmingly thin, almost light in Lacey’s arms.
To Lacey, Sarah was truly pitiful.
Remembering Leila’s hostile attitude moments before, Lacey hadn’t planned to intervene, but found herself asking, ‘Why does she make your life harder when you’re already suffering like this?’
‘Her?’ Sarah’s eyebrows arched, and a glint of intrigue flashed in her eyes as she caught the nuance in Lacey’s remark.
However, that spark of interest quickly disappeared, fading before Lacey could discern it.
Sarah’s grip tightened on Lacey’s hand, her fingers bony and distinctly prominent as she exerted pressure.
‘You know Leila?’ she asked urgently.
Lacey pressed her lips together.
‘Not exactly. I’ve only heard a few whispers about her, and now I’m intrigued to see who she really is.’
This answer seemed to excite Sarah, but she restrained herself from immediately asking more.
Instead, she looked Lacey up and down, noting the simplicity of her attire despite the grandeur of the occasion.
Sarah couldn’t quite place Lacey’s true origin.
As Sarah hesitated, a group of men dressed as bodyguards approached them.
Lacey’s gaze fell on them, and she knew immediately that they were Cody’s bodyguards.
The bodyguards approached with a respectful bow.
‘Miss Payne, please follow us,’ they said in a polite, formal tone.
Lacey nodded in acknowledgement.
She turned to Sarah, concerned, and gently suggested, ‘Maybe you should see a doctor. You don’t look well.’
Biting her lip, Sarah pulled out a business card and handed it to Lacey, whispering, ‘If you’re interested in learning more about Leila, come find me.’
Lacey hesitated for a moment before accepting the card, her hesitation evident.
As Lacey walked away with the others, her heart pounded in her chest.
She’d been thinking about how to find out more about Leila without drawing attention to herself.
Asking around would make it so Leila couldn’t help but notice.
Luckily, her chance had finally come.
Once Lacey was out of sight, Sarah dropped the facade of fragility she’d been maintaining.
A wild, almost disturbing laugh burst from her mouth.
The memory of Lacey’s look of pity made Sarah’s expression twist with revulsion and irritation.
She hated the sting of the others’ sympathy directed at her.
What right did they think they had to look at her with pity? It didn’t matter, though.
She was sure Lacey would end up being an ally.
Sarah’s laughter faded as her eyes roamed the outline of her frail body, and an overwhelming sadness tugged at her heart, making her want to cry.
Yes, she was sick and painfully aware of her condition.