Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
Lacey’s tone changed when she uttered the last sentence.
This remark momentarily stiffened Leila’s smile.
She stared at Lacey, puzzled and uncertain.
What was Lacey implying? Did Lacey have some connection with Landon?
Soon, Leila shook it off.
Her marriage to Landon was no secret among their circle, and their narrative was widely circulated.
Maybe Lacey had heard whispers about it or seen one of Landon’s photos floating around.
Echoing Leila’s uncertainty, Sophie inquired, “Lacey, do you know my dad?”
With a knowing smile, Lacey replied, “I know him quite well.”
Yet, Lacey left it at that, gracefully offering the gift box to Sophie.
“Inside are the gifts my man and I have prepared for you.
I really hope it’s to your liking.”
Sophie received the gift with a warm smile, her eyes showing appreciation as she said, “Thank you.”
Leila stared at Lacey, astonished.
“You man? Are you married now?”
“Not quite yet, but it’s in the works,” Lacey replied, her gaze drifting over the noisy gathering.
“Is it always so noisy here? I can’t say I’m a fan.”
Realizing Lacey preferred a more private conversation, Leila signaled the butler and led Lacey to a secluded corner.
“Miss Payne, you owe us some explanations. Why the silence for three whole years, only to turn up unexpectedly like this?”
Leila’s tone wasn’t accusatory.
She was merely puzzled by Lacey’s unexpected timing, especially at Sophie’s birthday celebration.
Leila couldn’t help but sense Lacey’s arrival had something to do with Sophie.
Unruffled by Leila’s words, Lacey smiled softly.
“They say you value your children the most. It seems there’s truth in that.”
Leila’s brow creased in confusion.
“What are you implying?”
“Nothing sinister,” Lacey said, shaking her head.
“I wouldn’t dream of harming your kids. After all, you’re practically a family to me, given that I am your sworn sister. How could I possibly hurt you or your children?”
Leila remained silent, her eyes fixed on Lacey with a curious intensity.
Meeting after years of lack of interactions, she sensed something off with Lacey, though she couldn’t quite figure out why.
On this day, which marked Sophie’s most joyous occasion, Leila had no desire to dwell further on Lacey’s oddities.
“If there’s nothing more, I need to be going. Should you need me, make an appointment through my butler.”
With these words, Leila began to walk away.
Lacey hurried to catch up, her voice laced with urgency as she posed an odd question.
“I’ve heard rumors you’ve taken up prayer in recent years. Is it a bid for redemption?”
Leila came to an abrupt stop, her brows knitting in irritation.
“What are you trying to say?”
“Oh, I mean no offense,” Lacey replied, her tone one of harmless curiosity.
“There’s talk. That’s all. People wonder about your motives. I’d suggest just focusing on being kind and generous. Misdeeds rarely lead to joy.”
Leila had always sensed Lacey’s strangeness from their first meeting and chose not to engage further.
As Leila continued on her way, a disturbance broke out nearby. Sophie rushed over, tears streaming down her face.
“Mom, I need you here now. Something’s happened to my sister!”
The words sent Leila into a sudden wave of panic, her eyes widening in alarm.
Elma had been excitedly celebrating Sophie’s birthday. She was playing games with the other children when she suddenly started coughing uncontrollably. Her coughing worsened, and soon she was struggling to breathe. She clutched at her chest and collapsed to the floor, her face pale and lifeless.
Leila rushed over, her heart sinking at the sight of Elma’s distress. She immediately called for an ambulance, but they were far from the city, and it was unclear how long it would take for help to arrive.
Sophie, tears streaming down her face, tried to comfort her mother. “Mom, don’t worry,” she said. “My brother saw that Elma was sick and went to call the family doctor. The doctor should be here soon.”
“We need to do something to help her,” Leila said, trying to stay calm. She squeezed Sophie’s hand tightly. Not knowing Elma’s condition, Leila hesitated to move her.
Suddenly, a woman’s voice rang out. “Everyone, step aside.”
It was Lacey. Her face was grim as she looked at the crowd. “What are you all doing just standing there? Can’t you see she can’t breathe? Please move aside,” she demanded.
The crowd quickly moved back. As Lacey approached Elma, Leila grabbed her arm.
“What are you doing?” she asked suspiciously.
Lacey turned and gave Leila an icy stare. “I know a bit about first-aid,” she said.
“If you want your daughter to die, then by all means, stop me. Leila, everyone here works for you. If I were lying, wouldn’t I risk my life for this? Besides, I can see what’s wrong with her. If we wait any longer, she might not make it.”
Despite Lacey’s harsh words, Leila released her grip on Lacey’s arm. Tears welled up in her eyes. “Please, save my daughter,” she begged.
Lacey shot her a look and then said loudly, “Give me some space.”
Leila nodded, and the bodyguards stepped back. She watched as Lacey took out a small bag and began inserting thin needles into Elma’s skin.
Sophie, her voice trembling, asked, “Mom, is that going to hurt Elma?”
Leila shook her head. “It’s called acupuncture. It’s a special kind of medicine. She should wake up soon,” she explained.
Sophie nodded, her eyes wide with curiosity. Just as Leila had said, Elma’s fingers twitched a few minutes later. Leila’s heart leapt with relief at the sight of Elma stirring. Tears welled up in her eyes, blurring her vision.
“Elma!” she cried out, rushing toward her daughter, but Lacey held her back.
“Give her a moment. Let her come around slowly,” Lacey stated..
Leila nodded, her voice thick with emotion. “Thank you, Lacey. Thank you so much.”
Lacey merely nodded, a flicker of something unreadable in her eyes. After what felt like an eternity, Elma’s eyelids fluttered open.