Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
“How about I assign a bodyguard to take you to the hospital? Or home, if you’d rather rest?”
Sophie shook her head, her tone polite but distant.
“It’s alright. I can handle it myself.”
Landon winced at the sharp sting of his daughter’s icy tone.
Leila glanced between Landon and Sophie, sighing inwardly. She could tell Sophie was being stubborn, lacking any true desire to actually leave. After being apart from her father for so long, Sophie must have missed him. But things had changed now.
At that moment, Elma stepped forward, tugging at Sophie’s hand and pleading, “Sophie, don’t go! It won’t be the same without you. Stay and play with me, please?”
Sophie, who rarely denied her little sister anything, almost softened at the sight of Elma’s hopeful expression.
“I’m really not up for eating.”
“That’s okay!” Elma chirped, undeterred.
“There’s a play area nearby. Will you come play with me? Please don’t leave!” Sophie could tell exactly what Elma was thinking. She pinched Elma’s cheek fondly.
“Fine. I’ll stay for the meal.”
With that, the tension eased slightly.
When the waiter arrived with their order, he couldn’t help but notice the odd dynamic at the table. Were they truly a family? The group felt more like a gathering of strangers.
Landon suddenly said to the waiter, “No seafood, please. Two of us are allergic.”
The waiter nodded quickly.
Stunned, Leila shot Landon a meaningful look.
“Two? Isn’t it just Elma?”
Landon glanced at Calvin.
“Elma and Calvin are twins. If Elma’s allergic, chances are he is too.”
Landon’s guess proved correct. Calvin was basically allergic to the same things Elma was. The two children had similar tastes and preferences.
Calvin, noticing Landon’s gaze, bristled.
“That’s obvious.”
“Calvin!” Leila’s tone sharpened.
“He’s your father. Show some respect.”
Calvin’s face turned cold. He said nothing more, focusing on his meal.
Elma, however, continued her attempts to lighten the mood. It was evident that she longed for a peaceful, happy family atmosphere. Eventually, Sophie and Calvin, not wanting to disappoint Elma, reluctantly interacted with Landon.
The tension lifted significantly, and Leila felt a wave of relief.
Just as the mood began to thaw, a knock sounded at the door. A staff member entered with a camera in hand.
The restaurant was renowned for its cozy private rooms, perfect for families and couples, each beautifully decorated to create an inviting atmosphere. They offered complimentary photography services, allowing guests to decide whether or not to participate. If the photo turned out well, it would be displayed on the photo wall in the lobby after gaining the guest’s consent.
Landon and Leila spoke simultaneously.
“No, thank you.”
They froze, exchanging a fleeting glance before quickly looking away, unaware of the flicker of disappointment in each other’s eyes.
Leila and Landon, assuming the other wouldn’t want to take the photo, preferred to speak up first to spare the other from feeling awkward.
The photographer, caught off guard by their synchronized refusal, chuckled awkwardly.
“Alright then, sorry to bother you.”
“Wait!” Elma darted toward the photographer, her small hands outstretched.
“We do want a picture! This is a family meal, and it should be remembered.”
Turning to Leila, Elma pleaded, “Mom, let’s take a photo. Please? My teacher even gave us an assignment to take a picture with our parents and write about it!”
Leila raised an eyebrow, amused. Naturally, the teacher wouldn’t give such an assignment. She could see through Elma’s little fib, and Elma’s earnest face made it hard to refuse. She had no idea about Landon’s thoughts. If Landon was unwilling, it would feel like pressure to agree.
Just as Leila was about to try and persuade Elma, Landon unexpectedly said, “If it’s for Elma’s school assignment, we should go along.”
Leila looked up, startled by Landon’s agreement.
Leila tilted her head slightly, giving Landon a curious, almost puzzled look.
Landon felt as though his thoughts were transparent around Leila. He cleared his throat, a nervous habit, and hurriedly said, “I mean, we shouldn’t put the kids in an awkward spot in public.”
Leila remained silent, her eyes briefly meeting those of their children.
Calvin snorted in the background, while Sophie stated bluntly, “Mom, it’s your call.”
Leila found no compelling reason to decline the photo opportunity.
The whole family searched for a suitable corner of the room with an appealing backdrop and settled down for the family portrait.
The photographer seemed a bit troubled.
“Look, with your stunning features, let’s lose the stiffness. Smile more. Show some warmth. Engage with each other.”
At the photographer’s words, Leila’s lips curled into a radiant smile, and Landon’s demeanor visibly relaxed.
Yet, the photographer hesitated, his finger poised but not committing to the shutter. He appeared to be contemplating further adjustments.
Elma darted back and forth, gently guiding Landon and Leila closer together at the center.
“The photographer suggests a bit more closeness. Isn’t that right?” she asked, looking toward the photographer.
The photographer nodded enthusiastically, a pleased smile spreading across his face.
“Exactly. Wow, you two really look like the perfect pair. Come on, hold hands or maybe hold your wife.”
Landon and Leila fumbled slightly, their expressions betraying their confusion.
Elma watched them, eyes twinkling with mischief. She cradled her face in her hands, her voice a gentle whisper.
“Dad, Mom, can you play along just for a little while? It will be quick, I promise.”
Leila hesitated, but ultimately her hand reached out toward Landon’s.
Unexpectedly, Landon was quicker. Instead of merely clasping her hand, he swept Leila into a tight embrace.
This sudden closeness almost tipped Leila over her high heels. She leaned fully into his hold for stability.
The photographer seized the moment, the camera shutter clicking fervently.
“Excellent! That’s a stunning shot. Let’s keep this energy going for a few more!” he exclaimed, clearly pleased. In that close embrace, neither Landon nor Leila dared look into each other’s eyes.