Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
Landon’s expression revealed a trace of resignation.
“I’ve come to the realization that Leila has indeed spoiled them… They’ve grown up too innocent, entirely devoid of cynicism. Their emotions are always plainly visible, like open books. If they were to enter the real world as they are, who’s to say they wouldn’t be deceived or exploited? How would they handle that?”
Leo offered a faint, understanding smile.
“But perhaps that’s something beautiful, isn’t it? Miss Nixon’s love for them is pure, after all.”
Landon said nothing, his thoughts seemingly miles away. After what felt like an eternity, he exhaled deeply.
“Calvin reminds me so much of myself when I was younger. He’s stubborn, often tangled in his own issues, ignoring even the simplest courtesies. I was too stern earlier. It wasn’t my intention to criticize him so harshly. Let’s just leave it.”
“As Calvin matures, he’ll come to see the reasons behind your actions. The rifts between a father and his son often boil down to miscommunication. Why not open a dialogue with Calvin and share your concerns? He strikes me as a thoughtful young man. Remember how you and Elma patched things up recently after a sincere talk?” Leo suggested, hoping to soothe Landon’s worries.
Landon was at a loss for words, hesitantly clearing his throat in a moment of discomfort.
“It’s different, you know.”
Landon had spent time with Elma and Sophie. He had watched Elma grow from a tiny baby to her current age. But he had never been there when Calvin grew up. Maybe Calvin had a point in chastising him. He wasn’t exactly the epitome of fatherhood.
Leo, picking up on Landon’s unease, began to share his own story.
“I have two children, yet it’s quite the opposite of your situation. My daughter isn’t too close to me because their mother died when they were just little. I’ve been their caretaker ever since, but as the years slipped by, they matured. My daughter formed her own opinions and became reluctant to confide in me. She finds it awkward to open up to me, perhaps because I’m a man. However, there are matters children keep to themselves, and it’s crucial for adults to reach out and talk. Effective communication is key to resolving such issues.”
Landon absorbed Leo’s words in thoughtful silence, a faint gleam of resolve igniting in his gaze. He patted Leo’s shoulder with newfound appreciation.
“I get what you’re saying. Thanks for sharing this with me. You know, you should head home early today and catch up with your kids.”
Meanwhile, Calvin stormed away, aimless in his frustration. He had initially sought out Elma, but upon learning from a maid that she had just begun her meal after waking, he opted not to intrude. Instead, he found solace in the solitude of the garden, lying back on the lush lawn to gaze up at the sprawling, starlit sky, his thoughts swirling with tumultuous emotions.
It was then that the butler located Calvin, approaching with a respectful bow before delivering his message.
“Mr. Calvin Kensington, your father requests your presence.”
Calvin dismissed the request swiftly.
“I don’t want to see him right now. Tell him you couldn’t find me.”
With a weary sigh, the butler replied, “I’m afraid that won’t suffice as an excuse. The estate is monitored, and there’s a camera directly above you. Your father might even be watching at this moment.”
Calvin fell silent, his eyes lifting to meet the surveillance camera’s flashing red light. He clenched his jaw, determination hardening his features.
“Leave me alone. If he wants to force a confrontation, he can try. I just don’t want to see him.”
No sooner had Calvin spoken than Landon’s voice rang out across the garden.
“You call yourself a man, yet you flee from confrontation. Did your mother teach you to be so timid?” Stung by the criticism of his mother, Calvin surged to his feet, fury etched across his face as he met Landon’s advancing figure with a defiant glare.
“What right do you have to speak of her that way?”
Landon continued his approach, undeterred.
Standing well over six feet, Landon’s stern expression lent him an intimidating air, almost tyrannical in its effect. This visage alone could easily bring a child to tears.
Calvin, admittedly frightened, held his ground with brave resolve. He knew succumbing to fear wasn’t an option. Landon was a heartless man. If the entire family cowered before Landon, would they ever escape his tyranny?
Calvin’s defiant thoughts were clearly written all over his face, as Landon abruptly tapped him on the head.
“Remember, no matter your feelings toward me, I am your biological father-that’s an unalterable fact.”
A sharp pain shot through Calvin, causing him to wince and cradle his head, his resentment toward Landon deepening. Then, in an unexpected shift, the once detached and imposing Landon lowered himself onto the lawn, adopting a posture mirroring Calvin’s.
“Sit down. We need to talk,” he instructed.
Calvin hesitated but complied, though he subtly shifted further away, maintaining a cautious distance.
Landon, surprisingly composed, said calmly, “How have your mother and sister been lately?”
Calvin was momentarily taken aback before a cold, mocking laugh escaped his lips.
“Isn’t it a bit late to be asking that now? I’m hardly a child to be fooled by mock concern.”
Landon’s smile faded into a bitter grimace.
“You’re right. It was foolish of me to ask.”
An uncomfortable silence enveloped the room.
Calvin scanned his surroundings, searching for a way to excuse himself from the tension.
However, Landon, shifting the conversation abruptly, asked, “Why do you think Lacey would drug Elma today?”
Caught off guard by the sudden query, Calvin took a moment before replying earnestly.
“Because she just doesn’t strike me as a decent person, and it’s clear she harbors no love for me and my siblings.”
“You mean, all of you?” Landon quirked an eyebrow, a hint of surprise in his voice.
“Yes,” Calvin affirmed firmly.
“After all, she has her sights set on you, and we, being your children-and Mom’s too-are just in her way.”
Upon hearing this, a shadow of concern passed over Landon’s face, his expression hardening.
“Calvin, I assure you, I have no intentions of marrying Lacey, or any other woman for that matter.”
Calvin’s gaze was icy, reflecting the maturity far beyond his years.
“There’s no need for promises here. It’s not about who fills the role of our stepmother, but rather, the fact that she simply cannot be the one. At the dinner the other night, she went out of her way to make a spectacle of us, accusing us of plotting against the Kensington family. That accusation was a step too far, considering none of you appreciate the extent of the sacrifices my mother made.”
Landon’s expression shifted subtly, a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. For a brief moment, he found himself at a loss for words. He understood Lacey was trying to defend him, yet he couldn’t condone her public disparagement of Leila. It seemed, perhaps, his judgment was clouded. Despite believing Leila might wish him harm to gain control of the Kensington Group, he was reluctant to escalate the conflict into outright hostility.
Observing Landon’s reticence, Calvin saw his chance.
“See? I’ve been saying all along that Lacey isn’t right for you, and yet you refuse to see it. Doesn’t your earlier promise seem a bit ridiculous now?”
Landon responded firmly, without a hint of doubt.
“No, it doesn’t. I swear, I won’t marry anyone else.”
Calvin’s eyes flickered subtly, yet he emitted a disdainful snort.
“Your assurances mean nothing to me. Your existence is irrelevant to my life.”
Landon, uninterested in exposing Calvin’s lies, swiftly shifted the conversation.
“So, how is Elma feeling lately?”
Calvin’s expression darkened as memories of his last visit to Elma surfaced. She had appeared exceptionally lethargic, and upon awakening, she seemed lost in a foggy state. This was clearly not her usual self.
Calvin gave a slight shake of his head, signaling that there was no improvement in Elma’s condition.
Landon exhaled deeply, placing a comforting hand on Calvin’s shoulder.
“I get your worries about your sister, but we have to trust that Lacey, the doctor, knows what she’s doing. If you harbor any doubts, you need to back them up with proof. I can’t bar Lacey from treating Elma just because of your unfounded worries. Elma is my daughter, and her safety is paramount.”