Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
The weight of his threat hit Lacey like a blow, and she tensed up. She stiffened, her grip on the phone tightening.
“But Landon had promised me a lot of money and to send me abroad. His reach isn’t as strong there. If I leave before he finds out, I might escape the consequences. I don’t want to keep going, only to lose him and the money. Plus, I’m not alone in this world. I have to consider my sister’s future. And honestly, I’ve realized that I don’t desire Landon that much.”
Clayton listened to Lacey’s words, a cold sneer curling his lips. Oh, now she recalled her sister? Where was that concern when she was previously so focused on Landon? Now, seeing Landon and Leila so deeply in love, knowing there was no hope for her, and fearing her exposure, she only wanted to flee. He wouldn’t allow Lacey to withdraw.
Clayton took a deep breath, his voice low but firm.
“Don’t be naive. I’ve had plenty of dealings with Landon. Do you really think I don’t have influence? Yet, last time, I nearly died at his hands. And what about you? If you didn’t want to offend him, you shouldn’t have entertained those thoughts in the first place. Let me make this clear. If he ever finds out what you did to his daughter, no matter where you run, he will hunt you down and make you pay. He won’t recall any kindness from the past. Your fate will be worse than anyone who’s ever betrayed him!”
Clayton’s threat had clearly taken effect.
Lacey’s voice shook with panic as she said, “What can I do now? You coerced me into this. You must help me.”
Clayton felt his breath catch again. He had never thought Lacey could be so naive. Previously, her love for Landon and her resilience had made her act with decisiveness and clarity. Now, overwhelmed by fear, she seemed utterly confused.
Taking a deep breath, Clayton responded, “If there were any way out, I wouldn’t have ended up in this situation after being targeted by Landon. There’s no turning back now. We must keep moving forward and hope for the best. Moreover, if by some chance you do escape, have you thought about your sister? She still relies on Landon’s support. What will become of her if you flee?”
Trying to console herself, Lacey said, “Landon is kind to my sister. He says she’s a good girl. She knows nothing of our actions, and it doesn’t involve her. He won’t blame her.”
Despite her words, uncertainty gnawed at Lacey. She knew too well how Landon handled those who had crossed him. He was anything but compassionate.
Clayton, perceiving her doubts, mocked her sharply, “Do you really believe your own words?”
At this, all hope seemed to drain from Lacey. She sank back onto the bed, engulfed by a sense of hopelessness. She had once naively believed she could simply walk away whenever she wished. She had forgotten that once she agreed to collaborate with Clayton, there was no turning back. Even if Landon were to let her go, Clayton would ensure she didn’t escape without consequences.
Naturally, Clayton kept his thoughts hidden. He still saw Lacey as a useful pawn. For now, falling apart with her was not the right choice. Listening to the silence on the phone, Clayton realized his threat had had its intended effect. Softening his voice, he said, “Don’t be so pessimistic. I’ve known Landon for years. I assure you, you still have a chance.”
Hope flickered in Lacey’s eyes.
“Really?” she responded, her skepticism lingering. Leila and Landon shared a deep love. He was truly devoted. Lacey, less striking and from a humble background, struggled to accept her perceived inferiority to Leila. Despite her medical knowledge, she knew it was powerless against the matter of feeling.
Clayton attempted to convince her, stating, “As a man myself, I know that no man’s love is confined to one woman forever. Over time, even the deepest affections can diminish. If Landon truly had no feelings for you, he wouldn’t have kept you close. Whenever you upset Leila, Landon merely scolds you. Has he really ever punished you? Trust me, I understand men. If you follow my advice, you’ll achieve your desires.”
Clayton’s arguments appeared to take hold. Lacey exhaled softly, her expression turning determined.
“I have no other option. I need to act for my sister’s sake. Since you claim you can assist me and have shared all this, I’ll trust you again. But this is the final time. If I end up with Landon, I won’t be involved in these schemes any longer.”
Clayton hid a sneer. He coolly responded, “When that time comes, I’ll have achieved my aims and won’t need your cooperation.”
Relief washed over Lacey upon hearing this. She felt Clayton’s goal was to be with Leila.
Unbeknownst to her, Clayton’s goals had shifted long ago.
Meanwhile, before bedtime, Landon informed Leila of his plan to visit Lacey’s mentor at the earliest opportunity.
Reluctant but compelled by Elma’s health, Leila could not say no. Lacey had been treating Elma for half a month without any progress, except for a minor lift in her spirits. Such a state couldn’t last indefinitely.
Leila agreed somberly. Holding Landon’s shirt, she hesitantly asked, “Why won’t anyone tell me how Elma got this way? You all keep the truth from me. I don’t remember what happened. How can I be a good mother if I know nothing?”
Landon felt compelled by Leila’s sincere look and shared the events that had unfolded. He was brief, revealing only that someone had intentionally stunted Elma’s growth using a prohibited drug. The adverse effects were significant, and Elma’s survival over the years was fortunate. Much of Elma’s resilience was due to Leila’s persistent efforts. Leila had diligently searched for medical help to sustain Elma’s health.
Upon learning the truth, Leila’s sadness deepened, mixed with pain and guilt. She regretted not safeguarding Elma better. Her guilt was compounded by her recent awareness of the full situation. Without Landon’s revelation, she would have remained ignorant of Elma’s plight. Overwhelmed, tears streamed down Leila’s cheeks. She sought comfort in Landon’s embrace, crying quietly.
Landon, typically stoic, felt his heart break seeing her cry. Leila’s quiet sobs and trembling shoulders stirred his compassion. He soothed her by gently patting her back, offering silent support while she processed her emotions.
Eventually, Leila’s tears subsided. Raising her head, her eyes appeared red and swollen, her voice thick with emotion as she whispered, “Elma must have endured so much. This is all my fault.”
Landon, with tenderness, wiped her tears away.
“It’s okay. We’ve found a way now. Elma will get better.”
Leila looked up at him, hope flickering in her eyes.
“Really?”
Landon affirmed with a nod.
“Yes, really. I want you to be happy and healthy, no matter the cost. I’m prepared to do whatever it takes.” He was prepared to sacrifice anything, even his fortune or his life, though he kept this last thought to himself. Saying so might upset Leila further, something he wished to avoid. He couldn’t bear to see her cry herself breathless.
Reassured by Landon’s promise, Leila finally acknowledged in a subdued tone.
Elma’s situation was critical, and even though Leila hesitated to trust Lacey, she saw no other choice. Reluctantly, she agreed to bring Elma along.
Landon suddenly looked disturbed.
“If you can, I’d rather you stay home while I handle things with Elma,” he said.
Leila stared at him, confused.
“Why?”
Landon, of course, kept his concerns to himself. His plan was kind of risky, but there was no alternative. If he had any other option, he would never put Elma in harm’s way.
Seeing Landon stay quiet, Leila felt uneasy, thinking he might be hiding something. She stepped back from his embrace, acting as if she were hurt.
“You’ve just expressed how much I mean to you, yet you’re keeping secrets. How can I believe anything you tell me now?”
Her nose was still slightly pink from crying, and her voice quivered slightly. Her beautiful eyes were red and tears clung to her lashes, making her look more charming than upset, as if she were playfully pouting.
Seeing her like this, Landon’s hesitation dissipated quickly. He reached for Leila’s hand and soothed her with soft words.
“That’s not what I’m saying. I just believe that if we both leave, the other two kids might feel sad.”
Leila stopped to think and then dismissed the idea.
“I doubt they’d feel that way.”
Feeling embarrassed about what she said, Leila added, “Even though I can’t remember my past and haven’t been around them much, I’m pretty sure Sophie and Calvin won’t be bothered by it.”
Landon laughed softly.
“They’re thoughtful kids. They definitely won’t hold it against us, but we shouldn’t just disregard how they might feel.”
Reflecting on his words, Leila acknowledged her neglect.
“You’re right. I’ve been so focused on Elma that I’ve overlooked them. That’s my fault.”
Landon got up, leaned over, and carefully wiped off Leila’s tears with a serious yet tender look on his face.
“Stay here with Sophie and Calvin, and just wait for Elma and me to bring back some positive news. Don’t worry. It will definitely be good.”
Leila was about to nod in agreement when the door burst open. Sophie came hurrying in. From her expression, she had clearly caught part of their discussion.
Sophie quickly said, “Mom, you should go with my dad. Calvin and I are grown up now. We can manage on our own. Besides, I have a competition coming up soon and won’t be around, and Calvin also has his own contest to focus on. It makes sense for you to go with Elma.”
Sophie’s words tumbled out hurriedly, almost without a pause. Saying this, Sophie glanced anxiously at Leila and Landon, catching her breath. She had accidentally overheard their conversation while walking by. Sophie hadn’t planned to listen in, but hearing her mom’s crying made her worried, and she jumped to the conclusion that they were having an argument. As she lingered, she heard Landon convincing Leila to stay. Their concern for her and Calvin touched her heart deeply.
But it suddenly dawned on Sophie that if Landon went with Elma, Lacey would likely tag along. Who knew what Lacey was planning? She might seize the opportunity to do something with Leila absent.
While Sophie was confident Landon had no interest in someone like Lacey, her parents had only just mended their relationship. She felt it was important to prevent anything that might disrupt that.
After a moment’s hesitation, Sophie decided to open the door and enter, bracing for their displeasure.
To Sophie’s relief, Leila only offered a resigned smile.