Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
“I wonder how Landon is doing now. Can he recover quickly?”
Originally, Landon had planned to confirm whether the woman recovering here was indeed Leila, but unexpectedly, after a few days, she hadn’t stepped outside her room again.
Byron had made some inquiries and learned from Calvert that she needed to rest due to her poor health.
Landon realized he might not get a chance to see her again. Fortunately, his health had seen significant improvement, and it was time for him to leave.
Before leaving, Landon made a point to go see Gracelyn. He thanked her for her kindness.
Gracelyn had someone bring out her grandson’s memorial tablet for Landon to pay his respects.
Although hesitant, Landon understood it was necessary to go through the motions if he wanted to avoid suspicion. So, he performed a convincing act of mourning.
Landon’s emotions were always well-hidden. This lent him a genuine air.
Gracelyn’s countenance softened, and she called him over. With a moment’s hesitation, Landon approached her.
Looking at Landon’s tall, striking figure, Gracelyn sighed wistfully.
“If my grandson were still alive, he’d be around your age. It’s a shame that someone like you isn’t married yet.”
After a moment’s thought, Gracelyn’s face lit up with an idea.
“Interestingly, a daughter of a former neighbor visited me recently. She’s quite lovely. You might have heard of her. Much like you, she’s recovering from a fall off a cliff. Why don’t I introduce you two?”
Landon, who had been pondering how to get a chance to meet the mysterious woman, suddenly found the opportunity landing in his lap. Despite the potential, he hesitated to agree immediately.
“I appreciate your kindness, but as you can see, I prefer being alone. Besides, I’m without family or money, and wouldn’t want to be a burden on anyone.”
Gracelyn simply shook her head, dismissing his concerns.
“It’s okay. She won’t mind.”
Since Gracelyn had put it that way, Landon masked his joy at the prospect of meeting the mysterious woman with a look of reluctance and nodded.
“Thank you, Gracelyn, for setting this up.”
Gracelyn waved her hand at the servants.
Meanwhile, Leila, who had been resting in her room, was surprised by the request to meet Landon. Why had Gracelyn suddenly arranged this meeting?
While Leila did indeed wish to meet Landon, the timing was not right, particularly with Gracelyn watching. Any unusual reaction would raise Gracelyn’s suspicion.
Surrounded by servants who were busy dressing her up, Leila maintained a composed exterior, though she felt increasingly anxious inside. What could Gracelyn’s real motive be?
Once Leila was ready, the servants wheeled her out.
Just then, Leila spotted Calvert and Florrie. Her eyes flickered, and she quickly said, “Hold on. I need to ask Dr. Watson something.”
The servants had no choice but to stop and take Leila to Calvert. Florrie, noticing Leila’s apparent disregard for her, felt a spark of suspicion. She moved closer, forcing a smile.
“Miss Nixon, Dr. Watson is busy, and Mrs. White is expecting you immediately. It would be better to go see her first.”
Leila pressed her lips together and replied, looking past Florrie to Calvert, “I suddenly feel ill and need to speak with Dr. Watson. Is there a problem with that? Gracelyn wants me to meet an important guest. Imagine if I were to pass out in their presence. She wouldn’t be happy. Who would be blamed then?”
Leila directed this question at Florrie. After all, she had been drugged and was recovering slowly. It was expected for her to feel pain and discomfort.
Calvert watched Leila in silence. Seeing that she appeared to be asking for intervention, he felt a pang of distress. He was concerned about Gracelyn’s sudden decision for Leila to meet Landon, especially since rumors suggested he was quite attractive and might capture Leila’s heart. But there was nothing he could do.
Now, as Leila willingly moved toward him, it was clear to Calvert she was reluctant to meet Landon. Despite wanting to keep any suspicions from Florrie at bay, he found he could no longer hold back.
Calvert walked over and faced Florrie with an annoyed expression.
“Why are you always antagonizing Miss Nixon? It’s only sensible for her to seek a doctor when she feels sick.”
Florrie glared at Calvert, silently questioning his failure to understand why she was being hostile.
Calvert cleared his throat.
“Well, if you’re bothered, then never leave my side. It’s just that I sense your lack of confidence, always afraid that I’ll cheat on you. Do as you please.”
Calvert’s words were not meant to reassure Florrie, but to draw the attention of those around them.
People nearby began to look at Florrie curiously, making her face turn different shades of pink due to embarrassment.
Eventually, Florrie clenched her teeth and conceded. She glared at Leila.
“Since you’re feeling unwell, let Dr. Watson examine you.”
Leila breathed a sigh of relief and responded, “I’d prefer to speak with Dr. Watson in private. And don’t worry, I have no interest in your husband.”
Her words were a sharp slap to Florrie, who boiled with rage. She had no option but to wheel Leila to Calvert and then retreated to a spot far enough to suggest she wouldn’t listen in, but close enough to keep a watchful eye on them.
The others also maintained their distance.
Once alone with Calvert, Leila confessed, “I don’t want to meet that man. I know what Gracelyn is up to. You are the only one I care for and trust right now.”
Her words stirred a deep emotion in Calvert, who gazed at her fondly.
“Since we love each other, I can’t bear the thought of other men even looking your way.”
Hope sparked in Leila’s eyes as she asked, “Is there a way you can fix this?”
Calvert smiled confidently as he pretended to examine her. He gave some instructions and then told the servants to take Leila away.
As Leila was wheeled away, Calvert said meaningfully, “Miss Nixon, feeling sick is normal. Just remember to take your medicine as prescribed.” Leila smiled slightly.
“Okay, Dr. Watson.” She held the red pills tightly in her hand.
After Leila left, Florrie quickly moved to Calvert’s side, her gaze sharp and scrutinizing.
“What did you tell her? Why does she always turn to you when she’s feeling ill?”
Calvert’s smile disappeared at Florrie’s intense questioning. He answered with a hint of impatience, “What do you think I could have said? You were here. You saw it all. What could possibly happen between us? She’s my patient-it’s normal for her to seek my medical help. Your relentless suspicions are quite annoying.”
Florrie’s anger surged.
“I’m annoying because I’m suspicious of you? Why do you think I have these suspicions? If you made me feel secure, I wouldn’t act this way. I suspect there’s something going on between you two unless you tell me what your conversation was about.”
Calvert lost his patience.
“Believe whatever you want. I promised I wouldn’t divorce you, but if you continue this way, I might have to rethink that.”
Florrie’s tone turned to one of desperation at his words.
“Calvert, that’s not what I meant. I just don’t want anyone to come between us. Well… as long as you keep your distance from her in the future, I’ll stop questioning you.”
Calvert merely snorted, choosing to remain silent afterward, but Leila’s earlier words still echoed in his thoughts. She had expressed a desire to be with him only and said that she didn’t want attention from other men.
Calvert was greatly pleased to hear this. He was somewhat surprised that she had fallen for him so quickly. But it made sense when he thought about it. Despite being older, he was accomplished, and while not as wealthy as Leila, she was a woman who would eventually need someone to manage her family’s wealth and business.
Moreover, Leila had three children. It was generous of him not to be bothered by that. He was more than enough to deserve a woman like Leila.
Gracelyn paced the room, her patience wearing thin after waiting half an hour for Leila, who was still nowhere to be seen.