Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
Florrie had no idea that Leila’s husband was standing beside her.
Landon’s fingers curled slightly at his side but kept his expression stoic. What concerned him was Florrie’s claim that Leila had fallen while climbing the mountain. A sharp pain twisted in his chest. Unable to hold back, he asked, “She fell off the mountain? Was it that serious? Why wasn’t she taken to a hospital?”
Florrie faltered for a moment, surprised by his focus. But she soon brushed off her concern. From his expression, it was clear he was now interested in Leila. If that was the case, she had accomplished her goal.
Naturally, Florrie had no intention of telling Landon the whole story. She put on a regretful expression.
“Yeah, she fell from the mountain. Her face hasn’t fully healed. Imagine someone like her, born into privilege, ending up in such a state. It’s no wonder she’s quite moody. Mr. Collins, you don’t mind, do you?”
Landon studied Florrie carefully, sensing something off. Was she trying to set him up with Leila? Why? Could it have been Gracelyn’s orders? His mind raced with possibilities, and he suddenly asked, “So, what do you think I should do to mend my relationship with Miss Nixon?”
Florrie’s eyes sparkled with delight at his willingness to play along. She led him to the balcony.
That was when Landon noticed the only two rooms with large balconies were his and Leila’s. More importantly, their balconies were connected, so if he wanted, he could easily step over to see Leila. A thrill shot through Landon, but he quickly masked it, turning back to Florrie with a frown.
“No, this isn’t appropriate. Change my room. Miss Nixon’s already in a bad mood, and if she finds out I’m next door, she’ll only hate me more.”
Florrie tensed, briefly panicking that Landon wasn’t interested in Leila. But then she understood the meaning behind his words and felt relieved. She couldn’t help but laugh.
“Don’t worry, Miss Nixon isn’t that petty. Besides, Mrs. White arranged all of this, and Miss Nixon always listens to her the most.”
Landon hesitated and then acted like he was reluctantly convinced.
Meanwhile, next door, Leila heard the faint sounds of conversation but wasn’t paying much attention. She was too lost in her thoughts, replaying everything that had happened today. A dull ache pulsed behind her eyes.
As the conversation next door gradually faded, sleepiness crept in. She rubbed her forehead and instructed the servant outside, “I’m going to rest now.”
A maid immediately came in to assist her with washing up and settling into bed.
Once Leila was under the covers, the maids turned off the lights and stepped out, standing guard just outside her room.
After a moment, Leila called out, “I don’t want to be disturbed tonight. I’m exhausted, so I’ll be sleeping deeply. You’re free to do as you please.”
The servants exchanged glances. It was tempting. Taking care of a paralyzed person day in and day out was exhausting, even with the high salaries they received. If Leila didn’t need them tonight, then a little break wouldn’t hurt. They were pleased upon hearing Leila’s words.
Still, they decided to leave one person behind just in case Leila required anything. The last thing they wanted was to risk Leila complaining to Gracelyn. No one would back them up then.
Hearing the faint footsteps outside, Leila unexpectedly felt drowsy.
But just as sleep was about to take her, a noise snapped her awake. Leila was a light sleeper, so she woke up instantly. She remained still and silent, instinctively glancing toward the door.
The door remained intact, with no signs of the handle being tampered with.
Then, another sound emerged from the balcony.
Leila turned her head and saw a dark shadow moving behind the sheer curtains, swaying with the breeze.
Leila seemed to sense something. She flung off the blankets and ran barefoot toward the balcony.
At that moment, the man moved swiftly, stepping forward and pulling Leila into his arms, embracing her.
A cool, familiar scent filled Leila’s senses. She wasn’t dreaming at all. Tears burned in her eyes in the warm embrace. She trembled slightly and whispered, “Landon, why did you come here alone? Do you have any idea how easily you could be discovered?”
Landon held Leila even tighter as if he had finally found the missing piece of his heart.
“I took the risk, but so are you. You’ve been pretending for so long. How could you be sure it was me? If it had been someone else, all your efforts would’ve been in vain.”
Just moments ago, Landon could hardly believe it himself. He had only planned to sneak a glance at Leila, never expecting her to rise from the bed.
At that moment, all of Landon’s worries disappeared. Leila wasn’t paralyzed.
Still, Landon felt her actions were far too risky.
Landon scooped Leila into his arms.
“Don’t ever do that again.”
Leila laughed, her beautiful eyes shimmering.
“Just from a shadow, I knew it was you. Even though we haven’t seen each other for a while, you’ve appeared in my dreams so many times that I could never mistake you.”
Landon was deeply moved, unable to resist lowering his head to kiss Leila.
Their long-awaited kiss was deep and passionate, filled with unspoken emotions.
Leila bet that at least one servant was still guarding her room. But she knew how the servants dispatched to take care of her operated. Even standing guard outside her room, they likely slacked off. As long as she and Landon kept it quiet, they wouldn’t attract any attention.
Though reluctant to pull back from this passionate kiss, Landon recognized they were at the White family residence. Still, he couldn’t take his eyes off Leila. He said, his voice full of emotion, “Leila, I missed you so much.”
Leila hummed in response, wrapping her arms around his neck. It felt like a dream. Not only had they both survived, but they could also meet again. All the depression and pain she had felt since being confined to this place seemed to melt away at the mere sight of Landon. Landon carefully carried Leila back to the bed, cautious not to attract anyone’s attention. He couldn’t let anyone know Leila’s leg had healed, as it was her trump card. If they were caught, he could always pretend he was just some random guy trying to take advantage of her. He didn’t want her to suffer anymore.
Landon declared, looking at her with determination, “I’m going to get you out of here. I promise.”
Leila nodded, tears in her eyes.
Landon was about to leave when Leila reached out and grabbed his hand. Landon turned back, worried Leila was unwell, and asked nervously, “What’s wrong, Leila?”
Leila bit her lip, feeling a little shy.
“I haven’t been this happy in so long,” she said.
“Stay with me for a little while.”
Landon’s eyes softened. He knew it was risky, but he stayed. She needed him, and that was all that mattered. That was enough for him.
It had been a long time since they had been together like this. Leila leaned against Landon, feeling like a lifetime had passed.
“How are the kids?” she asked, looking up at him.
“They’re doing okay,” he said.
“They miss you, but they’re being strong because they know you’d worry about them. They don’t want to cause any trouble.”
Leila knew her children were trying to be brave for her.
“It’s my fault.” She sighed.
“If I had been more careful, I wouldn’t have been confined here, and no one would have to worry about me.”
Landon gently tapped her forehead.
“Don’t say that. It’s my fault. None of this would have happened if it weren’t for me.”
“You never used to admit you were wrong,” Leila teased.
“You’ve changed.”
Suddenly, Landon rolled over and pinned Leila beneath him, his eyes burning with passion.
Leila’s heart skipped a beat. She tried to wriggle free.
“Weren’t you worried about being caught just now? Why aren’t you worried now?” she asked.
Landon grinned.