Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
Edgar cleared his throat. “Yes, he’s here, but he might be tied up at the moment. Perhaps you could wait in the lounge?”
Leila shook her head. She was only here to drop off a token of gratitude. If he was too occupied, she would simply leave a note.
Edgar paused briefly and then stepped aside, motioning for Leila to enter Landon’s office.
The door to Landon’s office was slightly open.
Someone was definitely inside, as Leila picked up some voices.
Leila reached out to the handle but hesitated as she recognized the distinct sound of giggling. Her heart missed a beat, yet she managed to maintain her calm.
Just as Leila was about to knock, Sarah’s voice carried through from the inside. “Landon, why do you even waste your time with that mute? She’s just a headache for you, isn’t she? Always stirring up drama. If I were her, I’d just stay at home and spare you the hassle.”
Leila froze, her breath hitching as she listened for Landon’s reply.
Inside, Landon’s laughter was low and knowing. “Yeah, she’s a handful, not nearly as mature as you.”
For a moment, Leila’s heart slowed and then pounded fiercely, a knot forming in her throat. She had actually anticipated Landon’s response, yet hearing it directly from him still shattered her. To him, she was merely a nuisance. What made it even worse was her inability to defend herself in situations where she felt mistreated.
Sarah received the desired answer, and her laughter grew louder and more joyous.
Leila grimaced at the sound, set down the item she had brought by the door, and turned to leave.
As Leila stood in the elevator, a bitter taste lingered in her throat. She had fantasized before coming here. Perhaps, if Landon was in a pleasant mood, she might suggest they both attend Eastonville University’s anniversary.
It was a selfish wish, rooted in her desire to prove to Landon that she could navigate such large events on her own. Now, it seemed best to discard the idea altogether.
After regaining her composure, Leila pulled out her phone and texted Irene: I’ve been pretty free these days. If you’re interested, we could check out Eastonville University tonight.
Unaware of Leila’s arrival, Landon observed Sarah’s attempts to get closer with frosty detachment.
Landon distanced himself, clear rejection in his posture, his eyes growing icier. “So, you came all this way just to hear me say that? Are you happy now? Could you leave?”
Sarah retorted, her expression souring. “Landon, what are you implying? You didn’t mean what you said earlier? I was merely helping you voice your thoughts. Leila is nothing but a nuisance.”
Landon averted his eyes, masking the chill within them, and gestured toward the door. “Leave now. I’m swamped and have no time for nonsense.”
Sarah pouted and moved toward the exit, dragging her feet. Once outside Landon’s office, her high heel caught on something. Her mood already soured, this minor mishap only added fuel to her irritation.
Sarah roughly handled the delicate packaging and scoffed. “All this useless stuff being sent here.”
However, her expression changed when she spotted familiar handwriting on an attached note.
Crouching down, Sarah gently lifted a sculpture from the box, her eyes reflecting a curious spark.
Meanwhile, Landon dialed Edgar. “Postpone the meetings for the next few days. I’m heading to Eastonville University.”
“Eastonville…” Edgar had some suspicions, and he asked cautiously, “Is it regarding your wife?”
Landon’s reply was evasive. “Just make the arrangements. Don’t question further.”
Despite his disapproval of Leila’s public appearance, Landon had tried to help deal with the negativity surrounding her but was a bit too late.
Lately, Landon noted an escalation in Leila’s temper. She was becoming increasingly defensive at the slightest provocation, like a porcupine bristling at danger.
Landon stopped his work, choosing not to hurry home but rather to visit Leila’s new residence. After several unanswered rings, he knit his brows in frustration.
Forgoing the doorbell, Landon knocked directly, his actions growing more insistent.
Landon’s voice rose, tinged with worry that she might not hear him. He knocked even harder, his hands growing sore from the effort, yet the silence inside persisted.
Landon pulled out his phone, torn between calling the police or finding someone to unlock the door.
Just then, a security guard, drawn by the commotion, approached swiftly. Noticing Landon, who was dressed impressively, the guard’s expression softened.
“Sir, who are you looking for? The owner of this house is on a trip and won’t return for a few days. If you need to contact her, you may register your details here,” the guard explained with a courteous tone.
Landon’s eyes narrowed, his frustration evident. He clenched his left hand tightly. “She just left, didn’t she?” he asked sharply.
The guard nodded in confirmation.
Disinterested in registering, Landon stormed out of the building. As he did, his phone rang. It was Sarah. He answered immediately. “You wanted some time away, right? I happen to have some free time now. I’ll join you for a few days. You choose the destination.”
Caught off guard by his sudden proposal, Sarah froze. After a brief moment, she made up her mind. “I’ll pick the place. You’ll find out when we get there.”
Originally, the trip was meant for Leila and Irene alone, but when Linsey heard about it, she decided to join in.
Linsey proposed she arrive earlier to secure the hotel reservation and then pick them up from the airport.
However, to their surprise, it was Ethan who greeted them at the airport.
Leila, slightly taken aback, signed to ask why Ethan was there, having assumed he was overwhelmed with work.
Ethan responded with a grin, “Yeah, I’d been buried in work recently, but I needed a little escape. I figured I might as well join you guys for some fun. Linsey found a great place and is waiting for us there.”
Hearing this, Leila didn’t resist anymore. She and Irene hopped into Ethan’s car together.
Only upon arrival did they discover what Linsey considered fun.
Their destination turned out to be a museum near Eastonville University, known for its long-standing history and nearby ancient burial sites. The area had yielded artifacts that were thousands of years old, primarily consisting of jewelry and decorations.
As Leila read the museum’s introductory sign, her eyes lit up with excitement. She turned to Irene, enthusiastically gesturing to express her thrill.
Although Leila couldn’t speak, her animated motions conveyed her delight clearly.
Irene gazed at Leila with warmth in her eyes. “You really adore this place, don’t you? When we head back, let’s pick up some souvenirs. Who knows? You might find some inspiration for your artifact restorations.” Leila responded with a nod of agreement.
From a distance, Linsey caught sight of Leila and rushed over, enveloping her in a bear hug.
Leila, accustomed to Linsey’s vibrant energy, smiled warmly, her eyes twinkling.
Linsey looked around with a proud sparkle in her eye. “So, what do you think? Isn’t this spot I discovered amazing? We can’t take pictures, but there’s a lot to see. There are also several interactive activities. We should definitely try some out.”
The group shared laughs and light conversation as they made their way deeper into the venue.
They soon stumbled upon a cultural experience center.
The museum had arranged a special corner for lantern displays.
Staff, dressed as historical figures, interacted with guests, offering riddles. Winners received beautifully crafted rabbit lanterns.
Though not ancient artifacts, these lanterns were crafted using traditional techniques showcased throughout the museum.
A wave of excitement washed over Leila at the sight. She wished she could take one home as a reference piece.
Soon, an opportunity came up, but it required a male-female pair.
Leila excitedly grabbed Linsey’s hand, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Linsey sighed. “Okay, I’ll team up with my brother, but don’t expect too much. I’m not exactly a whiz at puzzles.”
Ethan offered a comforting smile. “Just give it your all. Since it’s something Leila likes, I’ll put in the effort.”
Linsey shot back playfully, “Well, if it was something I liked, you’d probably make me solve it alone. Talk about favoritism.”