Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
Caitlin’s shoulders slowly dropped as she reminded herself that the beautiful dress and jewelry she was wearing had been provided by Leila so she could look elegant at Elma’s party. In other words, she had everything she currently owned because of a child. Why hadn’t Leila ever invited her to meet other important people or attend special occasions before? The simple truth was that Leila never really respected her.
With this thought, Caitlin’s smile disappeared, and she gave a quick “alright” in response.
However, nobody seemed to notice Caitlin’s low spirits.
Leila didn’t think that way at all. She had made up her mind that if Caitlin behaved well and stayed out of trouble, she would put more effort into nurturing her. They were family, after all, and she didn’t want to be unkind to her cousin. This party was essentially a test. If Caitlin disliked such gatherings, Leila wouldn’t make her attend more.
Elma had been eager to see Caitlin.
With no reason to refuse, Leila brought Elma over to Caitlin.
When Leila saw Caitlin, she smiled and praised her, “You look lovely. This style suits you nicely.”
As Caitlin turned to face Leila, she quickly hid her resentment, replacing it with her usual bright smile.
“Do I really look lovely?” Caitlin asked, her eyes fixed on Leila in anticipation.
Leila stepped closer and gently took Caitlin’s hand.
“Yes, you truly look lovely. If you like this style, I’ll get you more outfits.”
Although Leila meant her words sincerely, Caitlin couldn’t help but overthink them. If Leila genuinely wanted to give her something, wouldn’t she simply give it without asking? Did the question mean that Leila really didn’t want to? But Caitlin kept these thoughts to herself. She answered politely, “That’s kind of you, Leila, but no thanks. You’ve already given me so much. That’s more than enough.”
Leila didn’t press further. She understood, from spending time together, that Caitlin was someone who valued independence and strength and didn’t want to bother anyone. Insisting would only make Caitlin uncomfortable, so she decided to drop the matter.
Caitlin scoffed inwardly, muttering to herself, “Just as I expected.” Leila remained oblivious to Caitlin’s thoughts.
Leila took Elma by one hand and Caitlin by the other, walking them outside.
On their way, they saw Calvin and Sophie.
Seeing Leila’s family interacting joyfully, Caitlin felt out of place.
Leila had intended to officially introduce Caitlin at the party, letting everyone recognize her as part of the family. But Caitlin felt apprehensive about the idea.
Just as they neared the doorway, Caitlin withdrew her hand from Leila’s grasp. Leila gave Caitlin a puzzled look.
Caitlin smiled awkwardly and explained, “On second thought, I shouldn’t come with you. Today is Elma’s special day, and it wouldn’t feel right to steal the spotlight.”
Leila didn’t share her viewpoint.
“Don’t worry, Elma wouldn’t mind. After all, we’re all family here. It’s normal that I introduce you. Also, many of my friends are here today. Since you’re looking for a job, networking with them might be helpful.”
Although Leila considered offering Caitlin a job, she understood Caitlin was headstrong and decided against it. Doing so might hurt Caitlin’s pride, and there was no reason to cause her such discomfort.
Caitlin’s smile grew more strained as she shook her head repeatedly.
“No, really, that won’t be necessary. Besides, I prefer sorting out my issues by myself.”
Since Caitlin insisted, Leila didn’t press any further and nodded.
Once Caitlin left, Elma turned worriedly to her mother.
“Mom, Caitlin seems different lately, but I can’t quite figure out why.” Sophie nodded in agreement.
“I noticed that too.”
Calvin, ever calm, chimed in, “People make their choices according to their thoughts. We’ve already tried our best to help.”
Leila looked away, her feelings complicated and unclear. She had sensed Caitlin pulling away from her but didn’t quite know why. Having never had a sibling herself, Leila wasn’t sure how to manage the situation.
Seeing the children’s confused looks, Leila sighed and patted Elma’s head.
“Alright, let’s focus on the celebration. Today is your birthday. Let’s be happy.” Elma brightened up, pulling Leila along.
“Mom, let’s go! My friends are already here waiting.”
The turnout was larger than Leila had expected. But she knew why they had come. Many of them were hoping to form connections with the Nixon and Kensington families. But that didn’t bother her. Since they had come to celebrate Elma’s birthday, she saw no reason to turn them away. However, she was mindful that among the crowd, there were those who might be looking to cause trouble.
Having risen to her current position, Leila attracted envy from many, while others nursed their jealousy. Some would only gossip behind her back, but there were always those who plotted to bring her down.
Leila, however, had endured enough to remain unshaken by such things. She had already instructed Trent to position a few bodyguards discreetly among the wait staff, just in case of an emergency.
Today was Elma’s birthday banquet, and Leila wouldn’t let anyone ruin her precious girl’s special day.
Caitlin stood at the edge of the lavish banquet hall, momentarily overwhelmed by the opulence and the crowd of finely dressed elites. When she snapped out of her thoughts, her emotions were a whirlwind. She quietly made her way to a secluded corner and took a seat.
No one seemed to notice Caitlin or recognize who she was. Throughout the night, no one approached her. A few curious glances were thrown her way, but they quickly resumed their conversations.
Caitlin felt like an outsider in that crowd-uncomfortable and out of place. She chose to lay low and stay where she wouldn’t be disturbed.
Yet, despite her efforts to remain unnoticed, the lively chatter around her made her feel lonely. She often found herself wondering if her parents were still alive. If so, would the loneliness feel more bearable, and would anyone care about her feelings?
Her thoughts spiraled. She and Leila shared the same grandparents, and both had lost their parents, so why was Leila so wealthy? Why was she still struggling with uncertainties about her future?
At that moment, someone finally noticed Caitlin’s beauty and approached her to start a conversation.
It was a group of young men, their appearances and confidence oozing with the unmistakable air of spoiled heirs from wealthy families. They were all undeniably handsome, their charm and ease making them far more approachable than Caitlin had anticipated.
Caitlin carefully kept her composure, exuding elegance as she exchanged a few measured words with them.
But as their conversation veered into topics like finance, subjects Caitlin barely understood, their glances began to shift, and their eyes showed subtle contempt. Before long, they made up an excuse and left.
Though they didn’t say it outright, Caitlin could read between the lines. She could see the disdain and dismissal flickering in their eyes.
This realization stung. Caitlin, who normally took pride in her dignity, clenched her fists in frustration, her teeth gritting angrily.
As she remained there, she overheard some conversations.
“Who’s that girl sitting in the corner? She doesn’t seem like she’s from a wealthy family.”
“Leila’s parties are getting less exclusive. Anyone can get in now.”
“Exactly. Remember, she was just an orphan before being adopted by the Kensington family. She’s nothing like us, born into privileged families.”
“Isn’t it funny? Even though she’s so rich now, she still has to rely on two men, playing both sides between them. What a disgrace.”
A few stifled laughs followed, with the group covering their mouths, careful not to let it spill too loudly. No matter how much they looked down on Leila, they knew better than to cross her. They could only badmouth her behind her back.
Caitlin’s eyes widened in shock. So, this was how Leila had built her wealth? Through affairs with two men? Was Landon aware of this? Probably not. No man would tolerate that kind of betrayal from his wife. Leila’s actions were no better than deceit. Her perception of Leila plummeted in an instant.
Caitlin had heard that Leila had risen to success through sheer effort and determination. She had once found Leila’s story inspiring, believing she could follow in Leila’s footsteps and become a strong, independent woman. But now, Caitlin saw it all differently. It was a fa?ade, built on the support of men. This realization left her with a bitter taste of disdain.
Caitlin pondered for a while, conflicted emotions churning within her. Ultimately, she chose not to tell Landon about it. Even though she looked down on Leila’s behavior, she couldn’t bring herself to interfere. After all, the matter was between Leila and Landon. It was their issue to work through. If she said anything, she risked coming across as the one trying to interfere in their relationship.
After coming to a decision, Caitlin felt a wave of discomfort wash over her. She decided to hand over her gift and leave promptly.
But as Caitlin stood and turned, she accidentally bumped into a woman. The red wine in the woman’s hand splashed across Caitlin’s beautiful white dress.
Caitlin winced, feeling a rush of distress. Though it was Leila who had bought the dress, the dress was undeniably dazzling, and seeing it stained brought a sense of displeasure. Moreover, she couldn’t shake the nagging thought that she might be asked to compensate for its damage later.
As Caitlin fretted over the damage, the woman who had spilled the wine quickly turned the tables. Her sharp voice pierced the air, cutting into Caitlin’s thoughts.
“Are you blind or just rude? You bumped into me, and you didn’t even apologize?”