Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
Clayton understood right away.
“You don’t want to see her, do you? Don’t worry, I won’t bring her to any event where you’ll be.”
“YOU…” Leila was rendered speechless as he deliberately misinterpreted her words. She realized it was pointless to argue with him. He had a knack for leaving her so utterly exasperated that she couldn’t even muster a comeback.
Just then, Landon’s familiar, cool scent drifted over as he approached Leila. He smiled warmly at her.
“I was putting together a surprise for Elma and got held up. Hope you and the kids aren’t too mad.”
Leila’s face immediately softened. She reached out and straightened Landon’s tie.
“No need to rush like that. Look at you, your tie’s all messed up.” Landon leaned down slightly, making it easier for Leila to fix his tie.
They looked so affectionate that they were the picture of a perfect couple. Clayton’s face darkened considerably. His hand, hanging at his side, tightened into a fist, a flicker of bitterness and frustration in his eyes.
After a long pause, Landon seemed to finally notice Clayton. Feigning surprise, he said, “Oh, Mr. Morgan, you’re here too? My apologies. I was so happy to see Leila that I didn’t even notice you. Even though I can’t stand you, you’re a guest. Thanks for coming to my and Leila’s daughter’s birthday.”
Landon carefully chose his words, deliberately trying to provoke Clayton.
Leila found Landon’s demeanor a bit childish, yet endearing. Her smile widened as she mimicked Landon’s tone, turning to Clayton.
“Sorry, Mr. Morgan. Where were we just now?”
Clayton let out a bitter laugh, unclenching his fist.
“It’s fine. Can I see Elma? I’d like to wish her a happy birthday.”
Leila and Landon exchanged a glance. They said it would depend on Elma’s wishes.
Elma still had a little affection for Clayton, but not much since Leila had told Elma everything Clayton had done.
Leila didn’t think it was too early to share such things with Elma. Elma might be a child, but she needed to learn right from wrong. Besides, if Elma continued to interact with Clayton and then found out he’d used her, it would hurt her even more. Leila didn’t want Elma to go through that.
Clayton nodded, indicating his understanding.
As Clayton turned to leave, Leila called out to him.
“Clayton, I hope you remember one thing.”
Clayton turned around, looking hopeful.
“Of course,” he said, his voice full of emotion.
“Anything you say, I’ll remember. Especially if it’s about you.”
Leila’s face hardened, and she spoke with a warning tone.
“Caitlin is my cousin, and I consider her family. Stay away from her.”
Clayton’s smile didn’t fade. He nodded.
“I’ll remember.” On the surface, he seemed obedient.
After Clayton left, his assistant followed, complaining.
“Mr. Morgan, you’ve stepped in for Miss Nixon’s cousin today. But Miss Nixon didn’t even bother to say thank you.”
Clayton chuckled.
“She’s not gonna thank me. After all, I intervened on purpose. If it was anyone else, I wouldn’t have cared. But today was different.”
The assistant immediately understood.
“Is it because Caitlin looks like Miss Nixon?”
Clayton nodded but then shook his head.
“It’s not just that. Aside from their resemblance, they share a deep connection, a bond. And that’s precisely why I will win Caitlin over.”
A flicker of worry crossed the assistant’s face as he looked at Clayton.
“But Miss Nixon seems to be on guard now. If you try anything, she’s bound to catch on.”
But Clayton was the picture of composure, unfazed.
“And? That simply adds a layer of intrigue to the whole situation.”
The assistant glanced at Clayton. Observing the unwavering determination etched on Clayton’s face, he decided to hold his tongue. After all, he was just an employee, and his role was clear. It was to carry out instructions, not question them. His duty was to the task, not endless debates.
Beth stood a short distance away, her gaze fixed on Clayton, her eyes tracing his figure. She was completely in the dark about the conversation that had just transpired between Clayton and Leila. All she could perceive was the visible shift in Clayton’s demeanor-his smile, after talking with Leila, had blossomed, radiating a newfound warmth. It was a kind of radiant, tender smile that Clayton had never before directed her way.
A wave of bitter resentment washed over Beth, threatening to shatter her carefully constructed composure. She balled her hands into fists so forcefully that her nails bit into the flesh of her palms, the sharp pain a desperate anchor against the storm of emotions raging within her.
In that instant, defeat tasted like ashes in her mouth, and the urge to surrender, to simply walk away, overwhelmed her. She might never measure up to Leila, might never truly occupy the same space in Clayton’s heart. Leila’s shadow seemed to eclipse her own.
Yet, a stubborn refusal to give up bloomed within Beth. She and Clayton were already teetering on the precipice of marriage, so very close. If fate played its cards right, their marriage certificate could be a reality by year’s end.
Beth was loath to throw in the towel now, not when the finish line was so tantalizingly close. Besides, surrendering at this juncture would be a victory handed to Leila on a silver platter.
Whispers had reached Beth long ago that Leila harbored no genuine affection for Clayton, yet she dangled him like a puppet on a string. A woman like that, playing such games, had no rightful claim to Clayton’s unwavering loyalty. She did not deserve him.
“Miss Fletcher.”
A voice cut through Beth’s simmering anger, yanking her back to reality.
Beth blinked, quickly masking her frustration with a composed, gracious smile. The person before her gave her a once-over.
“You might want to freshen up a little before facing anyone else.”
It was only then that Beth recalled her disheveled state. Her forced smile faltered for just a second. Feigning indifference, she smoothed out her dress. Honestly, compared to how Caitlin had looked moments ago, Beth wasn’t in that bad of a state. It wasn’t exactly humiliating.
The other person didn’t press further, merely offering a smile that carried an awkward edge.
Beth cleared her throat lightly, trying to reclaim a bit of dignity.
“That girl from earlier is Leila’s cousin. Clayton was only stepping in to save face for her. Besides, Clayton and I are getting married soon. I won’t waste my time on petty matters.”
“I understand,” the other person responded with a dry laugh.
Beth felt her cheeks burning with embarrassment. Desperate to escape the conversation, she quickly found an excuse to leave, only to walk straight into Clayton.
Clayton noticed Beth’s obvious displeasure but didn’t bother comforting her. Instead, he said coldly, “You’ve already made a scene. It’s best if you leave now.”
Beth froze, watching as Clayton turned to walk away. She clenched her fists, unable to hold back any longer. Rushing forward, she blocked his path.
“Clayton, I’m your fianc?e now. Is this how you treat me?”
“I think I’ve treated you well enough.” His expression remained unreadable, but his eyes turned sharp as ice.
Though he still wore a smile, it was the kind that sent a chill down one’s spine.
“Yes, we announced our engagement publicly, but I can just as easily call it off. Beth, didn’t I warn you? You should’ve avoided causing trouble if you wanted to attend today’s birthday. Do you think I don’t know why you bullied Caitlin? Don’t push me.”
Beth was stunned into silence, lost for words, yet she still felt wronged. She knew she had crossed the line today, but if it weren’t for Clayton’s lingering feelings for Leila, she wouldn’t have behaved this way or humiliated herself in front of everyone.