Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
“I know. You say that every time. You think I’m gonna forget just because I’m getting older or something?”
Leila laughed and gave Linsey’s forehead a few playful taps.
It was cake-cutting time for Elma.
Landon and Leila flanked Elma, with Sophie and Calvin close by.
The sight of the happy, lively family made everyone else green with envy.
Everyone had heard the gossip that Landon and Leila’s marriage was on the rocks, about to implode. But seeing them together, it was clear those rumors were completely baseless.
As the happy scene played out, Caitlin drifted off into her own thoughts. She remembered her own birthdays, back when her parents were still alive. They always threw her huge parties because she was their only child, and they loved her more than anything.
The memories hit Caitlin hard, and tears started to well up in her eyes. She whipped her head around, fast, trying to hide the tears that were welling up. After all, this was Elma’s birthday party. It wouldn’t be right for her to cry here.
Suddenly, a hand appeared, holding out a tissue.
“Leila treats you pretty well, doesn’t she?”
The familiar voice made Caitlin pause mid-motion. She turned, and sure enough, there was Clayton.
Caitlin had a tangled mess of feelings about Clayton-some admiration, but mostly a creeping unease. Seeing him just made her feel conflicted.
Then, like a switch flipped, Caitlin stepped back, putting some distance between them.
“Thanks for the concern, but I’m good. Maybe you should focus on your fianc?e instead.”
Clayton chuckled, but there was a bitter edge to it.
“You said it yourself. She’s just my fianc?e. That means it’s not exactly rock solid, is it? For people like us, most get married for business benefits. Look at Leila and that man, for example. True love? That’s nothing but a myth.”
Clayton pointedly avoided saying Landon’s name, just calling him “that man.” Caitlin caught the strange tone in his voice and asked, “If you two can’t be together, why not just let it go? Obsessing over something just brings pain to everyone involved.”
Clayton looked at Caitlin, a spark of interest in his eyes.
“You’re the first person who’s ever said that to me. No one’s had the guts to say it before.”
Caitlin’s voice was firm.
“Bullshit. I don’t believe that for a second.”
Clayton looked at her and then burst out laughing. He wasn’t lying, though. Everyone knew he was stubborn, so nobody even bothered trying to talk him out of his crazy fixation. Most people either sidestepped the whole thing or just egged him on, saying he still had a shot with Leila. But none of that mattered anymore.
Clayton asked, “You see them all happy, but you look lonely. You miss your family, don’t you?”
Caitlin’s face fell.
“Yeah, I miss them, but there’s nothing I can do. I’ll never see them again. It’s my fault for getting all weepy now. It’s disrespectful to Elma.”
Clayton shook his head.
“Everyone has those moments where they lose their calm. But I’ve noticed you’re walking around here like you’re on a minefield. You don’t have to do that. Leila treats those in her circle well. Blood or no blood, she’ll treat you right. Maybe you haven’t heard, but she went all out for her assistant and even threw the bastard who had hurt her assistant in the slammer.”
Caitlin was taken aback.
“I hadn’t expected her to be that kind and righteous, but…”
Caitlin suddenly felt a wave of sadness wash over her. Clayton had hinted that Leila’s kindness was reserved for those she had accepted in her circle. What if Leila couldn’t accept her? What would happen then?
Clayton saw Caitlin’s troubled expression and pressed on, his voice soft.
“It’s alright. If something’s eating at you, you can tell me. I know Leila inside and out. If you two have any problems, I can help smooth things over.”
Caitlin was about to spill her guts when suddenly, a jolt of awareness shot through her, like a cold splash of water. Her eyes narrowed, a look of suspicion creeping in as she stared at Clayton. This man was slicker than she’d given him credit for. With just a few words, he’d nearly tricked her into spilling all her secrets.
Caitlin instinctively recoiled, stepping back and widening the gap between them. She wasn’t about to get played like a fool.
Clayton wasn’t upset by Caitlin’s reaction. He just smiled and narrowed his eyes. Under his unsettling gaze, Caitlin felt a chill run through her.
“You! Why do you always have your sights set on me? Just keep your distance, or I’ll let Leila know you’re trying to cause issues by getting close to me,” Caitlin warned through clenched teeth.
Clayton chuckled.
“You’re quite perceptive, much like Leila. At times, you two are so similar. But then again, you’re different.” He paused, leaving his sentence hanging.
“Really?” Caitlin’s curiosity was evident as she lifted an eyebrow.
“In what ways are we different?”
“I can’t tell,” Clayton responded, shaking his head.
“But you’re right about one thing-I should stay away from you. It wouldn’t please Leila otherwise.”
Hearing this, Caitlin looked up and caught Leila’s gaze. Clearly, Leila had been watching them. Caitlin couldn’t decipher Leila’s thoughts, as her eyes held a mix of complex emotions.
Feeling suddenly uncomfortable, Caitlin quickly came up with an excuse and rushed off.
Leila watched Caitlin leave and sighed softly.
In truth, Leila preferred to keep her past hidden from most people. She hadn’t expected Clayton to make a move toward Caitlin and was puzzled by his motives.
As the birthday celebration wound down, Leila went to find Caitlin, who was in the process of gathering her things.
“Are you leaving today?” Leila asked, surprised.
Caitlin stopped what she was doing and turned to Leila with a forced smile.
“Yes, Leila. I thought it was about time I moved out.”
Realizing Caitlin was determined, Leila knew she couldn’t change her mind. After a pause of hesitation, Leila spoke up.
“The man who spoke to you earlier is not a good person. It’s best to keep your distance from him.”
Caitlin nodded and then asked, “Could you share what happened between you two?”
She quickly added, “I’m not trying to pry. I just heard some whispers at the party and was curious. But if you’d rather not talk about it, that’s okay.”
Leila pondered for a moment and decided not to tell Caitlin, partly because she was unsure if it was the right moment to share such details. Also, knowing more could potentially put Caitlin at greater risk, especially when she was on her own.
Leila decided it was best to wait for a better time to tell Caitlin.
But Caitlin misunderstood Leila’s hesitation, thinking it was because they weren’t really close.
Although Caitlin felt disappointed, she respected Leila’s choice. She realized they might not become as close as true family members, but she was content with being friends.
Caitlin looked over at her suitcase, hesitated for a moment, and then pulled out a small red box.
Leila appeared surprised as Caitlin, with a hint of nervousness, handed it over to her.
“Is this for me?” Leila asked, smiling warmly.
Caitlin nodded, slightly embarrassed.
“I wasn’t sure what you’d like. It might not mean much to you, and if you don’t like it…”