Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
Sarah was initially taken aback by Leila’s intense stare, but her shock quickly turned to anger. “What’s with that look? Who do you think you’re glaring at?”
Leila responded with a smirk, unfazed. She swiftly typed down her response on her phone: “You’re the one who ought to leave, not me. Roderick left this house to Landon and me. Roderick made it clear that I own half. Landon and I are still married, so I’m staying right here.”
With that declaration, Leila had no desire to prolong the argument. She brushed past Sarah, suitcase in hand, and marched into the house.
As fate would have it, Leila bumped into Landon descending the stairs.
Sarah, who had just been brimming with arrogance, shifted her attitude completely at the sight of Landon. “Landon, it hurts…”
Landon’s expression darkened upon witnessing the scene. Why was Sarah still here? He hastened his steps down the stairs.
“What’s happening here?” Landon asked.
Sarah clutched the spot where she had been nudged, tears welling up in her eyes that hadn’t yet spilled over. Leila, however, hadn’t exerted much force when she nudged Sarah aside.
Leila maintained a neutral expression and set down her belongings.
As Landon walked past her, Leila reached out and snagged his arm.
Landon halted and pivoted to her, his expression unreadable.
Leila gestured emphatically that she didn’t mean to cause any trouble, and it was just that her apartment was not safe for her to live in for the time being. She had decided to live here for a while. Anyway, she owned half of this house.
“You…” Landon’s brow creased, words forming on his lips.
But Leila cut him off swiftly. She signed that she wouldn’t interrupt them by living in the guest room while he could keep the master bedroom.
A flash of anger crossed Landon’s eyes. “You’re taking the guest room?”
Leila nodded. What was wrong with that? She hadn’t evicted Sarah and Landon outright. That was leniency on her part.
Landon shrugged off her grip, his sneer icy.
“Alright then, I won’t stop you,” Landon said as he approached Sarah.
Landon’s voice softened instantly as he addressed Sarah, a marked contrast to his earlier interaction with Leila. “Are you still hurting?”
Sarah shook her head, her eyes brimming with tears. “No, not anymore. I’m just scared. Leila’s actions just now… They reminded me of the time she pushed me down the stairs.”
Landon offered Sarah a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry. She’s confined to the guest room. You’re safe here with me. I’ll make sure no one hurts you.”
A glimmer of relief sparked in Sarah’s eyes, and a blush tinted her cheeks as she nodded in agreement.
Meanwhile, Leila halted abruptly, her hand slamming down on the railing to draw their attention. Her expression was icy as she made a forceful gesture, clearly displaying her fury.
Leila’s gestures practically yelled, “Sarah, I didn’t push you. You know why you fell. Don’t think just because you’re the victim, you can manipulate public opinion. Now everyone’s quick to condemn me, thinking they can break me. But remember, the truth will come out. Erase all the evidence you want, but I will prove my innocence!”
Sarah’s eyes flickered, a mix of feigned innocence and helplessness, as she clutched Landon’s hand. “What’s with all her wild gestures? Is she hurling insults at me?”
Landon was visibly shocked. Leila’s anger was something new to him. She was usually so laid-back, never letting anything ruffle her.
Even around the Kensington family, Leila maintained a gentle smile, always careful to keep everyone at ease.
It dawned on Landon then. Leila’s fury wasn’t directed at Sarah alone. She was also indicting him.
But Landon felt no anger. Instead, he was struck by how much more vibrant Leila seemed in this state.
Turning to Sarah, Landon said flatly, “Does it even matter what she’s saying or thinking?”
Sarah gave a smug smirk, her eyes sparkling with blatant challenge.
Leila’s lips quivered as disappointment washed over her. She didn’t look back at Landon as she grabbed her suitcase and strode away.
Finally getting rid of Sarah, Landon relished his newfound solitude. He grabbed his phone and dialed. “How is the investigation going?”
On the line, Edgar’s voice carried a note of distress. “Eastonville University claims the surveillance footage is their property and involves student privacy, so they refuse to release it unless you’re affiliated with the school,” Edgar reported, his voice dropping to a whisper.
Normally, Eastonville University wouldn’t dare cross Landon. The Miller family didn’t wield enough influence to pull off something like that.
Landon massaged his temples, feeling a headache coming on as he thought about Shirley’s obvious dislike for Leila.
Edgar ventured cautiously, “Mr. Kensington, would you like me to handle things discreetly?”
A chilly laugh escaped Landon. “If intimidation had been effective, we wouldn’t have been in this mess. Keep tabs on their actions. Donovan’s rushing back, right? He must have found something that could exonerate Leila. With or without me to defend her, it hardly makes a difference now.”
Edgar fell silent. Landon’s jealousy appeared to be flaring up again.
“I get it, Mr. Kensington,” Edgar replied.
Just then, a subordinate inquired how Edgar planned to manage the situation moving forward.
Edgar took a moment to assess the online turmoil. “The current buzz isn’t cutting it. Since the Millers are known to deploy internet trolls, maybe we should consider that strategy too.”
The subordinate was confused. “Do you mean to suggest we hire trolls to defend Mrs. Kensington?”
Edgar shook his head, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. “Absolutely not. We’re just going to amp up the excitement around this whole situation. It only gets interesting when it’s buzzing with activity.”
Edgar’s plan seemed like a mystery to his subordinates. Given Edgar’s position as an assistant to Landon, he was effectively voicing Landon’s thoughts.
Edgar’s assistants conversed in hushed tones.
“I think Mr. Kensington has truly given up on this poor girl.”
“That seems likely. If I had Mr. Kensington’ talent and looks, I’d want a partner who fits the social mold better. It’s awkward to bring someone who can’t speak to high-profile events.”
“I’m curious how long it’ll be before they split. It’s irritating to see her living a life better than us.”
“Be careful not to let Leila overhear that, or she might just retaliate by pushing you down.”
Laughter erupted among them. To them, Leila was merely a distant figure, someone they never actually spoke with. Yet, they continued to gossip and slander her with careless cruelty.
Even at a time like this, an invitation found its way to Leila.
Leila examined it closely. She gestured to question whether this was meant for her.
The servant nodded, her manners impeccable as always. “Yes, madam. The messenger who brought this hasn’t gone far yet. Should I fetch him if you doubt it?”
Without hesitation, Leila dismissed the idea with a quick shake of her head, her fingers tracing the fine script on the invitation, her mind uneasy.
The servant, previously touched by Leila’s generosity, felt compelled to offer her advice. “Madam, I’d advise against going to this gathering. Your circumstances are well-known. Those who invited you are likely just looking for a spectacle.”
Leila offered a gentle smile in response, her head tilting slightly in disagreement. Actually, it was precisely because of these times that she had to attend. She believed in her innocence. Why would she seclude herself as if she were guilty? Staying home would only strengthen the whispers of her so-called guilt.
The servant’s worry lingered. “Should I inform Mr. Kensington? His presence might deter any unwelcome confrontations.”
Leila paused, contemplative. After a moment, she signed to ask whether there was only one invitation delivered.
The servant’s face clouded with complexity. “No, there were three. Miss Miller and Mr. Kensington also received one.”
Leila’s smirk broadened. Then there was no need to tell Landon. She should consider herself lucky if he didn’t unleash his fury on her to appease Sarah. Wishing he would defend her was too much to dream of.
As the servant observed Leila depart with the invitation, a silent sigh escaped her lips.
While others might not grasp Leila’s character, the household staff knew very well. Leila was inherently kind-hearted. Her muteness often made her a target, but she never lashed out at the villa’s servants. Her compassion for others was profound. She had touched many lives here.