Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
Outside, the rain intensified, and flashes of lightning lit up the sky.
Edgar arrived with an umbrella to fetch Landon.
As the chilly wind whipped around them, Landon began to cough harshly.
Edgar, visibly worried, advised him gently, “Mr. Kensington, it’s important to look after yourself. Avoid pushing too hard.”
Landon paused to catch his breath. Settled in the car, he leaned his head back, swallowing with effort, his gaze distant and thoughtful. “Now that we’ve dealt with most of the problems, I don’t have much left to stress over.”
Edgar let out a sigh. “You’re still concerned about your wife, even though she may not realize it. I believe it’s time you two had a conversation.”
Landon shook his head dismissively and chuckled bitterly. “What’s there to even discuss? She’s intent on a divorce. I didn’t do all this just for her. After all, she was the adopted daughter of the Kensington family and has been part of our lives for years. My actions are purely out of compassion.”
Edgar stayed quiet, reflecting on Leila and Landon’s shared stubbornness.
After a pause, Edgar asked, “Mr. Kensington, with the evidence in hand, why not take down the Miller family? They’ve been misleading you, attempting to turn you against your wife. Such conduct is reprehensible.”
Landon smirked in response. “Who said I ever trusted a word they spoke? And as for my hesitation to act…”
Edgar’s eyes widened, understanding the situation. “You’re concerned that pushing them too hard might lead them to cause your wife harm.”
“Actually, no,” Landon replied, chuckling lightly. “I’m more worried about complicating things for myself. I’ll handle this once and for all, and then I’m out. Leila can manage her own affairs from here on out. I’m stepping back.”
Though Edgar doubted Landon’s resolve, he decided not to challenge it. He simply started the car and remained silent.
Meanwhile, Leila was jolted awake by a booming thunderclap. Restlessly, she shifted in her bed, trying to cover her ears. The fear of thunder had never left her, regardless of her age. It seemed linked to some distressing memories, but whenever she tried to explore those thoughts, a severe headache would stop her.
As the thunder intensified, Leila curled up tighter, squeezing her eyes shut as she delved into her past memories.
Leila remembered her younger days, always trailing behind Landon. During thunderstorms, she would sneak into his room despite his mock annoyance. He would teasingly call her cheeky for clinging to him so tightly. But she wasn’t bothered by that. Despite his tendency to say too much, he never actually pushed her away.
Leila couldn’t quite remember when her feelings for Landon had begun to blossom. Perhaps it was when she saw how even the strongest child among the Kensington could be cloaked in solitude. Perhaps it was his gentle heart hidden beneath a stern facade. Or perhaps because he had stood up for her again and again.
It seemed to Leila, whatever the cause, their relationship was destined to remain platonic, confined to the realms of kinship or friendship. Yet, her emotions had deceived her, pushing her to act inappropriately.
Now, as they behaved like strangers, it seemed this detachment might indeed be for the best.
Leila slowly opened her eyes, feeling the moisture trickling down her cheeks. She hadn’t even noticed she was crying. Struggling a bit, she tried to sit up.
Just then, the door suddenly swung open.
Leila tensed, her gaze fixed on the shadowy figure in the doorway. Though shrouded in darkness, she recognized Landon instantly. They remained silent, staring at each other in the dim light.
Time seemed to stretch between them, neither moving.
Almost involuntarily, Leila reached out her hand. But just then, Leila heard Sarah’s voice calling out.
“Landon…” Sarah’s voice dripped with sweetness, a charm that Leila could never muster.
Landon seemed captivated, instantly turning and walking away without giving Leila a second look.
Once Landon disappeared, Leila slid out of bed and padded barefoot to the spot he had just vacated. There, she discovered a pair of earplugs. Were they meant for her? Her heart raced with the thought.
On a whim, Leila flung the door open to thank him, but the sight that greeted her halted her thanks in her throat.
Landon and Sarah were close together, their bodies angled in an unmistakably intimate pose.
A surge of sadness and disappointment washed over Leila. She silently rebuked herself for her naive hopes and quietly shut the door, leaving the earplugs untouched, as if to deny the reality before her.
Sarah clung to Landon’s hand, her voice pleading. “I know I shouldn’t have set Leila up, but believe me, I’ve paid dearly for it. You see this scar,” she said as she pushed her bangs aside to reveal the harsh scar marring her face. “It’s a reminder that will never fade.”
Sarah’s scar had mostly healed, yet it retained a ghastly appearance. Previously, Sarah despised wearing bangs, finding them unflattering. Now, they served a practical purpose-to conceal her flaws. With her vanity wounded, she buried her feelings of bitterness.
“I’ve paid a heavy price, while Leila escaped any consequence. I promise not to pursue her any further, so please, don’t hold a grudge,” Sarah pleaded softly.
Landon looked at Sarah, whose expression was a blend of pity and frustration, and cut straight to the point. “This was never about Leila. You had no right to come after her. I only urged you to back off in time. Why would you think your actions were in my interest?”
Sarah faltered, her words tumbling out hesitantly, yet she pressed on, saying gently, “I noticed you turned down Miss Simpson’s invitation. She’s my friend, you know, and now you’re skipping her gatherings? Casting everything aside, you and Leila are bound to split eventually. Wouldn’t it be better for us to start something then?”
Landon’s face grew icy. “There was never an ‘us’ to begin with. Sarah, drop these delusional ideas, or I’ll have to take steps to distance myself even sooner.”
Refusing to accept his words, Sarah raised her voice, calling out to Landon as he walked away. “What about everything we had? You always favored me over Leila. I can’t believe you felt nothing!”
Landon kept on walking.
Suddenly, a realization dawned on Sarah. A smile crept across her face even as tears streamed down her cheeks. “I get it now,” she murmured, her voice tinged with disbelief. “You were just being affectionate with me to make Leila jealous, weren’t you?”
It all fell into place. The pieces suddenly fit together, and Sarah belatedly grasped this harsh reality. But why? She loved Landon more than anyone else. What was so special about that wretch Leila?
Sarah looked up once more, but Landon was nowhere to be seen. All that remained for Sarah was deep-seated bitterness. She blamed them for driving her to act desperately.
The storm of public opinion had subsided, much like the storm the previous night. It seemed overwhelming at the time, yet by morning, it felt as though it had never occurred.
Today marked the day of the banquet. Leila noticed that the rumors of her allegedly pushing someone down the stairs had vanished, which left her puzzled. But she soon understood why. Landon was likely trying to avoid attention since Miss Simpson’s event was today.
Even without Landon’s help, Leila was confident she could have vindicated herself. Today marked her return. Her reputation would be restored with Donovan’s help with the surveillance footage.
Downstairs, Sarah was packing, apparently ready to depart. Leila found this odd but chose not to inquire. Disagreements among couples were common. Whatever problems Sarah had with Landon were none of her business. After changing, Leila went downstairs and saw Sarah still there.
Sarah was instructing the servants to load her belongings into the car. Upon noticing Leila, Sarah approached her with a grin. Despite the smile, Leila always sensed an underlying malice in Sarah.
Instinctively, Leila stepped back, eager to maintain distance.
Sarah, seemingly cheerful, broke the silence. “You’re heading to the Simpsons’, right? How about we go together?”
Leila shook her head, her expression icy. With a sarcastic laugh, she signed pointedly that she could manage on her own.
Sarah replied, “Make sure you’re okay with your decision. You might regret it later.”
Sarah glanced at the small gift box in Leila’s grasp and couldn’t resist a jab. “Is that what you’re planning to give Miss Simpson? I must remind you that Miss Simpson is quite distinguished and lacks for nothing. Please, choose something less garish or inappropriate.”
Leila signed with disarming directness, mockingly expressing her gratitude for the heads-up.
Sarah asked, “And the clothes I selected for you? They’re a bit worn, I admit, but I thought they fit you to a tee.”
Leila pointed at the trash can by the door, indicating the clothes in question were right there.
For a moment, Sarah’s face tightened. She sniffed indignantly, then spun on her heel and stormed off.
Landon had no intention of attending the banquet today. Sarah had practically commandeered all the vehicles for her own use. It was an overblown response, really.
Leila saw through Sarah. Sarah would never miss an opportunity to put her in a bad light. Leila opted to take a taxi, deeming it the most straightforward choice. The significance of her decision seemed minimal at first.
Despite Hazel’s earlier reassurances that Miss Simpson was not one to stir up trouble, Leila harbored doubts about the simplicity of the situation. Unfortunately, her instincts proved accurate. The moment she approached the door, an obstacle arose.
The waiter at the entrance scrutinized the invitation Leila extended, his demeanor shifting noticeably. “I’m sorry, but this invitation is a fake, and quite poorly done at that. It lacks Miss Simpson’s seal,” he stated, his tone apologetic yet firm. “You’ll need to verify this with Miss Simpson if you wish to enter.”
The waiter’s voice carried, drawing the attention of nearby guests.
“A fake? How mortifying,” one murmured under his breath.
Another guest leaned in, whispering, “I recognize her from somewhere, but can’t place her.”
A third voice chimed in, not bothering to lower her voice, “Don’t you know? She’s the foster daughter of the Kensington family and the one involved in the incident with Miss Miller a few days ago. I heard she got caught with her lover by Miss Miller.”