Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
Landon took a few steps back, his expression darkened.
“I’m sorry,” Leila murmured in her heart. Unable to gesture as the sickness took over, she reached for some napkins on the table instead.
Soon after, Landon helped Leila sit up, gently wiping her lips clean of vomit with a napkin. He then handed her a glass of water. Landon’s care was reminiscent of their younger days, gentle and patient, showing no signs of irritation.
He assisted Leila in rinsing her mouth and taking a few sips of water. Leila then reclined on the sofa, her eyes closed.
“Feeling dizzy?” Landon’s voice broke the silence.
Leila nodded, her eyes still shut.
Landon fell silent. The sound of rustling indicated a servant arriving to clean the floor. Moments later, Landon asked the butler to bring a cup of milk. He helped Leila sit up again, and as she sipped the milk, her dizziness began to subside. She softly gestured her gratitude to Landon.
Landon’s smile was tender as he softly stroked her hair, his tone gentle. However, his following words cast a cold shadow over her, chilling her to the core.
“Make sure you keep your distance from other men from now on. You are my wife,” he stated firmly.
Leila’s nod was mechanical, her mind racing. He had laid down his command about the boundaries, but what of his own actions with Sarah? What significance did she hold in his life?
Landon appeared content with Leila’s answer. Rising from his chair, he left the room.
After a moment, Leila mustered the energy to sit up and send a text to Linsey. “How’s your brother doing? I’m really sorry. This is all my fault.”
Linsey replied promptly, “Why do you think this is your fault? Don’t beat yourself up, sweetheart! It was my brother’s decision to speed. Don’t worry. I’m handling it, and he’ll be out soon.”
Reading Linsey’s words, Leila felt a surge of guilt. Ethan was only trying to help her, and now he was in jail because of Landon.
Compelled to act, Leila decided to seek Landon’s assistance.
Going upstairs, Leila pushed open the door to the study, only to find it vacant. She then opened the bedroom door and heard the sound of running water from the bathroom. Landon was showering. Was he intending to spend the night here? What would Sarah think?
Caught up in her thoughts, Leila hesitated at the bathroom door, not noticing when the water ceased. Suddenly, the door swung open, releasing a cloud of steam that enveloped Leila. Landon stood before her, his bare chest drawing a flush to her cheeks.
“Waiting for me? What do you need?” Landon teased with a chuckle.
Unable to meet his gaze, Leila looked down, only to find the edge of his towel, which added to her discomfort. She instinctively retreated as he advanced.
Leila managed to sign her request for a favor, finally lifting her eyes to meet his.
Landon’s expression darkened. “What is it?”
Leila gestured cautiously that Ethan didn’t mean to do it and promised not to see him again. She pleaded with Landon not to make things difficult for Ethan. She knew of Landon’s influence. If he chose to go after Ethan, Linsey would be powerless to protect her brother.
“You’re trying to protect him?” Landon’s voice was cold, laced with sarcasm.
Leila lowered her head, gesturing her apology for the situation.
“If you believe it’s your fault, then apologize properly,” Landon said as he casually sat on the bed, his legs apart in a pose that commanded attention. His expectations were clear.
Leila’s cheeks flamed with shame, but she knew Landon wouldn’t intervene unless she appeased him.
Taking a deep breath, Leila approached Landon awkwardly, straddling him and placing her hands on his shoulders. He was typically the initiator, and now, reversing roles, she felt clumsy and tense, even causing herself slight pain.
“Idiot,” Landon muttered under his breath, pulling her close.
Leila bit down on her lip, holding back any sound.
The next thing Leila knew, she had drifted off to sleep.
Morning light greeted Leila as she awoke alone in the large bed. Landon had already departed. She wondered whether he had honored his word.
Leila’s phone displayed a message from Linsey from the previous night. “Babe, my brother was released! You must have talked to Landon, right? I’m sorry you had to endure that, Leila…”
Ethan was finally free. Leila felt a wave of relief and responded to Linsey, “That’s good to hear. Is he hurt?”
“He’s fine. My dad is giving him a talking-to right now! Oh, and that dish you prepared was scrumptious. I devoured every bit!”
A smile brightened Leila’s face, pleased that the food she had left in Ethan’s car was thoroughly enjoyed by Linsey. “I’m delighted you enjoyed it. I’ll make something special for you again.”
“How about I treat you to dinner instead? Feel like going out?” Linsey proposed.
Leila’s initial reaction was to refuse. Landon had expressed his desire for her not to go out. However, she wasn’t confined by his restrictions. After a moment’s pause, she accepted.
Linsey offered to pick Leila up, prompting her to dress up and head downstairs. The chef was already busy with breakfast preparations.
“Madam, will you be making lunch for Mr. Kensington today?” the butler inquired.
Leila pondered briefly and then shook her head.
Despite the previous night’s events casting a dreamlike veil, the reality was different. Landon had shown Leila tenderness, making her feel genuinely cherished as his wife. Yet, it was fleeting. His pattern of shifting between coldness and warmth was just a means to keep her under his sway, and she had seen through this now.
Leila decisively gestured to the butler that she was leaving and that if Landon returned for meals, the chef should take care of it. She then solemnly expressed her desire not to cook anymore.
When Linsey arrived to pick up Leila, she radiated energy and enthusiasm. “Babe, let’s hit the golf course. They’ve just opened a new one in the south district, and I’ve got us a membership card!”
Leila had often played golf with Landon in the past. Encouraged by Linsey’s zest and the perfect weather, she agreed with a smile.
They parked the car, changed into their golf attire, and rented clubs before making their way to the course.
“Hang on a sec, babe. I need to use the restroom. I drank way too much water this morning!” Linsey said, darting off.
Leila wandered to the edge of the course while waiting. With only two groups playing, the course felt almost private. The other group was a speck in the distance. She swung her club a few times, familiarizing herself with its weight and balance.
Suddenly, Leila heard footsteps approaching from behind. Expecting it was merely another golfer passing by, she didn’t turn around until the footsteps halted directly behind her.
“Who are you here with, beautiful? I don’t see your partner,” a voice inquired.
Turning, Leila found herself facing a tall, muscular man with a shiny, bald head and a conspicuous gold tooth that tarnished his smile.
Leila shook her head silently, indicating she couldn’t speak.
“A mute girl, huh? Let’s get acquainted! Such beauty, and yet you can’t speak. What a pity,” the man remarked, his interest peaking rather than waning. Ignoring Leila’s discomfort, he reached out and grasped her wrist, pulling her slightly toward him.
Leila was in a state of panic. She hadn’t expected to be accosted by anyone on a golf course, of all places. She attempted to defend herself with her golf club, but the man was far stronger. He effortlessly wrested the club from her grasp and tossed it aside.
“You don’t look like you belong here, not with those clothes. I bet you’re here with some big shot, aren’t you?” the man sneered. “It doesn’t matter who brought you here. Stick with me, and you’re guaranteed to have a good time!”
Leila vehemently shook her head. With her hands restrained, she couldn’t even use sign language to plead her case. In a desperate move, she kneed him sharply in the groin.
“Ah!” the man screamed, the pain catching him off guard, and he momentarily released Leila. She didn’t hesitate and sprinted away, but he was quick to recover. He yanked her back by her hair, stopping her escape.
“You’re making a big mistake! I’m going to have my way with you right here, right now. Let’s see who can stop me!” the man threatened, beginning to tear at Leila’s clothes.
Leila fought back with all her strength but found herself overpowered and sinking into despair. What could she do?
Suddenly, a dull thud resonated from behind. It was the sound of something hitting a head. The grip on her eased instantly.
Turning, Leila saw the man holding his head, wincing in pain.
Landon stood there, a golf club in hand.
Seeing that Leila was no longer restrained, Landon swung the club repeatedly, striking the man with forceful blows to his body and face, blood starting to stain the ground.
“Mr. Kensington! Please, it’s all a misunderstanding!” the man pleaded between blows.