Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
Linsey exclaimed, visibly excited.
Leila was taken aback, bracing herself for yet another piece of troubling news. Her heart raced with apprehension.
However, Linsey quickly directed Leila to a link she had sent.
Upon reading the content, Leila’s anxiety dissolved into relief. Photos of her modeling vintage attire at a local shop had, surprisingly, become a sensation online.
Molly, ever protective of Leila’s privacy, had chosen not to disclose her identity.
Nonetheless, the recent exhibition had led curious netizens right to the true owner of those captivating photos.
Buzz filled the comments section beneath the posts about Leila.
“She’s absolutely stunning. It’s a shame she’s not in showbiz.”
Linsey discussed the advantages and disadvantages with Leila. “Show business isn’t just glitz and glamour, but my family runs an entertainment firm. It might not rival the Kensington’ empire, but they’d surely stand behind you. Leila, you’re a change, and this could be your shot. Imagine having support from money, fans, and fame. Sarah would think twice before crossing you. With some luck, you might even carve out your own niche. Doesn’t that sound appealing?”
Leila felt a pull, intrigued by the proposition. However, she regained her composure and gestured toward her throat. Her sign language said, “I’m mute. Have you ever heard of a star who can’t speak? I couldn’t even act. I’d be nothing more than a pretty face. I’d rather not go down that path. Let’s drop the idea.”
Linsey was at a loss for words, seeing it as a golden opportunity slipping away. Yet, she made sure to reassure Leila, “It’s alright. You’ll always be the best in my eyes. I respect your decision, whatever it may be, and I’m here to support you.”
Leila was deeply moved and held Linsey’s hand, smiling sweetly. But she couldn’t linger any longer with Linsey. She had more pressing matters to attend to.
After bidding Linsey goodbye, Leila contacted Irene.
As Leila hadn’t been at the Hayes Group recently, Irene had been engrossed in her own affairs.
Thus, when Leila unexpectedly suggested they meet, Irene thought something was amiss and rushed to the specified location.
“Is something wrong?” Irene inquired, her gaze scanning Leila with evident concern and urgency. “I’ve heard you’ve been in touch with Miss Simpson lately. Has she been giving you a hard time?”
Leila couldn’t help but laugh at the question, a wave of warmth spreading through her. She shook her head in response. Her gestures conveyed her request, practically asking, “I am asking a favor from you. I’m trying to get in touch with Brent, but I’m not sure about his availability.”
Leila hesitated, thinking it might cause issues if she approached Brent unannounced.
Irene’s expression shifted subtly upon grasping Leila’s intent. Instead of giving a straightforward reply, she simply questioned, “Is it urgent?”
Leila paused to think and then replied without elaborating that it was not exactly urgent, but she did need to discuss something important with him.
Irene pondered for a brief moment before rising to her feet.
“I need to make a quick call. Please hold on here,” Irene said, stepping aside to dial.
Leila watched Irene, a knot of unease tightening in her stomach.
After a tense ten minutes, Irene returned. “Brent’s swamped with work. It’s unlikely he’ll manage a meeting, but you can meet Jerome instead?”
Leila agreed without hesitation.
It dawned on her that it had been a while since she last saw Jerome. Her days had been overflowing with tasks, leaving her no moment to spare.
Moreover, Leila felt an unspoken tension from most of the Hayes family. They appeared to be displeased with the arrangements Brent and Jerome had made for her.
Wishing to avoid any discomfort, Leila had minimized her interactions with the rest of the Hayes family as much as possible.
Bracing herself for what might come next, Leila climbed into the car alongside Irene, unaware that their journey would lead to the hospital.
Leila was puzzled. Jerome was ill? This news had been guarded so fiercely that not even rumors of his condition had escaped.
Jerome’s special status meant he got to stay in an exclusive VIP room upstairs. The area was strictly confidential, and access to the upper floors required the use of a special elevator card.
Leila paused at the elevator’s entrance, visibly uncertain.
Irene glanced back at Leila with a gentle expression. “What’s the matter, Leila? Are you feeling okay?” she inquired softly.
Leila shook her head, dismissing the concern with a wave of her hand. Her gestures expressed that she understood the Hayes family’s intention of keeping Jerome’s condition under wraps, and since she was merely an outsider, she thought it wouldn’t be appropriate for her to go up. She suggested she visit once Jerome was better.
However, Irene disagreed with a soft shake of her head. “Jerome has always said that in his eyes, you are not an outsider,” she reassured Leila.
These words unexpectedly warmed Leila’s heart, a surge of emotion bringing tears to her eyes. She hadn’t anticipated feeling such warmth from someone she wasn’t even related to by blood.
Resolved now, Leila cast aside her hesitation and followed Irene upstairs.
They encountered other members of the Hayes family on the upper floors, whose expressions were far from welcoming.
Leila could hear faint sobbing nearby, which immediately put her on high alert.
Irene squeezed Leila’s hand gently, trying to calm her nerves. “Don’t worry. It’s not as serious as it looks. These folks are always a bit jumpy.”
However, before they could step into the room, a man blocked their path.
The man was undeniably handsome but bore a cold, unwelcoming gaze. His eyes held distinct disdain and hostility when he looked at Leila. “Miss Castillo, isn’t it inappropriate to bring an outsider here? My grandpa’s condition is confidential. Can you assure us there won’t be any breaches?” he asked sharply.
Irene responded with patience, “Mr. Guzman, this is Leila Kensington. Jerome knows and trusts her. Her presence here is not my decision to make. If you doubt my word, feel free to confirm with Mr. Brent Hayes.”
The man, identified as Mr. Guzman, was clearly at a loss for words. He stepped aside reluctantly.
As Irene ushered Leila inside, she whispered, “That’s Boris Guzman. You probably haven’t met him before. Jerome has a daughter he once doted on, who fell hard for a low-level employee. His background wasn’t the issue. It was his lack of ambition and incompetence. Jerome couldn’t tolerate it. Yet, she was so smitten that she eloped with that guy, hoping to sway Jerome. Always sticking to his principles, Jerome was deeply disappointed and severed all ties with her.”
At Irene’s explanation, Leila instinctively turned around.
As expected, beside Boris stood a woman whose delicate features contrasted sharply with her age. Her gentle, petite frame sparked an immediate sense of empathy. The woman was unmistakably Jerome’s youngest daughter and Boris’ mother, Sophia.
Irene went on to explain, “Later, Sophia’s husband seemed to have met his end in a car accident. Upon learning of Jerome’s illness, Sophia brought Boris back and took care of Jerome. Jerome couldn’t bring himself to be too stern with Sophia, given they are related by blood. Now, with Jerome ailing, it’s Sophia and Boris managing everything. Jerome, aged as he is, places great value on family unity. Therefore, things have smoothed out a bit.”
Leila pressed her lips tightly together, remaining silent.
Catching Leila’s reaction, Irene smiled knowingly. “You sense something’s amiss, don’t you?”
Leila gave a slight nod.
If Sophia truly respected Jerome, why had she previously caused him such distress over a man? Moreover, Jerome kicked Sophia out once. It was Sophia who chose to leave on her own and had avoided visiting all these years. Yet now, with Jerome’s health failing, Sophia had returned, her child in tow.
Still, this was someone else’s family drama, and Leila refrained from commenting further.
Leila and Irene made their way into Jerome’s hospital room. Upon seeing the frail figure in the bed, Leila’s eyes filled with tears.
Jerome appeared relatively spirited today. He had been gazing out the window but turned his head at the sound of their arrival. Spotting Leila, he beamed. “You’re here.” With some effort and the nurse’s assistance, Jerome managed to sit up and waved at Leila.
Leila quickly crossed the room and took Jerome’s hand in hers.
As Leila felt the frailty of Jerome’s hand, her heart sank further. This scene mirrored the painful memory of Roderick’s decline years earlier. Although time had passed, the wounds felt fresh, the trauma of loss still vivid.
Leila dreaded watching those she cared about suffer in their twilight years. She tightened her grip on Jerome’s hand, silently wishing she could transfer some of her strength to him.
Jerome, noticing her distress, offered a feeble smile. “Don’t worry, my dear. This is a path we all must tread. I’m just glad you’re here with me now. My old friends are waiting for me. It’s almost a reunion. And don’t worry, I’m not suffering.”
Leila struggled to find her voice, choked by emotion, but Jerome’s words seemed to reach her, offering solace.
Leila dabbed at her eyes and mustered a smile. She swiftly typed down her response and activated the text-to-speech function for Jerome to grasp her message better, opting against using sign language. “I’m fine, Mr. Hayes. Just please, take care of yourself. You’ll get better, so let’s not talk of farewells just yet.”
Jerome nodded understandingly.
Seeing that the conversation was wearing on Jerome, Leila decided it was time to leave. She gently squeezed his hand once more before quietly exiting the room.