Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
The words were few, yet she articulated them with chilling clarity, a testament to someone’s deliberate teaching.
Rage surged through Leila. She was torn between her anger at the child’s premature exposure to such animosity and her fury toward Melinda for weaving her resentments into the child’s innocence.
Grimacing in pain, Leila gently pushed the little girl away.
The little girl toppled to the floor and immediately began to cry, her wails loud and grating.
“Bitch!” Melinda’s shout echoed as she charged toward Leila, her hand poised to strike.
But Landon intercepted, gripping Melinda’s wrist firmly. He shoved Melinda aside, and she tumbled to the floor. Despite the pain, she bit back a scream, cowed by the severe look on Landon’s face.
Landon’s gaze fell on Leila’s reddened thigh, his expression growing even icier. He turned to confront Dean, whose face registered shock.
Landon’s voice was low and threatening as he issued a stark warning. “If you refuse to believe that your beloved wife orchestrated this, I’m ready to hand over the evidence right now.
And if you’re still blind to the truth, I’ll discuss with the Kensington family elders whether it’s wise to leave such a crucial international logistics company under your control.”
Without another word, Landon took Leila by the hand and led her away.
Left alone with Melinda, Dean turned and delivered a resounding slap to her face. “They have the evidence, and you’re still trying to deceive me? You’re unwilling to talk? Fine. Let’s get a divorce!”
His words were like a cold splash of reality, and panic surged through Melinda.
Although the Brooks family was wealthy, they lacked the Kensington family’s illustrious prestige.
Ever since Melinda had married into the Kensington family, she had faced scorn and derision due to her family’s limited influence.
Shirley, her mother-in-law, had always been a thorn in her side. She found herself having to be exceedingly cautious around Shirley.
However, things improved when Leila married Landon. At the very least, Melinda could talk while Leila couldn’t due to her damaged vocal cords.
Gradually, Shirley, who looked down on Leila, began to treat Melinda with a bit more kindness.
Now, Melinda and Dean had welcomed a daughter.
Though just a girl, Melinda had established her place firmly within the Kensington family. If they really got divorced, all the effort and scheming she had invested over the years would be in vain.
Melinda, tears streaming down her face, responded, “It was my irresponsible cousin. I only found out yesterday. There was an issue with that shipment. The fault lies with my cousin as he took his team out for drinks that day, confident that after years on the job, nothing could go awry. However, en route, the truck nearly overturned, and the goods were compromised.
The Hayes family, being long-standing clients, approved the shipment unchecked. It’s been kept secret, known to none. We just need to shift the blame to the Hayes family, and then it becomes their issue.”
Dean felt overwhelmed, still processing this revelation.
Back then, Dean was secretly relieved at Landon’s marriage with Leila, seemingly a result forced by Roderick.
Dean had believed Leila’s children with Landon would be mute, given her inability to talk. He had assumed this bolstered his prospects of becoming the Kensington family heir. A hint of smugness crept into his demeanor. By any measure, his wife surpassed Leila.
Yet, upon reflecting, Dean grasped it was Landon who had the last laugh, since Melinda proved to be utterly foolish.
Dean found it hard to catch his breath in frustration. He jabbed a finger toward Melinda’s nose, his voice raised in accusation. “Why on earth didn’t you inform me of such a crucial matter? Did you really think you could get away with this? Did you believe it would remain hidden from everyone? Don’t be naive! Landon knows, and if he knows, how long until it becomes common knowledge?”
Melinda stood there, bewildered. “But I had it so well-hidden…”
Dean’s hand, initially poised to strike, fell limply. He issued his decree coldly. “I don’t want to see you for the next week.”
As Leila walked out, she could still hear the faint sounds of Melinda’s sobs intertwined with Dean’s angry outbursts from the chamber.
Leila contemplated asking Landon how he linked all this to Melinda, but one glance at his icy demeanor stopped her.
Once they were in the car, Landon shot Edgar a meaningful glance.
Understanding immediately, Edgar programmed the hospital’s address into the GPS.
Leila and Landon arrived at the hospital quickly, where the doctor efficiently treated Leila’s injury.
Though it appeared severe, it was merely a superficial cut, typical for children with limited strength.
Throughout the treatment, Leila, who dreaded pain, wore a constant frown.
Nearby, Landon waited patiently to discuss any necessary follow-up care with the doctor.
Once the doctor left, Landon walked over to Leila. He gazed down at her, his dark eyes swirling with a blend of emotions.
“I never thought you’d go to such lengths for the Hayes family, especially for Brent,” he said.
Leila caught the subtle accusation in his tone but avoided eye contact, signing dismissively that he was mistaken. She explained that Jerome had treated her well, and it was only right that she helped solve the problem.
Landon opened his mouth as though he was about to say something but then chose silence.
An awkward quiet settled between them for a moment.
Gradually, Leila began to feel the pain in her leg subside. She stood up, turning to Landon with a nod of gratitude. She gestured her thanks for his intervention and timely help, though she remained oblivious to the reason behind it.
Then, Leila pointed at the door, signing that she was leaving now.
Just as Leila started to leave, Landon reached out, stopping her with a hand on her shoulder. His voice carried a complex mix of feelings as he spoke, “Leila, this is my last chance for you. Don’t you have anything to say to me?”
Leila turned to face him, a whirlwind of emotions churning inside her. She felt they had nothing more to say.
Leila had wrestled with her decision, hesitating whether to stay by Landon’s side a bit longer. Maybe, with time, she could find a place in his heart.
But she soon dismissed the idea. While she could afford to wait, her unborn child in her belly could not.
Moreover, after everything they had endured, Leila knew more hardship lay ahead. If she stayed by his side, she would only be a clinging vine, her and her child’s fates hanging solely on Landon’s mercy. She didn’t want to feel controlled anymore.
After a moment’s silence, Leila signed firmly that she didn’t want to receive an invitation if he and Sarah got married in the future.
Landon’s eyes, once filled with warmth, gradually turned cold. He nodded briefly and responded with detachment, “Well, if that’s your decision, we might as well expedite things. Let’s finalize the divorce quickly. I expect to see you at city hall tomorrow at two in the afternoon. Please be punctual.”
Leila gave a small nod, her gaze lingering on Landon as he walked away, his expression somber. It was an odd sensation. She had long anticipated this day. Yet, instead of relief, she was engulfed by a sense of loss. It was as if a piece of her heart had plummeted, leaving a hollow void.
Clutching at her chest, Leila attempted to dismiss the burgeoning emptiness, but it only grew stronger. She rushed to the restroom, confronting her slightly pale reflection in the mirror, tears unexpectedly rolling down her cheeks.
Meanwhile, Landon strode back to his car, an air of bitterness surrounding him.
Edgar quickly followed, catching up just as Landon was getting in. He peered past Landon, noticing the absence of anyone else. Leila hadn’t followed them.
With a forceful slam of the car door, Landon’s voice was frosty. “Drive.”
Edgar hesitated and asked, “What about Mrs. Kensington? Shouldn’t we wait for her?”
Landon shot Edgar a stern glance. “I’ve told you repeatedly. Stop referring to her like that. She’s just Leila now, nothing more. Her fate is no longer my concern.”
Edgar quickly acknowledged with a nod and turned the ignition.
After a pause, he asked, “Mr. Kensington, where shall we go?”
Landon drummed his fingers on his knee, lost in thought. Suddenly, a sly grin spread across his face. “How has Sarah been faring over there recently?”
Edgar replied honestly, “Not well, per your directions.”
Landon gave a nod. “Bring her back.”
Edgar was taken aback by the command and opened his mouth to protest, but the icy look on Landon’s face silenced him.
