Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
Leila and Brent had just finished their meal. As Leila made to leave, Brent’s phone rang.
The conversation on the other end of the line etched a grave expression on Brent’s face.
A wave of unease washed over Leila, her instincts tingling with a bad premonition. She quickly typed a message to Brent: “Is something wrong with Jerome?”
Brent’s face remained somber, and after a brief hesitation, he replied, “It’s just some issues at work. Urgent, but nothing serious. I’m afraid I can’t drive you home today.”
Understanding the situation, Leila nodded and told Brent not to rush and to drive safely.
With that, Brent hurried off. Leila, now ready to leave herself, stepped out of the restaurant and was momentarily blinded by a sudden white flash.
It took Leila a moment to realize it was the flash of a camera.
Panicking slightly, Leila scanned the surroundings. She and Brent hadn’t done anything to warrant scrutiny, yet the threat of a scandal loomed large if a paparazzo were twisting the narrative.
Her search soon led her to a man nearby, camera in hand, looking decidedly flustered.
Once the man realized he’d been spotted, he bolted.
Leila wanted to cry out and accuse the man of being a thief to capture the crowd’s attention. However, her inability to speak forced her into a desperate chase instead.
The man skillfully darted through the bustling crowd, eluding Leila with ease.
Leila could do nothing but watch as he disappeared further into the distance.
Just then, a figure burst from the left, tackling the man to the ground with surprising force.
Leila’s eyes widened in shock-it was Boris.
Unconcerned by the bewildered stares from onlookers, Boris confronted the man with fierce determination. “Hand over the camera now, or I’ll call the police. You invaded someone’s privacy! Hurry up!”
Frightened by the threat and the encroaching crowd, the man, knowing his actions were unlawful, hesitantly tossed his camera to the ground.
Only then did Boris release his grip.
The man scrambled to his feet and fled with all his might.
Breathing heavily, Leila reached the scene just in time.
Boris picked up the camera and handed it to Leila without checking its contents. “Don’t worry. I was quick. He likely didn’t have time to create any backups.”
Leila swiftly deleted the camera’s contents and gave Boris a grateful bow. She then gestured her gratitude to him.
Boris shook his head and remarked, “I was merely walking by when I noticed a man with a camera acting strangely by the entrance. It seemed suspicious, though I hadn’t anticipated he was secretly snapping photos of you. Why would he do that?”
Leila paused to gather her thoughts before explaining candidly with her messages on her phone, “I was at a business lunch with your cousin. The Hayes Group is currently unstable, and given my role, any doctored photos could pose significant problems.”
“Got it,” Boris responded, his expression shifting as he grasped the situation.
Leila, wanting to express her gratitude yet unsure how, typed a message on her phone and showed it to Boris: “I specialize in repairing antique items. If you ever need such services, don’t hesitate to reach out.”
As Leila began to walk away, Boris caught up with her, observing thoughtfully before saying, “I actually think you and my cousin would be a great match. Why worry about rumors? Besides, my grandfather holds you in high esteem. Becoming his granddaughter-in-law would surely delight him.”
Leila was momentarily at a loss for words. It made sense, considering Sophia and Boris had only recently returned to the city and were likely unfamiliar with the local dynamics.
Leila typed down her response politely: “I’m actually married, and your cousin and I are merely friends.”
“Really?” Boris persisted, slightly embarrassed. “I apologize, I’ve only ever seen you by yourself, so I assumed you were single.”
Leila shook her head, signaling that everything was alright, yet deep down, she was irritated by the intrusion into her personal life. Nevertheless, she owed Boris a favor and maintained her politeness.
Luckily, Boris abruptly announced he had to leave for an urgent matter.
A wave of relief washed over Leila.
As soon as Boris settled into his car, the smile on his face disappeared. He pulled out his phone and scrolled through photos of Leila and Brent enjoying a casual lunch.
The person Boris had hired to take these photos was quite adept. The angles suggested a closeness that wasn’t there.
Boris rubbed his chin thoughtfully, a menacing grin forming as he pocketed his phone. He knew these photos would be useful.
Upon arriving at the hospital, Boris was greeted by pandemonium. People were sobbing all around, some sincerely while others for show, as though Jerome was at death’s door.
Boris found the spectacle in poor taste, yet he feigned concern and blended in with the crowd.
On one side, Sophia sat with eyes red from crying. Spotting Boris, she rushed to him as if he were a lifeline. She clutched his hand, her body quivering slightly.
Boris was aware that Sophia’s tears were not of sadness. She was actually thrilled.
Sophia gripped his hand firmly and murmured, “He’s in a vegetative state now. There’s no telling when he might wake up.”
Boris stared at Sophia, his expression one of utter shock.
“You’re responsible for this?”
Boris’s words were barely out before he noticed Brent approaching, his face stern, flanked by bodyguards.
Boris quickly withdrew his hand from Sophia’s grip and stepped back, distancing himself.
Sophia barely had time to feel hurt by his reaction. She hastily rubbed her eyes to make them redder, trying to look profoundly distressed.
Sophia faced Brent with a wary, almost angry expression.
“What is this about?”
Brent’s voice was icy as he replied, “I simply need answers. The doctor said that after my grandpa’s surgery, you insisted on being alone with him to take care of him, sending everyone else out. Then, out of nowhere, his oxygen tube was found disconnected, and now he’s comatose. We don’t even know if he’ll pull through.”
As he spoke, Brent’s tone grew sharper, his eyes narrowing dangerously at Sophia. “I need to know what really happened.”
Overwhelmed, Sophia broke down, sobbing as she struck Brent.
“You brat! How can you accuse me like this? He’s my father! Would I harm my own father? You could suspect anyone, but to doubt your own aunt? I was there for you when you were a child. Have you forgotten that?”
Yet, Brent remained unmoved by her emotional appeal. His expression hardened. “Before I was even born, you ran off with your husband. My grandpa was so upset that he ended up in the hospital and missed my birth. Your sentimental stories won’t change the facts now.”
Sophia’s trembling subsided, her sobs growing quieter as guilt and fear overwhelmed her.
Boris cursed “idiot” in his mind.
In an attempt to salvage the situation and steer the group’s attention away from his mother’s guilty expression, Boris dropped to his knees abruptly, the impact echoing crisply in the room. He faced the direction of Jerome’s ward and bowed his head repeatedly against the floor.
Brent’s expression darkened, a frown creasing his brow as he watched contemplatively.
Boris then launched into a theatrical display, crying loudly. He crawled on his knees toward Brent and clutched at the fabric of Brent’s pants, his demeanor desperate.
“Brent, if it turns out my mother really did something so vile, then she’s lower than any beast. It’d be justified, even to cast her out,” Boris pleaded, voice choked with emotion, “But please, I urge you to delve deeply into this.
My mother is so timid. She can’t even bear to crush an ant, much less harm a human, especially not her own father.”
Boris’s performance was convincing. It tugged at the heartstrings of everyone there, compelling some to tears.
Yet, Brent remained unmoved, his judgment unclouded. He looked down at Boris, his voice calm and steady. “Why the rush, Boris? I haven’t accused her outright yet. I’m merely suspicious and wish to speak with her.”
Boris’s gaze flitted nervously around as his cries continued unabated. “I realize that ever since my mother and I came back to the Hayes family, you’ve been resentful, believing we have no place here. But I’m not here to vie with you for anything. The Hayes estate, including the Hayes Group, is yours. Just please, show some compassion. Our lives have been difficult. Keeping us around is like having two more pets in the house.”