Filed to story: Seventeen Heartbreaks: When Love Has No Voice
Leila’s eyes widened with terror as she clutched the primary doctor’s hand, silently questioning him about what he had done.
Avoiding her gaze, the primary doctor admitted reluctantly, “The treatment we administered over the last days was flawed. You wouldn’t want the baby to suffer, would you?”
Feeling as though her world was unraveling, Leila shook silently as she fully believed the doctor’s words. She had braced herself for Landon’s schemes, but she never envisioned he would stoop to such depths.
Consumed by a torrent of anger and grief, she was struck silent. Instead, tears flooded down her cheeks as she violently cleared the table, sending items crashing to the floor.
Observing her despair, the primary doctor extended a piece of paper with a sympathetic glance. “This is the consent form. It’s more merciful to end the pregnancy, the kindest option for you and your child. Continuing it will only prolong the suffering.”
Exhausted by her own sobs, Leila collapsed, her body crumpling to the floor as she hugged her belly, her spirit broken by the overwhelming fatigue. Never had she felt such deep exhaustion. Landon’s indifference was crushing.
The primary doctor, riddled with remorse upon seeing her pitiful condition, opted to remain silent and quickly exited.
Outside, a younger doctor awaited the primary doctor’s emergence and approached the latter swiftly. “You’re actually going to fulfill her request? If Mr. Kensington hears of this, your career is over.”
The primary doctor offered a strained, half-hearted smile. “Do I have any other option? Melinda has leverage over my family. I prefer to stay out of their conflicts. Once Leila signs this, we are no longer involved. Even if there’s an investigation, it’s no longer our issue.”
The younger doctor cast a complex glance at the primary doctor and asked in a hushed tone, “Did you really tamper with the medication?”
The primary doctor quickly denied it, shaking his head vigorously. “That’s Landon’s child. I wouldn’t dare to interfere. You might not be aware, but Landon desperately wants a child. He’s contacted me several times, questioning whether Leila could conceive again. What I told her was merely to frighten her. Now that I’ve spoken to Leila, there’s no going back. We must end her pregnancy.”
Leila wasn’t sure how long she had been crying. She rested her hand on her flat belly, a slight dread washing over her. It was as if she could no longer feel the baby’s heartbeat, a thought that filled her with terror.
Leila eyed the consent form. Perhaps the doctor was correct. The baby was no longer viable.
Yet, she found it impossible to come to terms with it.
To continue carrying the baby felt like an act of cruelty, but the thought of letting go was unbearable.
Ever since Roderick’s death, Leila had felt a persistent insecurity. She was painfully aware that she had no remaining family members in this world. However, if this child were born, he would be a blood connection, a real presence. She wouldn’t have to face the world completely alone.
Leila knew that if she went through with the abortion, she would never have another child of her own.
At that very moment, Leila received a message from Brent. He had concocted a plan to take her away the following day. It was all arranged.
Lost in thoughts of a new life after leaving the hospital, Leila once daydreamed about escaping to the seaside, raising her child in solitude by the tranquil waters.
Now, however, Leila felt profoundly alone.
Her phone buzzed, but Leila lacked the energy to even glance at it.
Suddenly, the urge to flee dissipated.
Leila realized that escaping wouldn’t change her destiny of being manipulated by others.
As the vibrations of her phone ceased, its ringtone pierced the silence.
Coming back to reality, Leila saw it was Brent calling.
Resolute, she declined the call, gathered her thoughts, and texted him back. “Things have changed. I’ll abandon the escape for now, Mr. Hayes. Thank you for your readiness to help me.”
Leila texted Brent: “But then it dawned on me. I no longer have to run away. I’m alright now. Everything’s okay.”
Brent immediately picked up on the underlying distress in Leila’s words and quickly responded, “Leila, what’s going on? What happened?”
Leila nearly broke down, but she managed to suppress her tears and typed with effort: “I’m fine, just exhausted and in need of some rest. I don’t want to be a burden, Mr. Hayes. I know you have a lot on your plate, so please, don’t spend your time worrying about me.”
After sending the text, Leila shut off her phone. She curled up, her face hidden in her knees, engulfed by a sense of helplessness. Even her sobs were silent.
Leila despised her own vulnerability but felt trapped, resolved not to involve anyone else in her troubles.
Now that the troublemakers were out of the picture, Landon experienced a small relief.
Edgar, noticing Landon’s recent concerns, suggested, “Mr. Kensington, the doctors have reported significant improvement in Leila’s health. Perhaps a visit to the hospital might be good for both of you.”
Landon massaged his temples, his eyes closed, and he responded without hesitation, “She doesn’t want to see me at all. Why should I bother visiting her? Look, it’s been days. Has she even once asked to see me?”
In fact, Leila had, just a few days ago.
Landon had carved out time to visit the hospital, only to end up being stood up for reasons unknown to him.
At times, Landon wondered if his leniency with Leila made her believe he was always at her disposal.
Edgar cleared his throat, breaking the silence. “I think there might be a misunderstanding between you two. From Leila’s perspective, it seems like she’s isolated in the hospital. The nurse mentioned she’s been staring out the window, looking quite despondent.”
Landon’s gaze turned icy as he looked at Edgar. “Others might be in the dark, but you know the real reason.”
Edgar fell silent. He was indeed aware of the truth.
Dean, along with Shirley and Melinda, had always harbored resentment toward Leila.
Moreover, the enemies of the Kensington Group had suddenly become more coordinated, causing significant problems for Landon.
This time, with the incident involving the pregnant manager, Landon had narrowly escaped trouble. He might not be so lucky next time.
Landon’s relationship with Leila was tense, yet she remained his wife officially.
Edgar let out a sigh and suggested, “Perhaps you could speak with her just to let her know the challenges you’re facing.”
Landon took a sip of wine, his gaze clouded with emotions hard to decipher. “You just don’t understand. She holds a grudge against me. No matter my actions, she believes I intend to harm her. Trying to explain feels futile. Why waste my time?”
With those words, Landon took another sip of his wine.
At that moment, a desperate knock sounded at the door.
Landon looked at Edgar.
Edgar went to answer it.
Sarah, absent in the countryside for a considerable time, burst in. Tears streamed down her face as she nearly fell while attempting to embrace Landon.
However, before Sarah could reach Landon, Edgar steered her aside.
With a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes, Edgar spoke. “Miss Miller, Mr. Kensington is quite worn out from handling business affairs. Perhaps it would be best to discuss this later. He really needs some rest.”
Sarah brushed Edgar’s hand away and sat down, her expression one of deep sorrow and complaint. “Landon, I truly realize my mistake now. I swear I won’t bother Leila again. Just look at me-unscathed-and here I am, suffering. Isn’t this punishment enough? I promise I’ll behave and not bother Leila anymore. Can you please forgive me?”
Sarah’s eyes, brimming with tears, begged for understanding. The hardships she had faced in the countryside had overwhelmed her. Having been coddled from childhood, she had never encountered such difficulties.
As Sarah journeyed back, her resentment toward Landon grew. She despised his harshness and indifference to her. She was frustrated that he still exploited her, letting everyone believe they were traveling together.
When acquaintances inquired about her time with Landon during her return, Sarah found it impossible to express her torment.
Yet, despite her grievances, every time she remembered Landon’s face, her anger faded. It dawned on her just how deeply she loved him. She realized that her resentment should be directed at Leila, not Landon.
On her way back, she narrowly avoided a car accident, which seemed like more than just a coincidence.
At that time, fear had silenced Sarah.
The incident on the road had nearly been fatal, reinforcing her feelings for Landon.
As Landon took a few sips of his drink and cast a sidelong glance at Sarah, he posed a sudden question. “Tell me the truth. Did you really mean what you said earlier?”
Sarah looked down and responded, “Yes, I really did.”