The Unlucky Turn by Mark Twain 110

Leilani walked out the main gate of the Sloan residence. The night breeze brushed against her face as she took a deep breath, suppressing the anger churning in her chest.

Leilani stared at the gate and suddenly felt it was somewhat laughable. Everyone thought she couldn’t let go of Milford, but in reality, she had carved that man out of her heart long

ago.

She put away her phone and looked up at the night sky, her eyes desolate. After the huge blow-up with the Sloans, the sky had turned pitch black. The night was heavy. She stood under a streetlamp in the Sloan villa district. The cold wind blew through her hair, making her slender figure look particularly lonely.

Leilani stood by the roadside. The light from her phone screen reflected on her face. The ride-share she hailed was taking forever; the app showed “Estimated driver pickup in 15

down the winding private

minutes.” She frowned, put away her phone, and decided to wall

road.

She hadn’t gone far when the sound of an engine came from behind, headlights sweeping over her back. Leilani moved to the side of the road, but the car slowed to a stop beside

her.

The window rolled down, revealing Milford’s face in the driver’s seat, his brow slightly furrowed. “Leilani?”

Leilani paused and

gave him a faint glance. “Mr. Sherwood.”

Milford felt an inexplicable tightness in his chest seeing her walking alone in the dark.

“It’s so late. Why are you walking alone?”

“I can’t get a cab here.”

The villa district was mostly in the remote suburbs, and no one had accepted Leilani’s ride request for over half an hour.

Leilani’s tone was calm, clearly unwilling to say more.

Milford was silent for a moment before speaking. “Get in. I’ll drive you.”

Leilani wanted to refuse, but the night wind was getting colder. Thinking of the ride that might never come, she nodded, opened the back door, and got in.

The heater in the car was strong. Milford looked at her through the rearview mirror and asked, “Where to?”

“Celestial Heights.”

Milford hummed in acknowledgement and stepped on the gas.

18:40

The car was quiet for a while, with only the mechanical female voice of the GPS sounding occasionally.

Leilani turned her head to look out the window the silhouettes of trees flying by in the night. She suddenly spoke up. “How is Yvonne lately?”

Milford’s fingers on the steering wheel tightened slightly, his tone softening. “She’s recovering well. She can walk a few steps on her own now.”

“That’s good.”

“She’s been wanting to see you.” Milford paused. “If you have time…”

Leilani was silent for a moment, then nodded. I’ll go see her another day.”

The corner of Milford’s mouth lifted almost imperceptibly. He turned the steering wheel, changing direction completely. “Why not now?”

Leilani raised an eyebrow. “Now?”

“Yvonne isn’t asleep yet. She’ll be very happy to see you.

Leilani thought about it. She didn’t have anything else to do tonight anyway, so she didn’t refuse.

The car drove toward Haven Sanatorium. Milford glanced at her in the rearview mirror and suddenly asked in a low voice, “Have you… been well lately?”

Leilani looked up, meeting his gaze, her tone indifferent. “You don’t need to worry about that, Mr. Sherwood.”

Milford choked on her words, his Adam’s apple bobbing. It took a while before he said, “Leilani, do we… have to talk like this?”

“How else?” She chuckled lightly, though her eyes held no warmth.

You’re about to hold a wedding with Tamara. It’s best if you show less concern for other women.”

Milford’s face darkened, and the veins on the back of his hand gripping the steering wheel bulged slightly. He truly wanted to call off the engagement, but his father, Fitch Sherwood, had flown into a rage and slapped him directly. His mother

Gloria, had even threatened suicide, absolutely forbidding him from ruining the alliance between the two families.

The marriage had to proceed as scheduled. He couldn’t fight it.

18:40

Cedella

Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.