Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 70

Whitney never imagined that Yvonne could be cruel enough to sever the finger of a six–year–old child.

Chaos erupted in the Valentine family. Yvonne and Preston had a complete falling out, which was what Whitney desired. However, it was her who leaked video of the love child.

After the child was kidnapped by Yvonne, Whitney had someone notify Violet. Thankfully, the rescue was swift, and the child’s finger could still be reattached.

After confirming the situation at the hospital, Whitney and Tiana left.

“Your dad would love to see you six feet under, and here you are, worrying about his love child.” Tiana quipped.

“The kid has nothing to do with it; he is only six years old.” Whitney replied, her gaze inadvertently dropping to her own belly.

“When are you gonna start showing, Whitney? You’re skinny as a rail, still rocking those killer curves. Lucky L’s got it good. Hey, did you ever ask him if he’s hoping for a boy or a girl?”

Whitney blinked her eyes. They hadn’t talked about kids before. Well, they weren’t exactly close back then, and now?

Without a second thought, Whitney texted Tiana’s words to L.

On Facebook, the man responded with a puzzled: [?]

She must have surprised him.

A smile curved Whitney’s lips when she saw he texted back a few more words: [If this trial marriage goes well, I’ll take either, or better yet, a whole soccer team.]

[Am I a breeding sow?]

Whitney texted while rolling her eyes.

He texted back: [I think you need a more accurate description. Little mama pig, yeah?]

Biting her lip and ready to retort, Whitney was interrupted by Tiana’s scrutinizing stare. “Aww, getting all doe–eyed chatting with L? Whitney, ever since you guys came back from that hot spring trip, your relationship’s been on the fast track. Did you ever flirt on Facebook like this before? Spill it, did something happen that night…hmm?”

“What are you on about!” Whitney protested at Tiana’s insinuating tone.

Come on, it was just a couple of messages.

“You texted him on Facebook, and he replies in a heartbeat. L’s a busy man, yet he makes time for you. Sounds like love is in the air,” Tiana teased, playing detective.

Helplessly, Whitney blushed and spilled the beans.

Tiana clicked her tongue in disbelief. “Wow, so you turned the fake into real? Who was it that was so adamant about a marriage of convenience? And now, you’re getting all lovey–dovey with L.”

“It’s a trial marriage,” Whitney mumbled, her eyes shimmering with a mix of emotions. “It means we’re giving it a shot. He wants something stable, and I get that. Business–minded men rarely equate marriage with love. As for my feelings, they’re far from love or even like. I need to see if he’s really into me, right?”

“L’s the proud type. If he’s flirting with you, it means he’s totally into you. And you? Ha, I can tell you’re halfway into the ‘like‘ camp already. Love after marriage, sparks flying–you won’t be able to resist a man like him.”

“What’s there to resist? Sure, he’s got a hot bod, but he’s got scars, too.”

Tiana’s eyes popped. “You’ve seen L’s real face!”

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“No, I only caught a glimpse before he stopped me.”

Coughing to regain composure, Tiana quickly comforted her, “Scars are sexy! They’re a badge of a rugged man. I mean, those flawless pretty boys like Ludwik are rare and untouchable, not as exciting. You agree, right, Whitney?”

Though Whitney knew Tiana was trying to cheer her up, it felt like her friend flipped sides too quickly.

Her phone rang; it was an unfamiliar number.

On the other end was Elaine. Whitney’s surprise was evident in her narrowed eyes and faint smile. “Elaine? To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“Well, when Bro saved me that day, I felt the need to express my gratitude. After considering it, I thought it would be best to thank you directly, so I want to gift some baby clothes to you.”

Elaine’s tone was sweet and friendly, pulling their relationship closer while also signaling she wanted to keep her distance from L.

Whitney understood perfectly.

nod, she agreed to meet. “Sure, where should we

sound good?” Elaine chirped

up and sharing the location, Tiana drove them there. Whitney pulled her along, “You’re

“Who is she?”

waist, her long curls cascading down her back. Her face was strikingly beautiful,

observed quietly as Tiana gawked. This woman was

her eyes, Whitney introduced her friend. “Elaine, this

waved back with

for making time today. Let’s take a seat and chat,” Elaine suggested, her hands holding a tastefully understated

her watch without a reaction, guessing its

know Banyan City

flatter me, Tiana. I’m from Emperor City, working at my bro’s company, just

with the extravagant families over there. If there was any connection, it would be when she was a child, she heard from the servants that her mother and grandfather also came from Emperor City. Their arrival in

from her absent–minded thoughts, Whitney speculated that Elaine was indeed a

materials. Your baby can wear them as soon as they arrive, though it’s a bit early. You just focus on a healthy pregnancy, Whitney. Let my bro pamper you

up just as they

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to fetch the treats, playfully serving them to

an ounce of high–society airs

a tad shy

chit–chat, Elaine’s phone buzzed with the urgency of business. She stood, flashing an apologetic smile, and warmly shook

her eyes

in her step, Elaine left, cheerfully disappearing into

thoughtful smile playing on her

slice of cheesecake, asked, “Is she a new friend

you make

– didn’t hesitate to help us with the dessert. Not the diva type at all. It’s rare to find someone so down–to–earth,”

left a good impression

that her watch alone is worth a fortune, and that she’s anything but ordinary? She’s the

her brow furrowing

a certain presence, speaks sharply and decisively. Yet she’s so approachable, playful like a schoolgirl, without a hint of guile it’s

–

–

person’s work persona and

Unless it was

intentional.

to no good? Pretending to be harmless to get close to

eyes narrowing slightly. “I don’t start off seeing adversaries in everyone l

can sense if someone intends

Time would tell.

company. How deep

Whitney headed back

તુજ ને કેવી

dey

Chapter 71

that Whitney had returned with a bag of baby outfits, a smile spread across her face. “Whitney, are you seriously buying clothes for our little peanut

not like that, Mom. This is a gift from

the kitchen for a glass of warm milk. Emerging from the kitchen, Whitney couldn’t find Natalie, Taryn

why are you

the unexpected sound. Recognizing Whitney, she relaxed

“The fabric… it’s not suitable for a newborn. Elaine probably didn’t know any better. Don’t worry, honey,

sensing Natalie’s words were jumbled and her gaze troubled, followed her upstairs but

hearing they were from Elaine? There seemed

had to leave for

shouldn’t pick them up.” “I wasn’t

“The lady once suffered from memory loss. Sometimes, old forgotten matters stir her emotions, leading to unusual behavior. Haven’t you noticed how

Whitney had also observed Natalie’s childlike joy, free

previous aversion to Elaine, now forgotten, be the reason

increased, sensing a

baby clothes

Whitney sorted through the clothes, Ludwik entered