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.

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

good?” Elaine

Whitney pulled her along, “You’re free anyway, come meet her

“Who is she?”

ask again when Elaine walked in. The woman was dressed in a tailored suit that hugged her waist, her long curls cascading down

gawked. This woman was a match for Whitney

in her eyes, Whitney introduced her friend. “Elaine, this is Tiana.” “Hi,

with a grin.

don’t mind the intrusion. Thanks for making time today. Let’s take a seat and chat,” Elaine suggested,

reaction, guessing its price

Elaine, where are you from? I know Banyan City like the back of my hand, and I’ve never seen

Emperor City, working at my bro’s

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 Banyan City was quite

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 until you’re nice and plump for the delivery,”

as they

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the treats, playfully serving them to Whitney and

of high–society airs about

blushed, feeling a tad shy from the

an apologetic smile, and warmly shook Whitney’s hand. “Whitney, I’d love for us to be good friends. What do you think? Let’s hang out more,

eyes crinkling in a

her step, Elaine left, cheerfully disappearing

go, a thoughtful smile playing

cheesecake, asked, “Is she a

do you make of

us with the dessert. Not the diva type at all. It’s rare to

left a good

that she’s

paused, her brow

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

–

–

to see the picture. A person’s work persona and personal temperament could be distinct, but not

Unless it was

intentional.

think she’s up to no good? Pretending to be

noncommittally, her eyes narrowing slightly. “I don’t start off seeing adversaries in

can sense if

Time would tell.

a wealthy heiress, was working at L’s company. How deep did her devotion to her brother

Whitney headed

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 already? Look at you, playing

This is a gift from

a bit as she paused, examining the tiny garment. “Why would she give you baby clothes?” “Out of courtesy, I guess.” Whitney, feeling a bit sleepy, wandered into the kitchen for

approached. “Mom, why are you throwing

around, startled by the unexpected sound. Recognizing Whitney, she relaxed slightly but remained

suitable for a newborn. Elaine probably didn’t know any better.

jumbled and her gaze troubled, followed her upstairs but couldn’t shake

the gifts upon hearing they were from Elaine? There seemed to be no apparent animosity

Natalie had to

walked back to the trash can, yet Taryn halted her. “Natalie insisted that you shouldn’t pick them up.”

old forgotten matters stir her emotions, leading to unusual

discuss Natalie’s condition further. However, Whitney had also observed Natalie’s childlike joy,

be the reason for discarding the

about Elaine increased, sensing a subtle

baby clothes to Whitney’s

entered the room, loosening his tie. Witnessing his