Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

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.

to meet. “Sure, where should we meet

sound good?” Elaine

drove them there. Whitney pulled her along, “You’re

“Who is she?”

suit that hugged her waist, her long curls cascading down her back.

was a match for Whitney in terms of

approached with a playful twinkle in her eyes, Whitney introduced her friend. “Elaine,

back with a grin. “Hey

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

watch without a reaction, guessing its price to be in the

ordered coffee, Tiana, ever the gossip, asked, “So, Elaine, where are you from? I know Banyan City like the back of my hand, and I’ve never

from Emperor City, working at

the famous century–old medical dynasty, the Bartels family? Emperor City was a metropolis, and Whitney wasn’t familiar 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

speculated that Elaine was indeed a socialite, which her demeanor had subtly

bit early. You just focus

just as they were settling into the lull of

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the treats,

ounce of high–society airs about

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

replied, her eyes crinkling

step, Elaine left,

watched her go, a thoughtful smile

nibbling on her slice of cheesecake, asked, “Is she a

make

bubbly and sweet, downright kind too – didn’t hesitate to help us with the dessert.

a good impression on

with mirth. “What if I told you that her watch alone is worth a fortune, and that she’s anything but ordinary? She’s the Vice President

her brow

speaks sharply and decisively. Yet she’s so approachable, playful like a schoolgirl, without a

–

–

see the picture. A person’s work persona and

Unless it was

intentional.

you think she’s up to no good? Pretending to be harmless to get close to you?” Tiana

don’t start off seeing

if someone intends

Time would tell.

working at L’s company. How deep did her devotion to her brother run

outfits, Whitney headed back

તુજ ને કેવી

dey

Chapter 71

across her face. “Whitney, are you seriously buying clothes for our little peanut already? Look at

like that, Mom. This is

bit sleepy, wandered into the kitchen for a glass of warm milk. Emerging from the kitchen, Whitney couldn’t find Natalie, Taryn or Xandra. While searching for them, she discovered Natalie by the backyard trash can,

approached. “Mom, why are you throwing

whirled around, startled by the unexpected sound. Recognizing Whitney, she

an explanation with a forced smile. “The fabric… it’s not suitable for a newborn. Elaine probably didn’t know any better. Don’t worry, honey, I’ve bought plenty of clothes for the baby.

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

they were from Elaine? There seemed

had to leave for an

you shouldn’t pick them up.” “I wasn’t going to.

emotions, leading to unusual behavior. Haven’t you noticed how carefree she’s been lately?

also

be the reason for discarding the clothes?

Elaine increased, sensing a

clothes to Whitney’s bedroom, per

through the clothes, Ludwik entered the room,

him with unusual warmth, as if they were a

usually guarded heart softened, and he cleared his throat to