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.

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

sound good?” Elaine

location, Tiana drove them there. Whitney pulled her along, “You’re free anyway, come meet her with

“Who is she?”

was dressed in a tailored suit that hugged her waist, her long curls cascading down her back. Her face was strikingly

observed quietly as Tiana gawked. This woman was a match for Whitney in

a playful twinkle in her eyes, Whitney introduced her friend.

back with a grin. “Hey

take a seat and chat,” Elaine suggested, her hands

her watch without a reaction, guessing

gossip, asked, “So, Elaine, where are you from? I know Banyan City like the back

City, working

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,

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

made from the finest natural materials. Your baby can wear them as soon as they arrive, though it’s a bit early. You just focus on a healthy pregnancy,

up just as they were settling into

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treats, playfully

ounce of high–society

feeling a tad shy

phone buzzed with the urgency of business. She stood, flashing 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

replied, her eyes crinkling in a

in her step, Elaine left, cheerfully disappearing

go, a thoughtful smile playing on her

“Is she a new friend you’ve made?

make of

– didn’t hesitate to help us with the dessert. Not the diva type at all. It’s rare to

certainly left a good impression

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

her brow

sharply and decisively. Yet she’s so approachable, playful like a schoolgirl, without a hint of guile it’s at odds with

–

–

see the picture. A person’s work persona

Unless it was

intentional.

up to no good? Pretending to be harmless to get close to you?” Tiana

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

if someone

Time would tell.

intrigued her now was why Elaine, a wealthy heiress, was working at L’s company. How deep did her devotion to her

outfits, Whitney headed

તુજ ને કેવી

dey

Chapter 71

of baby outfits, a smile spread across her face. “Whitney, are you seriously buying clothes for

This is a gift from

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 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

Whitney approached. “Mom, why are

whirled around, startled by the unexpected sound. Recognizing

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

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

were from Elaine? There seemed to

had to leave for

can, yet Taryn halted her. “Natalie insisted that you shouldn’t pick them up.” “I wasn’t going to.

old forgotten matters stir her emotions, leading to unusual behavior. Haven’t you noticed how

condition further. However, Whitney had also observed Natalie’s childlike joy, free from the burdens of

reason for discarding the clothes? Was there something harmful about

Elaine increased,

clothes to Whitney’s bedroom,

the clothes, Ludwik entered the room, loosening

struck him with unusual warmth, as if they were a

softened, and he cleared his