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

Square sound good?”

Whitney

“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 her back.

woman was a match for Whitney in

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

back with a grin.

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

noted her watch without a reaction, guessing its

“So, Elaine, where are you from? I know Banyan

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

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

thoughts, Whitney speculated that Elaine was indeed a socialite, which

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

dessert cart rolled up just as they were settling into the lull of

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treats, playfully serving them to Whitney and

an ounce of high–society airs

tad shy

Elaine’s 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

replied, her eyes crinkling in a

Elaine left, cheerfully disappearing into the

go, a thoughtful smile

of cheesecake, asked, “Is she a new friend you’ve

make

dessert. Not the diva type at all. It’s rare to find someone so down–to–earth,” Tiana

certainly left a good impression

that her watch alone is worth a fortune, and that she’s anything but ordinary? She’s the Vice President of L’s company, a high–flying executive. What would you say

her brow furrowing

isn’t it? A 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 at

–

–

frown deepened, beginning to see the picture. A person’s work persona and personal temperament could be

Unless it was

intentional.

Pretending to be harmless to get close to you?” Tiana

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

can sense if

Time would tell.

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

outfits, Whitney headed back to the

તુજ ને કેવી

dey

Chapter 71

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

like that, Mom. This is a gift

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

why are you

sound. Recognizing Whitney, she relaxed slightly but

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. Come

were jumbled and her gaze troubled, followed her upstairs but couldn’t shake the feeling that something

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

had to leave

the trash can, yet Taryn halted her. “Natalie insisted that you shouldn’t pick them up.” “I wasn’t going to. It’s just that Mom’s been a bit off

leading to unusual behavior.

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

now forgotten, be the reason for discarding the

increased, sensing

some baby clothes to

sorted through the clothes, Ludwik entered the room, loosening his tie.

him with unusual warmth, as if they were a real

he cleared