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

Square sound good?” Elaine chirped

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

“Who is she?”

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

gawked. This woman was a match for Whitney in

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

with a grin.

I hope you don’t mind the intrusion. Thanks for making time today. Let’s take a seat and chat,” Elaine suggested, her hands holding

a reaction, guessing its

coffee, Tiana, ever the gossip, asked, “So, Elaine, where are you from? I know Banyan City

from Emperor City, working at my bro’s company, just a

it be 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

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

it’s a bit early. You just focus on a healthy pregnancy, Whitney. Let

dessert cart rolled up just as they were settling into

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stood up to fetch the treats, playfully serving them to Whitney

of

a tad

an apologetic smile, and warmly shook

Whitney replied, her eyes crinkling in a warm

step, Elaine left, cheerfully disappearing

watched her go, a thoughtful

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

you make

to help us with the dessert. Not the diva type at all.

left a

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

her brow

faintly. “Strange, isn’t it? A VP usually carries a certain presence, speaks sharply and decisively. Yet she’s so approachable, playful like a

–

–

A person’s work persona and personal temperament could

Unless it was

intentional.

up to no good? Pretending to

eyes narrowing slightly. “I don’t start

can sense if someone intends

Time would tell.

at L’s company. How

Whitney headed back

તુજ ને કેવી

dey

Chapter 71

with a bag of baby outfits, a smile spread across her face. “Whitney,

This is

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

are

the unexpected sound. Recognizing Whitney,

it’s not suitable for a newborn. Elaine probably didn’t know

followed her upstairs but couldn’t shake

gifts upon hearing they were from Elaine? There

Natalie had to leave for an

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

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

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

reason for discarding

Elaine increased, sensing a

Taryn brought some baby clothes to Whitney’s bedroom,

the clothes, Ludwik entered

him with unusual warmth, as

and he