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.

slight nod, she agreed to meet. “Sure,

sound good?” Elaine chirped

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

“Who is she?”

walked in. The woman was dressed in a tailored suit that hugged her waist, her long curls cascading down her back. Her face was strikingly beautiful, and she moved with an effortless grace

woman was a match for Whitney in terms

eyes, Whitney introduced

waved back with a

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

a reaction, guessing its price to

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

from Emperor City, working at my

mind raced. Emperor City? Could 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

from her absent–minded thoughts, Whitney speculated that Elaine was indeed

outfits are all 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, Whitney. Let my bro pamper you until

rolled up just as they

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

ounce of

tad shy from the

more chit–chat, 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 think?

Whitney replied, her eyes crinkling

in her step, Elaine

go, a thoughtful

of cheesecake, asked, “Is she a new friend

make of her?”

didn’t hesitate to help us with the dessert. Not

left a good impression on

twinkled 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 of L’s company, a

paused, her brow furrowing

“Strange, 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 odds with her professional

–

–

person’s work persona and personal temperament could

Unless it was

intentional.

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

narrowing slightly. “I don’t start off seeing

can sense if someone intends

Time would tell.

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

outfits, Whitney

તુજ ને કેવી

dey

Chapter 71

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

not like that, Mom. This is 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

“Mom, why are

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

not suitable for a newborn. Elaine probably didn’t know any better. Don’t worry, honey, I’ve bought plenty of clothes for

Natalie’s words were jumbled and her gaze troubled, followed her upstairs but couldn’t

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

Natalie had to leave for

halted her. “Natalie insisted that you shouldn’t pick them up.”

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

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

Elaine, now forgotten, be the reason for discarding the

about Elaine increased, sensing a

Taryn brought some baby clothes to

sorted through the clothes, Ludwik entered

unusual warmth, as

and he cleared