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.

a slight nod, she agreed to meet.

good?”

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

“Who is she?”

her waist, her long curls cascading down her back. Her face was strikingly beautiful, and she moved

was a match for Whitney

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

back with a grin.

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

without a reaction, guessing its price

you from? I know Banyan City like the back of my

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

Whitney wasn’t familiar with the extravagant families over there. If there was any connection, it

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

natural materials. Your baby can wear them as soon as they arrive, though it’s a bit early.

just as they were settling into the lull

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

of

a tad shy

an apologetic smile, and warmly

replied, her eyes crinkling in a warm

her step, Elaine left, cheerfully disappearing into

her go, a thoughtful smile playing on

of cheesecake, asked, “Is she a new friend

make

too – didn’t hesitate to help us with the dessert. Not the diva type at

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

a certain presence, speaks sharply and decisively. Yet she’s so approachable, playful like a schoolgirl,

–

–

beginning to see the picture. A person’s work persona and personal temperament could be distinct, but not

Unless it was

intentional.

good? Pretending to be harmless

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

I can sense if someone intends to

Time would tell.

a wealthy heiress, was working at L’s company.

Whitney headed back to the

તુજ ને કેવી

dey

Chapter 71

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

not like that, Mom. This

clothes?” “Out of courtesy, I guess.” Whitney, feeling a bit sleepy, wandered into the kitchen for a glass of warm milk.

Whitney approached. “Mom, why are you throwing

by the unexpected sound. Recognizing Whitney, she relaxed slightly

she offered 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

gaze troubled, followed her upstairs but couldn’t shake the feeling that

Natalie discard the gifts upon hearing they were from Elaine? There seemed

long, Natalie had to leave for an

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

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

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

reason

increased, sensing a

baby clothes

the clothes, Ludwik entered the room, loosening his

selecting tiny clothes struck him with unusual

heart softened, and he cleared his throat to announce