Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 156

Tears streamed down Whitney’s cheeks as she numbly slid the engagement ring onto her ring finger, only to jerk it off as if it burned her skin.

Over and over, she repeated the torturous ritual until her finger bled, but she could not feel the pain; the pain in her heart was much more immense.

“Whitney? A deep, mellow voice called from outside the door, accompanied by a gentle knocking.

Startled, she clasped a trembling hand over her mouth to stifle her sobs.

“Is the baby okay?” He asked with concern.

Biting her lip, Whitney shook her head, remaining silent.

“Why are you locking yourself in there? Is that ring bothering you that much? Are you so against accepting me because of Elaine?” He rested his weight against the door, his heavy frame almost causing it to creak.

Inside, Whitney vigorously shook her head; it was not about Elaine; it was something else entirely.

He sighed, his voice turning cold, a chill that seemed to echo the death of his hope.

After a while, he walked away.

Clutching the ring to her chest, Whitney collapsed against the door. If she told him everything, what would he do to Uncle Keegan?

In the end, he would probably throw her into the abyss alongside him. After all, she had unwittingly been complicit in hurting him twice.

Whitney did not know how long she stayed in the bathroom, staring at her ghostly reflection, her face as pale as a specter.

Natalie knocked on the door, her voice laced with worry, “Whitney, are you still feeling unwell? I’m about to call the family doctor.”

“I’m fine, Mom…” Whitney quickly stood, splashing her face with cold water to reduce the swelling around her eyes before hastily opening the door.

Natalie looked at her daughter–in–law’s swollen belly and lovingly stroked it. “Little baby is being so good.”

Whitney’s gaze flickered to the empty dining table, her voice barely above a whisper, “Did he leave?”

locked yourself in the bathroom with that ring and wouldn’t answer him, he started drinking. He’s been

saw the slumped silhouette on the couch, his brow furrowed in

trouble him, but her behavior

SE

dear…” Natalie led her to the dining table to talk, looking at her closely. “I might be forgetful, but I’m not blind I see the love you have for him. Are you rejecting his proposal because of his difficult nature?”

Mom, it’s

father’s side who was always the golden boy. I was ill, so I couldn’t stand up for him. He was often mistreated by his stepmother, going

even taken to the police. He was just eight years

1/3

Chapter 156

made his life miserable. But he fought hard, stood his ground, and outshone all the other family members, earning

watched him struggle every step of the way. My memory may fail me sometimes, but I vividly remember his

her heart; she had heard whispers about the Lippert family patriarch favoring the younger son, but

But that’s all in the past, and he’s healthy now. He never let the darkness

would use any means necessary to reach his goal, he would not just be the tycoon he

Natalie smiled reassuringly.

had integrity and was

Braxton, willingly giving up a lucrative deal. His principles and restraint

a uniquely noble man, had he truly been so villainous when he started from nothing, seizing the

herself

his years in business, has he ever

he got through it

eyes, “So, Whitney,

he truly despises and hates, it’s his brother who took everything from him. Despite my detachment from worldly matters, I’ve heard people praise your beauty and intelligence.

hand gently on the

drunken eyes, clouded with alcohol, seemed to swallow her whole.

stupor, “I’m sick; did you know?”

was hoarse, breaking her heart, his features flushed with fever.

touched his

ill and

a heavy heart, helping him to the bedroom.