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?”

bathroom with that ring and wouldn’t answer him, he started drinking. He’s been sick since yesterday, you know.

the slumped silhouette on the couch, his brow furrowed in

to trouble him, but her behavior had only added to his gloom.

SE Z

table to talk, looking at her closely. “I might be forgetful, but I’m not blind I see

it’s not

her son with a pained expression. “You don’t know what he’s been through. He has a half–brother from his 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

He was

1/3

Chapter 156

different, cald. I blame myself, my illness made his life miserable. But he fought hard, stood his ground, and outshone all

the way. My memory

her heart; she had heard whispers about the Lippert family patriarch favoring the younger son, but she had not

understand why he’s so easily angry. But that’s all in the past, and he’s healthy now. He never let the darkness of his childhood affect his

man who would use any means necessary to reach his goal,

Natalie smiled reassuringly.

said he had integrity and was

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

truly been so villainous

questioned herself silently.

asked, “Mom, in all his years in business, has he ever

his lowest, he got through it

“So, Whitney, you can’t give up

the sofa, her voice heavy with emotion, “If there’s anyone he truly despises and hates, it’s his brother who took everything from him. Despite

gently on

gripped it tightly. His drunken eyes,

his drunken stupor, “I’m sick; did

hoarse, breaking her heart,

it. She touched his

and refuses to take his medicine. Please, Madam, tell him to go upstairs

followed Taryn’s advice with a heavy heart, helping him to the bedroom.