Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 221

“Me and him… It’s impossible now,” Whitney thought but said nothing.

Ludwik had set his heart on getting engaged, and soon, he would be walking down the aisle with Elaine.

And here she was, playing pretend with Bryce.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the ringing of her phone. Speak of the devil, and he shall appear. Whitney pushed aside her thoughts and answered, “Mr. Lutz…”

“You might want to start getting used to calling me ‘Bryce‘ today, okay?”

His voice was smooth, with a hint of magnetism, and he chuckled. “Are you at home? If you’re free, get ready. I’m sending someone to pick you up and take you to the bridal boutique. My mother has been on my case since dawn. I’m in a bit of a bind.”

Whitney remembered he wanted to use the excuse of dress shopping to have Claire meet her.

Even if she was not free, she had to make time. Thus, Whitney replied, “Sure, I’ve just finished up here.”

After hanging up, she put on her sunglasses for a bit of incognito before helping Taryn into the car. Taryn carefully hid the medicine deep in her shopping bag and bid her farewell.

Whitney waited on the curb, and sure enough, Bryce’s car arrived swiftly.

At the entrance of Banyan City’s largest bridal boutique, Whitney stepped inside to find Bryce’s tall figure waiting for her.

He took her small purse and gently cradled her waist. “The drive from your apartment was a long one. Must’ve been tiring, huh?”

Whitney shook her head, her clear hazel eyes meeting his. “Where’s your mother?”

“She’s too proud to come here early, even if she’s eager to see her ‘future daughter–in–law.‘ She’s probably still making circles on her way here.”

He painted a vivid picture, and Whitney could not help but laugh. She could just picture the old lady being both a relic and a rascal, much like her own mother–happy or not, she was always childlike, often teasing Ludwik.

Lost in thought, Whitney’s spirits dipped.

Bryce observed the play of emotions across her face, as changeable as the June sky. He could almost guess what she was thinking. This little woman full of stories was moved by memories right now, and her every glance was both beautiful and captivating.

Bryce had to admit that Whitney was drawing him in deeper and deeper, even without really

Chapter 221

doing much.

with joy. “While we wait for her, shall

behind them and the boutique manager close by, it was tough to

along. “Interesting things?

“Baby cribs.”

to a display by

just baby cribs but also miniature

mother, Whitney’s gaze lingered on these items, chuckling. “Mr. Lutz, how did you find such a well–stocked

is the biggest store,

a look at this crib,” he said, pointing to a beautifully crafted little bed. “It’s big enough for twins.

would he

belly. Though her belly was

on her waistline, deepening

closer, gracefully crouching down before her belly, and earnestly inquired, “Little one, do you prefer blue or pink? Tell me, I’m all ears.”

mouth twitched in helpless amusement. “Mr. Lutz,

call me Bryce

and in that gaze, there was a focus that made Whitney blush and look away, embarrassed,

shy. She won’t even say my name. So,

but leaned into her belly

was skeptical, but then her belly

heartily, pointing at her belly. “Okay, I got it, blue it is—a

charm

Chapter 221

look a bit

very lucky to have a boyfriend who’s always trying to make

awkwardly looked away, her peripheral vision catching sight of something that caused

a man in the VIP area, his expression

surprised, and a hint of amusement lingered.

a mask of frost, his eyes like

kneeling in front of her belly, speaking affectionately to his child, while she looked shy and flustered, playing the part of expectant

clenched into a