Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 224

On February 20th, Elaine and Ludwik’s engagement party went ahead as scheduled.

It was an event of unprecedented grandeur. Flicking through the channels on Banyan City TV, every news program was giving way to live coverage of the lavish engagement at Joyful Manor.

The blinding flash of paparazzi cameras pierced through the television screen and into Whitney’s eyes as she stood motionless in her apartment. She was not surprised, nor was she particularly upset; she just felt as though a huge chunk had been carved out of her heart.

Today, it was finally official; he was with her. The dust had settled, and they had each gone their separate ways.

Tomorrow, it was her turn to get engaged!

Ironically, and somewhat messily, that was how things ended between them.

Whitney blinked hard to clear the mist from her eyes, consoling herself with the thought that the harsh words he had said that day in the bridal shop–about making her pay–surely did not count now.

Since he had chosen to get engaged and was so enamored with Elaine, his heart had clearly moved on from Whitney long ago.

After the engagement, he would accept their fate, wishing her well from afar.

Her heart, tense for days, let out a faint sigh of relief.

“Whitney, why torture yourself like this?” Tiana burst through the apartment door, saw Whitney transfixed by the TV, and immediately snapped it off.

She wrapped her arms around Whitney, both fierce and worried. “Are you alright? Every local channel in Banyan City is airing it. It must be Elaine’s way of getting back at you, using her connections to flaunt her engagement. That couple isn’t worth our attention. Let’s find something else to do.”

Not wanting to worry her best friend, Whitney forced a smile. “I’m really okay… Even if I had held any illusions before, today, they’re truly gone.

I bought some baking gear when I moved in yesterday. I was thinking that once the baby’s born, I’ll learn to make some purees. Wanna help me experiment?”

“Absolutely! We’ve got to make sure the little one eats well and stays healthy!”

Tiana thought the baby was the only thing that could lift Whitney’s spirits and shift her focus, “Let me download a cooking app…”

up to? Can I join in?” The knock at the door

Chapter 224

a moment before she went to answer the door, asking in a hushed tone, “Why aren’t you at that despicable couple’s engagement party with Ashton? I’m obviously

scarf, her lips twisting sarcastically. “Elaine’s grand engagement is a massive blow to Ashton. How could

for the peace. It saves me from having to accompany my parents and endure Elaine’s two–faced attacks. You know

huffed in irritation.

had heard their conversation.

gently touched Whitney’s wan face with a look of shared understanding. “How did we both end up falling for men who’ve been ensnared by Elaine? What’s so

should celebrate escaping from misery. Let that Ludwik, Elaine, and Ashton love triangle wear themselves out. It’s

legs, too,” Tiana said with a

them made Whitney chuckle, “Tiana, are you looking for a boyfriend? Anyone catch your

us, you’re the only one who has pristine and untainted love lives. What do you think

Tiana was utterly confused and blushed even more.

is red. Is there something going on?” Whitney

should not have twice,

making things up. I’m closer to Nolan. Why don’t you say something’s going on with him? Let’s drop it! Or shall we go back to discussing your tragic love stories?”

even have a heart?” Valerie dropped her

teasing seemed to genuinely calm Whitney’s mood, and she went to the kitchen

resist turning the TV back on, her mouth twisting in annoyance. “I want to see what kind of people Elaine’s parents are, whether Ludwik

happy today…”

and the last light of dusk cast a

a sight to behold on camera.

both parties. Ludwik’s flamboyant engagement had attracted many

honcho of the Bartels Hospital in Emperor City,” Valerie

looked dignified, his eyes revealing nothing, while Delphine appeared

can tell just by looking at

Ludwik’s family. There was an empty spot, except for an elderly man in a traditional suit, his back to the

surprise there. Ever since Imperial Gem Corporation was taken from them, Ludwik has probably detested the Lippert family. He definitely wouldn’t have invited