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…”

you guys up to? Can I join in?” The knock at the door was followed by Valerie’s

Chapter 224

tone, “Why aren’t you at that despicable

sarcastically. “Elaine’s grand engagement is a massive blow to Ashton. How could he

It saves me from having to accompany my parents and endure Elaine’s two–faced attacks. You know my parents are affiliated with the Bartels family and always

in irritation.

Whitney had heard their

walked over and 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 great about her? Is it her manipulative ways, her acting skills, her numerous vices? These men

from misery. Let that Ludwik, Elaine, and Ashton love triangle wear themselves out. It’s hard to find a three–legged toad, but men with two legs are a dime a dozen!”

have three legs, too,” Tiana said with a blush.

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

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

Tiana

there something going on?” Whitney prodded.

seen something she should not have twice, did that count

don’t you say something’s going on with him? Let’s drop it! Or shall we go back

you even have a heart?” Valerie dropped her

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

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

happy today…”

last light of

was a sight

the relatives of both parties. Ludwik’s flamboyant

head honcho of the Bartels Hospital in Emperor

revealing nothing, while

you can tell just by looking

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

amused. “Kaden Lippert didn’t show up, huh? No surprise there. Ever since Imperial Gem Corporation was taken from