Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 297

"Mama! Can't you think it over? This decision is too hasty. I, I can't bear to leave you."

Danny's plea was a truthful echo of his inner turmoil. It had taken him considerable effort to acknowledge his mom, Whitney, on his own, making the mere two encounters they had shared all the more precious.

Whitney froze for a moment as Danny, or 'Sammy' as he was momentarily dubbed, clung tightly to her legs. The look on the little guy's face was one of deep misery, transforming back into the 'clingy' and stoic Sammy she thought she knew. With a deep sigh, driven by a fierce desire to protect him, Whitney headed towards the bedroom. "Sammy, let me pack your bags. You'll be back before you know it, and besides, life abroad suits you better."

Suits me better my foot, Danny thought. He had never been abroad in his life, a true homebody at heart.

Panic started to set in for Danny.

As Whitney began to pull out the luggage, Danny felt trapped, struggling to come up with a solution. "Ah, my head! It hurts so much!" he exclaimed, dramatically collapsing to the ground.

"Sammy?" Bryce, both surprised and concerned, watched as the little guy hit the floor but kept one eye sneakily open to gauge Whitney's reaction.

A smirk tugged at Bryce's lips as he caught on to the act.

"Sammy! What's wrong?" Whitney, completely oblivious, rushed over.

"My head, it's like it's splitting..." Danny groaned, putting on an award-worthy performance, his little hands clutching his stomach.

This confused Whitney even more, her panic rising. "What is it, your head or your stomach, honey?"

Damn, Danny thought, realizing his mistake too late.

Swallowing his pride, Danny moved his hands to his forehead, deciding to stick with the headache story.

"Could it be something serious?" Whitney murmured, her fingers swiftly checking his pulse.

After a few seconds, her expression darkened.

observing, coughed lightly,

continued to hold his wrist in silence, and Bryce couldn't help but cough more pointedly, Danny couldn't resist sneaking a

pretending," Whitney said,

What? She knew?

quickly shut his eyes tighter,

him up. "Are you really going to fake being sick just

chastised, Danny's pride took a hit. Was he really falling short

a stubborn pout, he decided to

to be stubborn about this?" Whitney was at her wit's

style. He'd usually have a clever

that hard for you to

response from the

you peace of mind. Plus, have you considered the risks? If Ludwik finds out he's in Maelstrom Country and manages to whisk him away, you'd be even further from reaching him." Whitney's fingers tightened into

nothing was beyond

looked down at Danny,

adding a layer of fear. "What if Dad hides me

"He wouldn't dare!"

was a mask of determination, laced

for now and watch for Ludwik's moves. If he tries to fight for

pleading glance stopped him from mentioning the painful past in

she hoped Sammy would always see

of the luggage and volunteering to make lunch. "You

Whitney managed a smile. "Thank

her head affectionately, telling Sammy to keep her

Whitney was settled, Danny sneaked

gentle smile on his

mom here because you think if I go to Maelstrom Country, she'll be gone too much. You're after her, aren't you?"

said, "Yes, I've been fond of your mom for a very long time. Sammy, you must've seen how