Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 369

Why did they both look so stiff?

Jack scrutinized the mother and son, noting how the boy's attire was vastly different from the upscale neighborhood they were in...

A thought suddenly flashed through Jack's mind. He and Linda had two sons, but one had died...

This realization startled Jack. He instinctively pulled Linda aside and blocked the boy, his deep gaze fixed intently on the 'son'.

"Hey, hey, Dad!" Sammy reacted quickly, his eyelashes twitching nervously, "It's me..."

"Who are you?" Jack demanded swiftly, deliberately not giving him time to think.

Linda's heart was pounding; she was terrified Sammy would accidentally reveal his real name.

"I'm...Danny," Sammy said, clutching the sleeves of his shirt, "Have you lost your mind? Not recognizing your own son?"

But Jack frowned at the answer, "But I left before you. How could you possibly get here so fast? And all by yourself, without even a driver..."

"Come on! He just wanted to sneak a peek at me; why are you getting mad at Danny?"

Linda quickly stepped forward, deftly changing the subject, "Danny, sweetie, didn't I tell you the code last time so you could sneak in and wait for mommy?" "Yeah, yeah, I wanted to surprise mom before dad got home!"

"Surprise indeed," Linda muttered to herself, feeling a mix of emotions.

Sammy didn't dare say more. He hadn't coordinated his story with Danny and didn't know what dad had told Danny before leaving!

Jack watched the exchange between mother and son, suspicious.

Danny's response clearly didn't match his behavior at the house; he had refused to come see Linda, and it seemed he hadn't planned on going out. Jack pondered, taking out his phone, ready to call the house phone.

Linda, quick as ever, saw him dialing and broke out in a cold sweat. If Danny picked up at home, their cover would be blown!

Sammy was also panicking. He glanced at his smartwatch, unable to coordinate their stories in front of Jack.

we going to watch a movie? Let's go!" Sammy loudly suggested, hinting

vigorously, pulling Jack

and turned to look

at his finger hovering over the 'call' button, "You coming to the

carrying him to the elevator, not giving Linda a chance

Linda thought, "If only I had said you can't stand at my doorstep.

She felt tricked.

was supposed to be a movie outing with her son had now unwittingly included an unwanted guest. Linda shot Sammy a disgruntled look

back at her; he was just as helpless, now having to divert his dad's attention

story as he drove, occasionally glancing in the rearview mirror but Linda wouldn't even spare him a glance. "Danny, what movie did

of King

"Haven't you always hated

guard. Danny was too

his age, still had the heart of a

at Jack, "It was my choice. Got

steering wheel slightly, looking at Linda's stern

at how quickly some people could

retort, but it was as soft as

remembered how charming Jack could be with his sweet nothings, even if it

the cinema, Sammy suddenly remembered, "Mom, I got our tickets, but we didn't get one for dad... The show's

then. Just as well he leaves," Linda said, already coordinating her and Sammy's story with Danny to ensure

eagerly looking at the snack combos,

were the one who invited me to

it's not like I can do anything about it now. There are no tickets

gaze and asked gently, "What do you want

and large fries!" Sammy was genuinely excited; he'd never

her son so happy, Linda's gaze softened, "I'll have the same as

with his model-like stature and effortlessly stylish posture, attracting admiring glances from many, including those who weren't single. Linda

had been to the cinema together then, but it was a trio

and at her behest, he made a heavily pregnant Linda accompany