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.

movie? Let's go!" Sammy loudly suggested, hinting at

vigorously, pulling

got distracted and turned to look

over the 'call' button, "You

phone, his long legs carrying him to the elevator, not giving Linda a chance

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

She felt tricked.

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

her; he was just as helpless, now having

the rearview mirror but Linda wouldn't even spare him a glance. "Danny, what movie did you pick?" Jack

Journey of

mouth twitched, suspicious, "Haven't you always hated

guard. Danny

the heart of a child and loved animated

intercepted, glaring at Jack, "It was my choice. Got a

at Linda's stern face, his

eyes at how quickly some

his retort, but it was as soft as

could be with his sweet nothings,

remembered, "Mom, I got our tickets, but we didn't get

leaves," Linda said, already coordinating her and Sammy's story with Danny to ensure no

had been eagerly looking at the snack

talking about? You were the one who

now. There are

softened his gaze and asked gently, "What do you want then? Popcorn,

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

gaze

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

the cinema together then, but

smitten with Elaine, and at her behest, he made a heavily