Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 393

He watched her little face turn pale, her breath uneven, clearly in bad shape.

It was then that Whitney realized she had neglected her other son over the past three days.

She got up and walked over, touching his small wrist only to feel an alarming heat. A wave of guilt washed over her. "You have a fever, Danny!"

Danny silently hung his head. "Dad set up an IV for me, but I don't want it. I almost wish it would just end me."

"Why would you say something like that, sweetie?"

Whitney had an epiphany, guilt flooding her eyes. She blamed herself; she had another son. These past few days, consumed by the search for Sammy, she had completely forgotten about Danny, who was always the more fragile one. "Mommy, it's all my fault, isn't it? Why wasn't it me taken by Elaine?

I'd rather it have been me! You and Sammy are so close, I can't stand to see you hurt.

Why is it always Sammy who steps up, and he's the one who suffers? I hate feeling so useless. I'm the older brother, and I couldn't protect him.

That day, it was my idea to send Sammy to visit Grandma. If I hadn't spoken up, none of this would've happened...

And now he's gone, just gone!"

Danny clung to Whitney's legs, his sorrow barely contained, his little hands gripping her jeans tightly. Whitney could see how much he blamed himself.

Her heart ached, and she immediately scooped him into her arms, enveloping him in her embrace. The little guy was so sensitive, blaming himself for everything.

Whitney couldn't bear to see him so upset, whispering soothingly, "It's okay, Danny. Sammy just took a bit more of the nutrients in the womb, which made him stronger. He should be the one looking out for his big brother.

You know, you fought for six months in an incubator, battling just like Sammy. You're both my heartaches.

And remember, we're all still looking for Sammy. We won't give up..."

"We won't give up, Mommy. Please don't give up."

Whitney's heart ached fiercely, nodding vigorously as she took his hand and walked down the corridor. "Didn't you say Grandma was looking for us? Let's take your IV bag and go to her room..."

the ICU, Natalie woke up, her eyes clear despite

she gestured weakly, a

says Sammy hasn't been found yet..." Natalie removed her mask, her gaze

lip to prevent her eyes from reddening, her voice steady, "We're still searching. Maybe in a couple of days, we'll find him. That kid is incredibly smart; he

closed her eyes momentarily, breaking through

was only yesterday when the nurse told me it fell out of my hospital gown... My eyesight's

me out, but I was too weak and passed out soon after. In a haze, I heard the child

to get help? Or was

Tears streaked

writing, smeared with dirt, was undoubtedly a child's

as she made out the words, Sammy's message to

happens to

I wanted to

worst happens... I really

overwhelming as she gasped for air, her strength leaving her as she

Natalie, alarmed by her state, quickly asked, "What

nothing." Whitney shook her head lightly, tears rolling down her cheeks, her face

time? Nonsense. He's

no sign of him after days, if Elaine knew where he was, why would she withstand Ludwik's pressure and say nothing? Whitney felt as though

her Sammy really

She couldn't believe it...!

out for a bit, Danny. Stay here and keep Grandma company, okay?" After leaving the hospital, Whitney

voice, "I'm sorry, Whitney. We've looked everywhere, but so far, there's no..." Whitney fainted from the

she awoke, she found herself in

couldn't hide his exhaustion. His towering

note taken from her hands, Ludwik's facade crumbled upon

even had the chance to meet his son, only

explain this to Whitney. Swallowing hard, he leaned down, his

coldly shrugged

she turned her head, her eyes cold yet filled

searching, you can't even get a straight answer out