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..."

woke up, her eyes

enter, she gestured weakly, a heavy

been found yet..." Natalie removed her mask, her gaze

her 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;

Natalie closed her eyes momentarily,

day... didn't notice it then. It was only yesterday when the nurse told me it fell out of my hospital gown... My eyesight's not what it

choked up as she remembered, "That night, Sammy said it was safe? He wanted to get me out, but I was too weak and passed out soon after. In

to get help? Or was he

could he just... disappear?" Tears streaked down Natalie's face as she fell

raced, unfolding the paper. The writing, smeared with dirt, was undoubtedly

out the words,

happens to me, don't be

wanted to be brave for her, not let her die

always love you. If the worst happens... I really don't make it, I hope I can

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

by her state, quickly

lightly, tears rolling down her cheeks, her face a portrait

time? Nonsense. He's fine. He has to

was, why would she withstand Ludwik's pressure and say nothing? Whitney felt as though

Sammy really

She couldn't believe it...!

her emotions, she stood up abruptly, lips pressed tightly, "I need to step out for a bit, Danny. Stay here and keep Grandma company, okay?" After leaving the hospital, Whitney let her tears fall freely

numerous daily calls, Parker patiently answered, regret in his voice, "I'm sorry, Whitney. We've looked everywhere, but so far,

awoke, she found herself in

in a dark suit, despite his stern expression, couldn't hide his exhaustion. His towering figure cast a shadow, darkening

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

his son, only to lose him before they

with Parker, wondering how he would ever explain this to Whitney. Swallowing hard, he leaned

shrugged off

she turned her head, her eyes cold yet filled with sorrow, barely managing to

searching, you can't even