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..."

up, her eyes clear despite the

enter, she gestured weakly, a heavy sigh escaping

hasn't been found yet..." Natalie removed her

in a couple of days, we'll find him. That kid is

eyes momentarily, breaking through

was rushed to the hospital the other 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 used to be; I can't read it clearly, but I remember that night... Sammy

said it was safe? He wanted to get me out, but I

get help? Or was he taken

streaked down

writing,

hands trembled as she made out the words, Sammy's message

to me, don't be

wanted to save Grandma, and I wanted to be

was brave, I'll always love you. If the worst happens... I really don't make it, I hope I can still be your good little kid

she gasped for air, her strength leaving her

by her state, quickly asked, "What did the

lightly, tears rolling down her cheeks,

time? Nonsense. He's

she withstand Ludwik's pressure and say nothing?

Sammy

She couldn't believe it...!

out for a bit, Danny. Stay here and

answered, regret in his voice, "I'm sorry, Whitney. We've looked everywhere, but

she found herself in

hide his exhaustion. His towering figure cast a shadow, darkening

note taken from her hands,

to meet his son,

had been searching with Parker, wondering how he would ever explain this to Whitney. Swallowing

coldly shrugged off his

she turned her head, her eyes cold yet filled with sorrow, barely managing to say, "He's gone, isn't

all this time searching, you can't even get