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 oxygen

Whitney enter, she gestured weakly, a heavy sigh

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

closed her eyes

up in the old woman's eyes as she slowly pulled out a crumpled piece of paper from her pocket. "I 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

voice 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

if he went to get help? Or

he just... disappear?" Tears streaked

the paper. The writing, smeared with

as she made out the words, Sammy's

to

to be brave for her, not let

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

sorrow overwhelming as she gasped for air,

alarmed by her state, quickly asked, "What did

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

next time? Nonsense. He's

days, if Elaine knew where he was, why would she withstand Ludwik's pressure and say nothing? Whitney felt as though she was standing over

her Sammy

She couldn't believe it...!

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 in the

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

in

his exhaustion. His towering figure cast a shadow,

her hands, Ludwik's facade

to meet his son, only to lose him

how he would ever explain this to Whitney. Swallowing hard, he leaned down, his large hand reaching for her fragile shoulder,

shrugged off his

her eyes cold yet filled with sorrow, barely managing to say,

can't even get a straight answer out of