Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 822

Parker's glasses caught a gleam as he eyed the woman before him.

She was petite, and given his height, it was easy for him to look down on her soft, curly black hair that framed her cute face.

She was as adorable as... Cherry.

He pursed his lips, saying, "Cherry called me today, sobbing her heart out, thought I was gone for good. So, I figured I'd check in on her."

He was clearly seeking her opinion.

"Uh?" Tiana blinked, internally cursing.

How did Cherry end up contacting Parker? She had just visited her last night and hadn't brought up Parker at all.

It must have been Danny or Sammy passing the message along.

Her daughter was quite fond of Parker, clever too. But the little tyke had been down in the dumps ever since Parker's disappearance. She couldn't really say no, "Then... let's go see her together." "Alright, I'll drive. Just wait here for me," Parker gestured for her to stay put.

With firm steps and a lean figure, Parker's presence was filled with a masculine aura Tiana couldn't forget.

His departing figure was so captivating, she found herself staring long after he was gone, her heartbeat racing uncontrollably.

When he drove up, she quickly looked away.

The drive was mostly silent between them.

The stifling silence was shattered upon their return to Delight Mansion by Cherry's exuberant welcome.

"Ah! Daddy Parker, you're back. Cherry... Cherry thought you were gone forever, cried for so long, a whole month, daddy," she sobbed, throwing herself at him.

Waiting by the doorstep, wrapped up like a burrito by the nanny in a little red cape against the winter's first snowflakes, her tear-streaked, doughy face melted Parker's heart.

he was so fond of this little

to Emperor City, their bond had only grown

his brother's child, a blood

me give you a hug," he said, squatting down with open

daddy!" Cherry stubbornly corrected, climbing

look, frustration and embarrassment mingling in her expression, "How many times have I

"I just know he's my daddy. And I only want such a handsome

saying 'no' to. He glanced at Tiana with a smirk, "So, you mind her calling me daddy?" His eyes,

couldn't decipher his intent. Was

dodging his gaze,

She's missing a father figure. Why be so harsh on her? Wouldn't you rather see

good guy

supposed to explain this awkward relationship, that Parker

an unmarried man, find it off-putting to be eagerly called daddy?" Tiana countered with a

returning to her, direct and clear, "I like Cherry, and if being her daddy is an

"What... do you mean?"

heart was in turmoil

flushed with her quickening

implying... that because he liked Cherry, he

what

her daddy, don't overthink it. I'm

knows what plans you have for your future, Tiana. Didn't you say last night you were thinking of marrying

into her fluttering heart, a cold splash of

pursed in anger, "Did I say I wanted to marry Barclay? That was

marry him?" Parker's eyes

course not! Why would I want a man like that, do I look like I have a masochistic streak?" Tiana retorted sharply, "In your eyes, am I just some resigned woman, ready to lower

to grasp her wrist, quickly explaining, "That's not what I meant. I just couldn't stand the thought

almost laughed, what right did he have to be upset? What did she have to do

she bit her lip, curiosity getting the better of her, "And why does