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.

know why, but he was

to Emperor City, their bond had only grown

all, she was his

you a hug," he said,

Cherry stubbornly corrected, climbing onto

mingling in her expression, "How many times have I told you not to call Mr. Doonan daddy? He's not

is, he is!" Cherry protested, ignoring her mom, "I just know he's my daddy. And I only want such

her baby scent was too much for Parker to bear saying 'no' to. He glanced at Tiana with a smirk, "So, you mind

decipher his intent. Was it a

raced even faster, dodging his gaze, "But he's

father figure. Why be so harsh on her? Wouldn't you rather see her happy?" Parker retorted, seemingly indifferent.

good guy

up, how is she supposed to explain this awkward relationship, that Parker is actually

off-putting to be eagerly

clear, "I like Cherry, and if being her daddy is an option, I'm

"What... do you mean?"

in turmoil under

cheeks flushed with her quickening

Cherry, he was willing to be with

what

by me being her daddy, don't overthink it. I'm not planning to intrude on your

your future, Tiana. Didn't you say last night you were thinking of marrying

fluttering heart, a cold splash of

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

to marry

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 herself to marry the man who once tormented her?" Her agitation was

his heart, reached over Cherry to grasp her wrist, quickly explaining, "That's not what I meant. I just couldn't stand the thought of you planning to marry someone

have to be upset?

bit her lip, curiosity getting the better of her,