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

to Emperor City, their bond

was his brother's child,

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

Cherry

look, frustration and embarrassment mingling in her expression, "How many times have I told you not to

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

Parker's neck like a little piglet, her baby scent was too much for Parker to bear saying 'no' to. He glanced at Tiana with a smirk, "So, you mind her calling me

couldn't decipher his intent.

faster, dodging his gaze, "But he's

on her? Wouldn't you rather see her happy?"

playing the good guy in front of

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

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

don't mind," he replied softly, his gaze returning to her, direct and clear, "I like Cherry, and if

"What... do you mean?"

heart was in turmoil

with

he liked Cherry, he was

that what he

bothered by me being her daddy, don't overthink it.

future, Tiana. Didn't you

delve deeper into her fluttering heart, a cold splash of reality doused

wanted to marry

don't want to marry him?" Parker's eyes

I have a masochistic streak?" Tiana retorted sharply, "In your eyes, am I just some resigned woman, ready to lower herself to

at his heart, reached over Cherry to grasp her wrist, quickly explaining, "That's not what I meant. I just couldn't stand

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

the better of her, "And why