Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 942

Tiana pursed her lips, unwilling to engage in conversation with him. He seemed to be wrapped in a cloak of thorns.

She dumped out the cold water from her glass and, holding it, headed towards the kitchen. "Hold on a minute. I'll make you something to warm up. How about a bowl of overcooked spaghetti? It'll soothe your stomach."

Her slender figure vanished into the kitchen. She was still wearing the vintage wedding dress he had "left over" for her, not having had the chance to change. It hugged her waist, making her appear as delicate as a willow, moving with grace. She wasn't tall, but her legs were straight, and her figure was striking.

Parker leaned back on the couch, his fingers pressed against his temples, watching her quietly.

He thought to himself, he had personally chosen that dress. How could it not fit?

His expression was cold, his gaze deep. He didn't know what to do with her!

His heart harbored layers of resentment, yet, at this moment, his mind was filled with her image-

Her sweet scent filled the room, familiar and calming. Her eyes were submissive, and though she seemed soulless, she was very much present, offering him tangible reassurance. Parker kept asking himself, what did he truly want?

Did he want her free spirit, her complete submission from the heart, or to continue this forceful act of marriage, even if it meant not having her affection, just to have her by his side? The man squinted fiercely, his gaze nearly setting Tiana's figure aflame.

She could feel his intense gaze on her, as if his eyes were glued to her, unnerving her with their piercing strength.

Unable to control her movements, she tried to suppress the heat on her cheeks, returning to her senses. She opened the fridge to see what ingredients were available. Nothing!

Only two eggs were left in the storage box, along with an opened packet of spaghetti. She wasn't sure if it was still good to eat.

She tiptoed to reach down from the top shelf, looking for any vegetables or fruit, even a tomato... but found nothing.

thought about asking him if it would be okay to order

on the couch. Peering around the kitchen corner, she couldn't see where he was, only faintly hearing the sound of

just prepare this meal for him, hoping it would make him feel a bit better, and in turn, perhaps lighten his mood

here

began to

around, turned off the electric kettle, and set the boiled

the stove, she cracked the eggs into a

eggs sunny-side up," came Parker's deep, magnetic voice from

slightly husky voice all the more

touched her itchy

she focused on the frying egg, she couldn't help but think: Had she and Parker ever truly spent time alone? Not really. They hadn't even dated in the traditional sense, missing out on the usual

never cooked a meal

had crossed were when he came over to the Whitney's with Ludwik for dinner, and

she occupied his thoughts. She could occasionally catch his

he enjoy catching her lingering

hadn't driven them

and in her case, filled

moist. Today would likely be another regret, considering they couldn't truly marry. Her act at the wedding, despite his rash behavior, was more about punishment or rebellion against the Doonan family than a genuine

whether his intentions were true,

could they

maybe... just maybe, she'd let go

internal struggle ceased as the

now, she'd focus on making him the perfect egg, uncertain if she'd ever have this

spaghetti than