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.

it would be okay to order some groceries

Peering around the kitchen corner, she couldn't see where he was, only faintly hearing the sound of a cabinet being opened. Tiana bit her lip, unsure if she

make him feel a bit better, and in turn, perhaps lighten his mood enough

hiding here, or being held here against her will, was

began to

electric kettle, and

eggs into a pan,

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

husky voice all the more captivating, as if sandpaper was gently grazing her

touched her

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 progression of mutual attraction, confession, and becoming a couple. So, she didn't

had never cooked a meal

few times their paths had crossed were when he came over to the Whitney's with Ludwik for dinner, and she

thoughts. She could occasionally catch his

catching her lingering looks, feeling a

the past three years hadn't driven them apart,

in her case, filled with

Today would likely be another regret, considering they couldn't truly marry. Her act at the wedding, despite his rash behavior, was more

whether his intentions were true,

they ever

was willing to overlook the past and persist, maybe... just maybe, she'd let go of her reservations and love him

struggle ceased as

focus on making him the

than needed,