Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 1160

Sammy and Danny both widened their eyes in surprise at the sudden change in Mom's attitude.

Her fingertips, warm and gentle, barely brushed their baby sister's cheek.

And then, as if some invisible thread of family pulled them together, a miracle happened little Molly stopped crying. The heartbreaking wails faded, and her big round eyes blinked up at Whitney, searching for comfort. Her tiny mouth puckered, instinctively reaching out for closeness.

That sacred bond between mother and daughter-it hit Whitney hard. Her eyes grew misty, red at the corners.

She bit her lip and whispered, "You're a fighter, sweetheart. I promise, I'll do whatever it takes to help you pull through."

Sammy clung to Danny's hand, squeezing tight.

The two brothers met each other's gaze, both blinking away tears. Sammy noticed that, even though Mom hadn't called herself "Mommy" to Molly yet- maybe it was too soon, too hard to accept-she was already worrying about her.

That was enough for now. More than enough.

in a small voice. "Her lungs are stable today. They said it's a good time to

her tiny daughter. She bent low and murmured, “This might hurt a little, honey. But you gotta

needles and the cold steel scalpel on the

wait outside,"

hesitated, glancing at the tools, "What are you gonna do to Molly? Those needles look really

you're the big brother. Be strong for your sister," Whitney said, her voice firm. "You don't need to

her tone, his temples pulsing. He grabbed Sammy's hand and whispered, "Those needles... are they going to poke

anything. Let's go,"

2 Wrough

If Molly had to go pain toget better, he could understand

stepped out, obedient and worried. As soon as the door clicked shut, the pediatricians slipped in to help

Molly's cries cut through the hallway-sharp, desperate, heartbreaking. She sounded so small and helpless, her sobs echoing through

trembling, rushing to the door. "Is Mom hurting Molly with those needles? She's in so much pain! I have

tears in his eyes too, grabbed Danny before he could open the