Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 1185

"I'm just asking you to meet with her, Dad. Mom's memory is gone-she doesn't remember so much from back then. If you know the truth, maybe you could finally tell her. I think it might help her heal, deep down."

Whitney's voice was gentle but firm, her hand resting on Hudson's strong arm. "Don't you think so? Dad, do you really want Mom to keep living with all these misunderstandings, holding onto anger and regret? Aren't you tired of seeing her like that, never forgiving herself or you?"

Hudson was silent. His jaw clenched so tightly his cheekbones looked like they might crack, eyes dark and intense, full of emotion that threatened to spill over. He pressed his lips together, then finally spoke, his voice low, almost broken. "She's only willing to see me because you asked her, Whitney. Otherwise, I doubt she'd even remember I exist. Are you sure your mom wants this?"

"She promised me, Dad. She'll see you," Whitney said softly, squeezing his arm. "Don't you want a chance, even just one, to set things right?"

Hudson gave a bitter little laugh, his eyes filling with old pain. "Whitney, what chance could I possibly have left? No matter how much I want it, your mother isn't someone I can just wish for anymore. I know her better than anyone. She's always been cool and composed-never the type to let her emotions rule her. I was so young back then, and I hurt her too deeply."

Whitney's eyes softened. "But Dad, you've suffered all these years too. I used to think you were the bad guy, but when I found Mom's photo in your study, I realized you were just trapped. Grandma forced your hand. Even the strongest people have weak moments when they're young. You couldn't choose between the Sheldon family and Mom, could you?"

I was young, and I was a coward. I hesitated, and

her heart. "But Mom's back now. I didn't push for details, but from what she's said, that marriage in Germany was more about gratitude than love. Her husband passed

at her lap. "Honestly, I don't want her to keep living in that big

twisted. Of course he

garden just last week. She hadn't changed much at all-those striking features, that quiet grace.

keep his cool, when the woman he'd missed for

He couldn't.

wanted him to try. Maybe she needed

this chance. Even if I only get

"So you'll

voice husky. "You know I want to. You're thoughtful, softer than your mother. She wasn't always so cold, you know. When