Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Sandy took a deep breath, her eyes flicking up as she parted her lips, ready to spill the truth Shane had been hiding all this time.

But Shane's strong hand caught hers, holding her back. He shot her a look— those dark, stubborn eyes-silent, but commanding her not to say a word. He turned to his mother, voice sharp, "Do you really not trust your own son? You think you've only heard one side of the story? I swear to God, Mom!"

He nodded toward Whitney. "Whitney can back me up-she saw how Florence treated Sandy, how she bullied her. Believe me, after she found out Sandy was pregnant with my kid, she was never going to let Sandy come back to me."

He looked his mother square in the eye. "Mom, you have to believe it. We really loved each other back then!"

Mrs. Nelson's gaze darted between her son and Sandy, who was still held fast by Shane. Sandy looked like she wanted to speak, but Shane's domineering presence made her hesitate.

Mrs. Nelson pressed her fingers to her forehead, headache pounding. In the end, she figured whatever Sandy wanted to say probably didn't matter anyway-just more details.

Her no-good son was clearly determined to take the fall for this whole mess, clearing the way for Sandy.

the kid's mother, let alone touch the subject. You had us all thinking you'd been played by some girl, that you got your

"The Nelson family spoiled you, let you run wild, do whatever you wanted. Now look-suddenly, you're pulling some big move to

shook her head, half-exasperated, half-amused. "Honestly, Shane, you really think you can play your dad and me

of her voice, her hands nervously

husband, reached over and gently patted her chest. "Honey, you know your heart can't take this. Let's not get too worked up over all

now he'd made up his mind. He wasn't as stubborn as Mrs. Nelson, but

falls for a girl from the other side of the tracks, he's going to make it happen, one way or another. And sure, maybe you wonder if the girl's

just going to let the woman who's caused our son

cut in, "Mom, I've told you,

Nelson snapped, rolling her eyes

standing there silent and tense. Mrs. Nelson's brows pulled together

mother. Once the DNA test comes