Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

"Ms. Turner, is that really how you feel?" Gary's sharp gaze softened just a little.

Whitney frowned deeply, noticing the way Shane looked at Sandy-like he could crush her with a glance.

But Sandy, oblivious or simply stubborn, stood her ground. She cast a brief, startled look at furious Shane, then dropped her eyes and spoke softly, "Yes. I don't want to marry Mr. Nelson.

Finding out I'm Tina's mother so suddenly has thrown my whole world upside down. The memories I've lost make Mr. Nelson feel like a stranger to me. You can't force love-it doesn't work that way.

Mr. Nelson, I don't remember the past four years. You're asking if I still have feelings for you?

I'm sorry, but I just don't know anymore."

She'd answered him honestly-her heart was cold as ice.

Shane let out a bitter laugh, his jaw clenched as he stared at her pale, determined face. "You say you can't force love? So who is it you'd rather marry? Silas? Are you blind, Sandy? With that attitude, I doubt you're much of a mother to Tina either. If you don't want to marry me, then don't even bother coming to see your daughter!"

was stunned by his angry outburst, her eyes

Nelson frowned at her son's intimidating tone. "Shane, that's not

her mommy couldn't visit anymore, burst into loud sobs. "Daddy,

to scold him. "You're mad she won't marry you, but honestly, what did you expect? You just dropped this bombshell on her this

you're only making it worse. If you keep this up, you'll push her

not good enough," Shane growled, his dark eyes burning as

were in her shoes, I wouldn't marry someone who tried to strong-arm me either. You practically tricked her into this. If you really love her,

together, and she's accepted that. What are

finally

Sandy, his eyes

her so hurt made his chest

was too proud to

to look at his