Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Hudson listened quietly, then sighed, impressed by her quick thinking. After a moment, he ruffled his daughter's hair, his voice calm but firm, "Alright, we'll do it your way. When it comes to people who treat you badly, don't bother being polite."

He gave her a big bear hug, then turned and walked away, carrying a weight of exhaustion and disgust in his step.

Whitney couldn't help feeling sorry for her dad. The Sheldon family might look simple from the outside, but inside, it was a whole different story-full of secrets and tension.

She remembered back when her parents split up. That old lady had definitely played her part in all the drama.

A chill ran through her as her gaze drifted toward the back of the hospital room. After pulling herself together, Whitney pushed open the door gently. "Mom?"

Her voice was soft and sweet, with a playful lilt.

Parisa glanced up right then, and her eyes lit up at the sight of her daughter, her smile warm and loving.

She, too, had managed to tuck away all the tangled pain in her heart.

the bed, Parisa beamed. "Whitney, you're back? Come sit with

melt. She grinned goofily, moving a chair over as she replied

at her daughter's playful tone, then burst out laughing, her heart full. "Of course I am! I'd keep you

Whitney leaned over and hugged her tight, careful of her mom's injuries but needing the comfort

then, Whitney felt like the luckiest, most loved daughter in the whole world. It was so good, it

Dad? He said you're being really rational and thinking about

up, worry flickering in her

could see the fear of losing

heart ached. She squeezed Whitney's hand and shook her head, "No rush, sweetheart. Ludwik is still recovering, and while I do have the President's support here, the only person I really

take at least a month or two, even if things go

relaxed a little. "You're

Just

take a month.

let Ludwik handle it.