Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Parisa let out a soft sigh. "You're so busy, honey, don't worry about me."

Her newborn granddaughter needed to bond with her mom-that was more important right now.

Florence had been keeping up her charade for days, and only now did Parisa finally understand the truth about the baby she was carrying.

"That poor little thing," Parisa murmured. "I just wish I'd known sooner that Ludwik was such a good man. Maybe if I had, Florence wouldn't have gone into labor so early back in Germany."

Regret flickered in Parisa's eyes as she set down her spoon, her appetite gone. "Whitney, would it be alright if I stopped by tonight to see the baby?"

"Of course, Grandma. The twins haven't even had a proper chance to meet you yet," Whitney replied, glancing down.

She hesitated, then added, "Honestly, Mom, I was the last to know about the baby's parentage. Please, don't blame yourself for other people's mistakes. You've never been one to waffle."

Parisa gave a gentle nod. "You're right. What matters is that the baby's alive and we're all here to help her get healthy."

"And let's be real, Ludwik's gone above and beyond for that little girl-nearly gave his life for her. He's going to be a great dad."

Parisa's lips curled into a knowing smile. "I hear he's fond of your boys too. Men with real responsibility are rare these days."

together. "I know, Mom. I get

then," her mother

made her way down the corridor, her phone buzzed in her

as usual, but when she glanced

shot up. That was new-Tiana hadn't texted her

missed her best friend, and as she pressed the

and waited a moment,

it?” she muttered, scrolling to

to dup: [Wrong number,

Whitney, nothing important.]

at the message, reading it twice. That

all.

butt-dialed, she'd definitely just call

hovered, ready to call back, when Sammy's name flashed

to answer. Sweeping her hair aside,

pause on the

Sammy said in a