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."

red lips together. "I

then," her

and hurried out, feeling sheepish. As she made her way down the corridor, her

was Sammy checking in as usual, but when she

shot up. That was new-Tiana

was busy, she thought. She missed her best friend, and as she pressed the answer

moment, but

muttered, scrolling to Tiana's number to call back. Just

to dup: [Wrong number,

Whitney, nothing important.]

at the message, reading it twice. That didn't

all.

definitely just call back and start gossiping. Since when did Tiana bother sending texts to explain

ready to call back, when Sammy's name flashed across the screen for

to answer. Sweeping her hair aside, Whitney picked up, "Hey, Sammy, how's your sister

pause on

when are you coming home?" Sammy said in a small