Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 1293

Everyone was tiptoeing around her feelings—Whitney could see it clear as day.

But it was Sandy, right beside her, who couldn't hold back her frustration. "All this mess started with Ludwik, and now the Lipperts think they have the moral high ground? They have no right to accuse you of not being a good mom!"

“Grandma didn't mean it like that,” Whitney murmured, tugging at Sandy's sleeve.

Sandy wasn't having it. She scoffed, “Oh, please. They want their grandkids, and they want you back with Ludwik. They act all grateful and sweet, but really, they're just waiting for you to cave in because they know you're soft-hearted."

Whitney shot her a sideways glance. “With that attitude, I'm surprised you didn't fight tooth and nail when the Nelsons tried to marry you off. Didn't peg you for such a rebel, Sandy.”

Sandy blushed. “I just don't get it. Why do these big families always have to play so many games? Why can't we just be ourselves around these guys?"

Whitney paused, her eyes shifting. She leaned in, whispering, "Still such a kid. Being yourself is great, but you're a mom now, honey. Life's about figuring out the balance between freedom and compromise.

What do you want me to say to Grandma? That I don't want this kid?

That's not true. And if I said that out loud, don't you think Sammy and Danny would be heartbroken? My kids come first. Always.

Men are way down the list—Ludwik's not even the point here. You've got your priorities mixed up, Sandy.” Sandy seemed taken aback, staring at little Tina, who was tugging her hand and looking up with big eyes. “Mommy, Danny and Sammy are going back to their room—I wanna go play too!"

for her mom's

nodded, and the kids all stampeded out, leaving the adults to watch

her petite

mind stuck on

hard, right

as he brooded, not letting anyone

the room, Shane

Sandy. He couldn't

what Whitney had said to her, but Sandy

say to

gave him

Before

Could answer, Ludwik

noxeaned

your hearing's that bad, go buy a hearing aid." Content Belongs

"...What the-?"

the heck was his problem? Shane thought. This guy's mood swings are worse than my ex's. Shane slunk away, not sure what Whitney had said that managed to tick off

tie, muttering under his breath, Guess I'll