Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 1310

Tiana fell silent for a while as they walked together down the hospital corridor,

then hesitantly broke the quiet. "Whitney... are you still a little uneasy around

kids?"

The moment she said it, Whitney knew she was testing the waters.

She glanced back at her friend, catching the worried look in Tiana's eyes. Whitney

gave a small, reassuring smile. "What are you thinking? Seriously, your pregnancy

hormones must be through the roof-you're overthinking everything. Tiana, I don't

have any issues with her, and I don't dislike her."

"Really?" Tiana nodded, trying to sound understanding. "It's okay if you aren't

comfortable, you know. Especially with Florence in the mix... He was such a jerk."

Whitney's eyes were clear and steady. "No, really. Everyone thinks I'd be hung up

on it-Ludwik too-but honestly, I'm not. What's done is done. There's no point

holding onto grudges.

Florence is gone. The child's DNA? That's mine.

If anything, I feel guilty towards her. Of course I'll take good care of her."

Tiana let out a long breath, visibly relieved. Even though the conversation was

rushed, the thing she'd been worried about for weeks had been cleared up in

Whitney really was the smartest and most clear-headed of

her lips turning rosy. "Whitney, nobody gets through life

Ludwik's so

playfully. "Are you saying I'm some kind

say I've

on! That's exactly what I meant! I just never

class."

her shoulder with mock enthusiasm, looking for

couldn't help but laugh. "Move it. Let's go check on Valerie; she

the ER

at you, future M.D., always

Whitney would forget her earlier

her, "Call your man and find out the

I don't have a man," Tiana pouted,

the room number from the nurse's station, Whitney linked arms

they headed

elevator doors opened, a sharp, echoing smack rang out down

hall.

was tense and silent-nurses hurried by, heads down, not daring

look.

shot

At the door

room, Beckford-tall and imposing

in old age-stood glaring.

was Ashton, easily a

face set in

handprint blooming across his

cheek.

just slap Ashton?" Tiana

Beckfords always got real, real

the hall, Parker