Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 1319

Sandy and Yael were fussing over the endless trail of Whitney's wedding dress, smoothing five meters of ivory tulle across the wide, sun-filled bridal suite. The room was made for photos-high ceilings, pale walls, and arched windows pouring in soft light.

Yael leaned in, whispering, "Honestly, I think you look prettier without all this makeup. Your natural beauty gets buried under the stylist's brush."

Sandy grinned. "Whitney's got those knockout features-she could step out with nothing but lip balm and still look stunning. But you know how it is. The camera loves a bit of drama, and with the reception in one of the fanciest hotels in town, you'll need all the help you can get under those spotlights."

Whitney rolled her eyes, shifting uncomfortably in the heavy dress and sparkling tiara. “I'm too old to be excited about this stuff. I just want to get through it—this is a once-in-a-lifetime deal, but honestly, all this lace and bling—it weighs a ton."

"Oh, listen to her!" Tiana shot her a look, catching the way Whitney's delicate fingers trembled. “You're shaking, girl. Ludwik's just downstairs and you're acting as cool as a cucumber."

Whitney pressed her lips together, smudging her red lipstick just a little. "You try standing in front of all these people and see how calm you are on your big day."

Tiana scoffed, but her cheeks flushed. “I mean... who knows when my turn will even be."

Whitney arched a brow. "Don't worry, the moment I tie the knot, Parker's going to come after you. You're next in line, honey."

and Yael burst into

"And you shouldn't look so smug, Sandy. Once Shane sees Ludwik all suited up at the altar,

into this? Pick on Tiana if

you, little miss, don't even think about sneaking out after the ceremony. I've got a bone

Yael protested, blushing,

almond eyes thoughtful. She reached for their hands, squeezing them all

up, "Because Ludwik threatened

her a look, but her voice grew gentle. “No. Last time I was in Banyan City, I saw Valerie have a close call-she nearly didn't make it. And I realized, if something had happened to her, Ashton would

something happened to

I'd taken him back? The answer

if you still have the chance, if

many days on this earth.

looked at each friend in turn. “Tiana, Sandy,

spoke. The room filled with quiet, each woman lost in her