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."

Yael burst

smirk. "And you shouldn't look so smug, Sandy. Once Shane sees Ludwik all suited up at the altar, he'll start dropping hints. You're not escaping that easily. Boys can be just as competitive as we are, if

Tiana if you must." Sandy grumbled, but she couldn't hide

gaze flicked to Yael, who was trying to blend into the wallpaper. "And you, little miss, don't even think about sneaking out after the ceremony. I've got a bone to pick with you,

protested, blushing, while

three friends grumbled and teased, but Whitney's expression softened, her almond eyes thoughtful. She reached for their hands, squeezing them all together. "You know why

threatened to kidnap you if

Banyan City, I saw Valerie have a close call-she nearly didn't make it. And I realized, if something had happened to

something happened to Ludwik, would

taken him back? The

still have the chance,

We only get so many days on this earth. Maybe it's everything Ludwik and I have been through,

at each friend in turn. “Tiana, Sandy,

room filled with quiet, each woman lost in her own