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 into

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

drag me into this? Pick on Tiana if you must." Sandy grumbled, but

into the wallpaper. "And you, little miss, don't even think about sneaking out after

protested, blushing,

She reached for their hands, squeezing them all together. "You know why

Ludwik threatened to

City, I saw Valerie have a close call-she nearly didn't make

myself if something happened to Ludwik, would I spend the

life wishing I'd taken him back? The

still have

so many days on

turn. “Tiana, Sandy,

filled with quiet, each woman