Love beyond the mask1-100

Novel Catalog

Chapter_71

Whitney was stunned. She had never imagined that Yvonne could be so ruthless as to harm a six-year-old child, let alone sever a finger. The chaos that followed rocked the Valentine family. Yvonne and Preston had a complete falling out, which was exactly what Whitney had wanted. But in a twist, she was the one who had leaked the video of the love child.

After the child was kidnapped by Yvonne, Whitney arranged for Violet to be notified. Fortunately, the rescue was successful, and the child’s finger could still be reattached. Whitney and Tiana confirmed the situation at the hospital before leaving.

Tiana quipped, “Your dad would love to see you six feet under, yet here you are worrying about his love child.”
Whitney’s gaze dropped to her belly. “The kid has nothing to do with it. He’s only six years old.”
“When are you going to start showing, Whitney? You’re still as skinny as ever, yet those curves—lucky L, huh? Have you asked him if he’s hoping for a boy or a girl?”
Whitney blinked. She hadn’t thought about it before. They weren’t that close back then, and now? She texted Tiana’s question to L.

On Facebook, his response came with a question mark: [?]
Her lips curved into a smile as he followed up with: [If this trial marriage goes well, I’ll take either, or better yet, a whole soccer team.]
[Am I a breeding sow?] Whitney typed back, rolling her eyes.
His reply came quickly: [I think you need a more accurate description. Little mama pig, yeah?]

Whitney almost retorted, but Tiana was watching her intently. “Aww, getting all doe-eyed chatting with L? Ever since you two came back from that hot spring trip, your relationship’s been moving fast. Did you flirt on Facebook like this before? Spill it, did something happen that night… hmm?”
“What are you talking about?” Whitney protested, her face reddening.
“You text him, and he replies in a heartbeat. L’s a busy man, but he makes time for you. Sounds like love is in the air,” Tiana teased.

Whitney sighed and blushed. “It’s just a couple of messages.”
Tiana clicked her tongue in disbelief. “Wow, so you turned the fake into real? You were so adamant about a marriage of convenience, and now you’re getting all lovey-dovey with L.”
“It’s a trial marriage,” Whitney mumbled, her eyes softening. “It means we’re giving it a shot. He wants stability, and I get that. Men like him—business-minded—rarely equate marriage with love. As for me, I need to see if he’s really into me.”
Tiana smirked. “If he’s flirting with you, he’s totally into you. And as for you, ha! I can tell you’re halfway to liking him already. Love after marriage, sparks flying—you won’t be able to resist.”
“What’s there to resist? Sure, he’s got a hot bod, but he has scars too.”
Tiana’s eyes widened. “You’ve seen L’s real face!”
“No, just a glimpse. He stopped me before I could see more.”
“Scars are sexy! They’re a badge of a rugged man,” Tiana said quickly, trying to cheer her up. “Pretty boys like Ludwik? Too rare, too perfect, not as exciting. You agree, right?”
Whitney, still a bit uncertain, nodded. “Yeah, sure.”

Her phone buzzed, and when she saw the unfamiliar number, she was surprised to hear Elaine’s voice.
“Elaine? To what do I owe the pleasure?”
“Well, when Bro saved me that day, I felt I should express my gratitude. After thinking it over, I decided it would be best to thank you personally. I’d like to gift you some baby clothes,” Elaine said sweetly.
Whitney raised an eyebrow. “You want to meet up for that?”
“Queen’s Square sound good?” Elaine chirped.
After hanging up, Tiana drove them to the location. “You’re free anyway, come meet her with me,” Whitney suggested.

When they arrived, Tiana couldn’t help but ask, “Who’s she?”
Elaine appeared, stunning in a tailored suit, her long curls flowing behind her. She moved with an air of grace and elegance, and Whitney couldn’t help but notice her beauty. Tiana gawked, clearly impressed.

“This is Elaine,” Whitney said, introducing her friend. “Elaine, this is Tiana.”
“Hi, Tiana!” Elaine greeted warmly.
“Hey there,” Tiana waved, still clearly taken aback by Elaine’s presence.

They sat and chatted, sipping coffee, when Tiana curiously asked, “Where are you from? I know Banyan City well, but I’ve never seen anyone as stunning as you around here.”
Elaine chuckled. “You flatter me, Tiana. I’m from Emperor City, working at my brother’s company. Just a hardworking employee.”

Whitney’s thoughts raced. Emperor City? Could she be connected to the famed Bartels family, known for their century-old medical dynasty? Whitney’s mother and grandfather had also come from Emperor City, but they had arrived in Banyan City quite suddenly.
Elaine continued, “These baby clothes are made from the finest natural materials. Your baby can wear them as soon as they arrive. Though it’s a bit early, just focus on staying healthy, Whitney. Let my brother pamper you until you’re ready for delivery.”

As Elaine excused herself to handle a business call, she smiled warmly and shook Whitney’s hand. “Let’s be good friends, Whitney. We should hang out more!”
“Absolutely,” Whitney replied, her smile genuine.

Tiana was impressed by Elaine, but Whitney couldn’t shake her thoughts. She seemed kind and approachable, yet something felt off. Why was she working at L’s company? Was it her brother’s influence, or was L’s company that impressive? Whitney’s curiosity about Elaine deepened.

Later, back at the villa, Whitney found herself thinking about her mother’s odd reaction to the baby clothes Elaine had gifted her. Natalie had discarded them without explanation, but Whitney couldn’t figure out why. Something about the incident didn’t sit right with her.

When Ludwik entered her bedroom later that day, the sight of her selecting baby clothes filled him with an unexpected warmth. He chuckled and remarked, “They’re kinda cute. Do you think our baby will be as small as a bean?”
“Of course not!” Whitney laughed. “Were you born the size of a bean?”
“Well, it depends on you. Eat more,” he teased, glancing at her figure critically.
“I’m in great shape,” Whitney shot back, though her face reddened.

Ludwik continued, “You can look forward to our child’s looks.”
Whitney hummed proudly, “Of course. The baby’s good looks are all thanks to me. Have you seen yourself?”
He smirked, “How so?”
Whitney winked. “You’re not exactly handsome by any standard. The scar won’t be hereditary, right?”
Ludwik raised an eyebrow. “Just wait until the baby is born. If they inherit my looks, they’ll be too much for this world.”
She rolled her eyes. “Right, Mr. L. You’re certainly a match for me.”
Ludwik laughed, his vanity evident. He leaned in closer, teasing, “You’ve no idea who you’ve married. One day, you won’t dare speak so boldly.”
“Sure,” Whitney muttered, trying to hide her smile.

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