Love beyond the mask101-200

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Chapter_119

As Whitney walked towards Monica’s hospital room, her heart pounded with anticipation. The plan was simple but precise: shake Monica’s composure and expose her vulnerabilities, making her panic just in time for the final submission for the jewelry competition. Whitney knew that once the rumors were online and trending, the pressure would be too much for Monica to bear. It was a calculated move, one that would force Monica to reveal her true nature under stress.

But Whitney also had something else in mind—she wasn’t just out for justice for herself. No, this was about striking back at Elaine, the puppet master who had orchestrated so much of the chaos in Whitney’s life. Elaine’s hidden agenda was clearer than ever, and Whitney wasn’t about to let her get away with it.

Monica’s room loomed ahead, and as Whitney stepped into the quiet corridor, she could hear the faint sounds of conversation coming from inside. A quick glance at her phone showed that Tiana had already done her part—rumors about the competition were swirling online. They were gaining traction quickly, and soon, everyone would be talking about Monica’s rumored desperation.

She didn’t hesitate as she entered the room, finding Monica lying in bed, propped up by pillows. Her face, though still slightly pale from the recent drama, was a mask of poise—too composed, too perfect. Whitney had a feeling it wouldn’t last long.

Monica looked up from her phone with an expression of mild surprise, but she quickly masked it with a tight smile. “Whitney,” she greeted, her voice laced with a sweetness that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

“Monica,” Whitney replied, her tone neutral but cutting through the tension that lingered in the room. “How are you feeling?”

Monica shrugged, though her eyes flickered with a hint of discomfort. “Better, now that I’m out of the spotlight for a bit.”

Whitney’s gaze sharpened. “You know, the spotlight’s never too far from you, is it? Especially now that everyone’s talking about the competition.”

Monica stiffened slightly, but quickly recovered. “I’m not concerned about rumors. They’re just that—rumors.”

“Is that so?” Whitney said with a half-smirk, pulling out her phone to show Monica the trending news. “Because, I just saw a few things online that might suggest otherwise. Some are saying you’re on the verge of losing it.”

Monica’s eyes flicked to the screen, and for a split second, her composure cracked. A shadow passed over her face before she quickly reached out, grabbing the phone and dismissing the screen with a sharp swipe. “You think this is funny, Whitney?” she snapped, her previously calm tone now laced with irritation.

Whitney stood her ground. “Not funny, Monica. Just… inevitable. You’ve built your life on manipulating people, including me. But now, it seems like the walls are closing in. How does it feel?”

Monica’s lips pressed into a thin line, but Whitney could see the storm brewing behind her eyes. It wasn’t the calm façade Monica usually wore—it was something darker, something desperate. “You don’t know what you’re talking about,” Monica retorted, her voice trembling slightly despite her attempts at control. “I’ve worked for everything I have.”

Whitney tilted her head. “Really? Because it seems like the only thing you’ve been working on is your image, not your talent. You’ve been using others, including Elaine, to get ahead. How long did you think you could keep up the act?”

Monica’s jaw clenched, and she stood up abruptly, her voice cold and shaking. “You have no idea what I’ve been through, Whitney. So don’t sit there and pretend you know anything about my life. You think you’re better than me, but you’re not.”

Whitney’s eyes narrowed, watching Monica’s breakdown with a mix of satisfaction and disgust. “You’re right about one thing,” she said, her voice dropping lower. “I don’t need to pretend to know your life. I know enough to see through your lies. And the truth is, you’re just a pawn in a game you can’t even begin to understand.”

Monica took a step back, looking at Whitney with a mixture of confusion and fear. “What game? What are you talking about?”

“Elaine,” Whitney said, her voice steady and cold. “She’s been pulling the strings. And you, Monica? You’ve been her puppet all along.”

The name hit Monica like a punch to the gut, and she visibly recoiled. “Elaine…” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “What do you mean?”

Whitney’s smirk grew. “Don’t pretend you’re unaware. You’ve been playing her game for years, and now the tables are turning. Just like she used you to manipulate Ashton, she’s been using you to destroy me. She’s been playing both sides, and you’re too blind to see it.”

Monica’s eyes flickered with uncertainty. “No. She… she wouldn’t.”

“She would,” Whitney replied, her voice hardening. “Elaine is ruthless. She’s been pulling strings in the background for far longer than you realize. And now, she’s about to make a move that’ll ruin everything you’ve worked for.”

Monica’s expression crumpled, and Whitney could see the cracks in her carefully constructed armor. The fear was now evident in her eyes, and Whitney knew she had her right where she wanted her.

Tiana’s rumors were working. The pressure was mounting. And just like that, Whitney had forced Monica to show her true colors—desperation, manipulation, and a realization that her carefully curated world was starting to crumble.

Outside the door, a faint sound caught Whitney’s attention. It was the unmistakable click of high heels. She didn’t need to turn around to know who it was. Elaine had arrived.

The final confrontation was about to unfold.

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