Love Beyond the Mask

Chapter 71

Whitney never imagined that Yvonne could be cruel enough to sever the finger of a six–year–old child.

Chaos erupted in the Valentine family. Yvonne and Preston had a complete falling out, which was what

Whitney desired. However, it was her who leaked video of the love child.

After the child was kidnapped by Yvonne, Whitney had someone notify Violet. Thankfully, the rescue

was swift, and the child’s finger could still be reattached.

After confirming the situation at the hospital, Whitney and Tiana left.

“Your dad would love to see you six feet under, and here you are, worrying about his love child.” Tiana

quipped.

“The kid has nothing to do with it; he is only six years old.” Whitney replied, her gaze inadvertently

dropping to her own belly.

“When are you gonna start showing, Whitney? You’re skinny as a rail, still rocking those killer curves.

Lucky L’s got it good. Hey, did you ever ask him if he’s hoping for a boy or a girl?”

Whitney blinked her eyes. They hadn’t talked about kids before. Well, they weren’t exactly close back

then, and now?

Without a second thought, Whitney texted Tiana’s words to L.

On Facebook, the man responded with a puzzled: [?]

She must have surprised him.

A smile curved Whitney’s lips when she saw he texted back a few more words: [If this trial marriage

goes well, I’ll take either, or better yet, a whole soccer team.]

[Am I a breeding sow?]

Whitney texted while rolling her eyes.

He texted back: [I think you need a more accurate description. Little mama pig, yeah?]

Biting her lip and ready to retort, Whitney was interrupted by Tiana’s scrutinizing stare. “Aww, getting all

doe–eyed chatting with L? Whitney, ever since you guys came back from that hot spring trip, your

relationship’s been on the fast track. Did you ever flirt on Facebook like this before? Spill it, did

something happen that night…hmm?”

“What are you on about!” Whitney protested at Tiana’s insinuating tone.

Come on, it was just a couple of messages.

“You texted him on Facebook, and he replies in a heartbeat. L’s a busy man, yet he makes time for you.

Sounds like love is in the air,” Tiana teased, playing detective.

Helplessly, Whitney blushed and spilled the beans.

Tiana clicked her tongue in disbelief. “Wow, so you turned the fake into real? Who was it that was 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 shimmering with a mix of emotions. “It means we’re

giving it a shot. He wants something stable, and I get that. Business–minded men rarely equate

marriage with love. As for my feelings, they’re far from love or even like. I need to see if he’s really into

me, right?”

“L’s the proud type. If he’s flirting with you, it means he’s totally into you. And you? Ha, I can tell you’re

halfway into the ‘like‘ camp already. Love after marriage, sparks flying–you won’t be able to resist a

man like him.”

“What’s there to resist? Sure, he’s got a hot bod, but he’s got scars, too.”

Tiana’s eyes popped. “You’ve seen L’s real face!”

“No, I only caught a glimpse before he stopped me.”

Coughing to regain composure, Tiana quickly comforted her, “Scars are sexy! They’re a badge of a

rugged man. I mean, those flawless pretty boys like Ludwik are rare and untouchable, not as exciting.

You agree, right, Whitney?”

Though Whitney knew Tiana was trying to cheer her up, it felt like her friend flipped sides too quickly.

Her phone rang; it was an unfamiliar number.

On the other end was Elaine. Whitney’s surprise was evident in her narrowed eyes and faint smile.

“Elaine? To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“Well, when Bro saved me that day, I felt the need to express my gratitude. After considering it, I

thought it would be best to thank you directly, so I want to gift some baby clothes to you.”

Elaine’s tone was sweet and friendly, pulling their relationship closer while also signaling she wanted to

keep her distance from L.

Whitney understood perfectly.

With a slight nod, she agreed to meet. “Sure, where should we meet up?”

“Queen’s Square sound good?” Elaine chirped happily.

After hanging up and sharing the location, Tiana drove them there. Whitney pulled her along, “You’re

free anyway, come meet her with me.”

“Who is she?”

Tiana was about to ask again when Elaine walked in. The woman was dressed in a tailored suit that

hugged her waist, her long curls cascading down her back. Her face was strikingly beautiful, and she

moved with an effortless grace that hinted at her refined upbringing.

Whitney observed quietly as Tiana gawked. This woman was a match for Whitney in terms of beauty.

As Elaine approached with a playful twinkle in her eyes, Whitney introduced her friend. “Elaine, this is

Tiana.” “Hi, Tiana!”

Tiana waved back with a grin. “Hey there.”

“Whitney, I hope you don’t mind the intrusion. Thanks for making time today. Let’s take a seat and

chat,” Elaine suggested, her hands holding a tastefully understated custom–made bag.

Whitney noted her watch without a reaction, guessing its price to be in the millions.

As they ordered coffee, Tiana, ever the gossip, asked, “So, Elaine, where are you from? I know Banyan

City like the back of my hand, and I’ve never seen a beauty like you around.”

Elaine chuckled. “You flatter me, Tiana. I’m from Emperor City, working at my bro’s company, just a

hardworking employee.”

Whitney’s mind raced. Emperor City? Could it be the famous century–old medical dynasty, the Bartels

family? Emperor City was a metropolis, and Whitney wasn’t familiar with the extravagant families over

there. If there was any connection, it would be when she was a child, she heard from the servants that

her mother and grandfather also came from Emperor City. Their arrival in Banyan City was quite

sudden.

Snapping back from her absent–minded thoughts, Whitney speculated that Elaine was indeed a

socialite, which her demeanor had subtly revealed.

“These little outfits are all made from the finest natural materials. Your baby can wear them as soon as

they arrive, though it’s a bit early. You just focus on a healthy pregnancy, Whitney. Let my bro pamper

you until you’re nice and plump for the delivery,” Elaine said with a wink,

The dessert cart rolled up just as they were settling into the lull of conversation.

Elaine stood up to fetch the treats, playfully serving them to Whitney and Tiana.

Not an ounce of high–society airs about her.

Tiana blushed, feeling a tad shy from the gesture.

After a bit more chit–chat, Elaine’s phone buzzed with the urgency of business. She stood, flashing an

apologetic smile, and warmly shook Whitney’s hand. “Whitney, I’d love for us to be good friends. What

do you think? Let’s hang out more, yeah?”

“Absolutely,” Whitney replied, her eyes crinkling in a warm smile.

With a spring in her step, Elaine left, cheerfully disappearing into the elevator.

Whitney watched her go, a thoughtful smile playing on her lips.

Tiana, nibbling on her slice of cheesecake, asked, “Is she a new friend you’ve made? L’s sister, right?”

“What do you make of her?” Whitney inquired.

“She’s bubbly and sweet, downright kind too – didn’t hesitate to help us with the dessert. Not the diva

type at all. It’s rare to find someone so down–to–earth,” Tiana chuckled.

Elaine certainly left a good impression on Tiana.

Whitney’s eyes twinkled with mirth. “What if I told you that her watch alone is worth a fortune, and that

she’s anything but ordinary? She’s the Vice President of L’s company, a high–flying executive. What

would you say to that?”

Tiana paused, her brow furrowing slightly.

Whitney smiled faintly. “Strange, isn’t it? A VP usually carries a certain presence, speaks sharply and Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

decisively. Yet she’s so approachable, playful like a schoolgirl, without a hint of guile it’s at odds with

her professional role.”

–

–

Tiana’s frown deepened, beginning to see the picture. A person’s work persona and personal

temperament could be distinct, but not this disjointed.

Unless it was

intentional.

“Do you think she’s up to no good? Pretending to be harmless to get close to you?” Tiana ventured.

Whitney shrugged noncommittally, her eyes narrowing slightly. “I don’t start off seeing adversaries in

everyone l meet,

but I can sense if someone intends to harm.”

Time would tell.

What intrigued her now was why Elaine, a wealthy heiress, was working at L’s company. How deep did

her devotion to her brother run or was L’s company that impressive?

Carrying the baby outfits, Whitney headed back to the villa.

dey

When Natalie saw that Whitney had returned with a bag of baby outfits, a smile spread across her face.

“Whitney, are you seriously buying clothes for our little peanut already? Look at you, playing mom.”

“It’s not like that, Mom. This is a gift from Elaine.”

Natalie’s smile faded a bit as she paused, examining the tiny garment. “Why would she give you baby

clothes?” “Out of courtesy, I guess.” Whitney, feeling a bit sleepy, wandered into the kitchen for a glass

of warm milk. Emerging from the kitchen, Whitney couldn’t find Natalie, Taryn or Xandra. While

searching for them, she discovered Natalie by the backyard trash can, tossing away the clothes from

Elaine.

Shocked, Whitney approached. “Mom, why are you throwing away brand–new clothes?”

Natalie whirled around, startled by the unexpected sound. Recognizing Whitney, she relaxed slightly

but remained visibly tense.

Quickly, she offered an explanation with a forced smile. “The fabric… it’s not suitable for a newborn.

Elaine probably didn’t know any better. Don’t worry, honey, I’ve bought plenty of clothes for the baby.

Come upstairs and see.”

Whitney, sensing Natalie’s words were jumbled and her gaze troubled, followed her upstairs but

couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.

Why would Natalie discard the gifts upon hearing they were from Elaine? There seemed to be no

apparent animosity between them.

Before long, Natalie had to leave for an injection.

Whitney walked back to the trash can, yet Taryn halted her. “Natalie insisted that you shouldn’t pick

them up.” “I wasn’t going to. It’s just that Mom’s been a bit off today.”

Taryn sighed. “The lady once suffered from memory loss. Sometimes, old forgotten matters stir her

emotions, leading to unusual behavior. Haven’t you noticed how carefree she’s been lately? It’s

because of her forgetfulness.”

Taryn dared not discuss Natalie’s condition further. However, Whitney had also observed Natalie’s

childlike joy, free from the burdens of the past.

Could Natalie’s previous aversion to Elaine, now forgotten, be the reason for discarding the clothes?

Was there something harmful about them?

Whitney’s curiosity about Elaine increased, sensing a subtle complexity.

Later, Taryn brought some baby clothes to Whitney’s bedroom, per Natalie’s request.

While Whitney sorted through the clothes, Ludwik entered the room, loosening his tie. Witnessing his

radiant

wife selecting tiny clothes struck him with unusual warmth, as if they were a real couple.

His usually guarded heart softened, and he cleared his throat to announce his presence.

Whitney turned, flustered, tossing aside the clothes.

“Embarrassed to be a mom? You’ll have to pick clothes for them eventually.”

Ludwik strode over, long–legged, and casually examined a onesie. It looked comically small in his large

hand. Imagining their child nestled in his palm, Whitney was struck by how paternal he seemed.

“They’re kinda cute,” he remarked, “Will the baby be as small as a bean?”

“Of course not! Were you born the size of a bean?” Whitney retorted, having done her reading.

“It depends on you. Eat more,” he frowned, assessing her figure critically.

“I’m in great shape, thank you very much.”

His eyes swept over her. “For the moment, I’m not worried about the baby’s nourishment.”

Whitney blushed at his implication, hastily adjusting her cardigan.

Ludwik, unfazed, added, “You can look forward to our child’s looks.”

Proudly, she hummed, “Of course. The baby’s good looks are all thanks to me. Have you seen

yourself?”

“How so?” he challenged, stepping closer, his silver mask emphasizing his stunning features.

Whitney pouted. “You’re hardly handsome by any standard. The scar won’t be hereditary, right?”

Ludwik was at a loss for words.

Was she trying to infuriate him?

His amusement turned into a mock threat as he caressed her chin. “Just wait until the baby is born. If

they inherit my looks, they’ll be too much for this world.”

Whitney rolled her eyes at his vanity. “Right, Mr. L, you’re certainly a match for me.”

Ludwik couldn’t help but laugh, though he feigned annoyance and pinched her cheek, whispering, “Do

you even realize who you’ve married? One day, you wouldn’t dare speak so boldly.”

Whitney had never met a man so full of himself.

Analyzing him, she ventured, “You’re wealthy, but you couldn’t possibly be richer than my past self,

right?”

Ludwik’s chest heaved with laughter.

“I’ve seen half your face. There’s no scarred tycoon like you in Banyan City, so you must be an

outsider.”

An out…out what?

He kissed her, quipping, “You dare to guess, my lady. Such a sharp tongue needs taming before you

start rattling the rooftops.”

She protested softly, “You promised to respect me.”

He released her, frustrated. “We’ve started dating, and now you won’t even let me kiss you. We’re

going backwards.”

Resting his forehead against hers, he looked undeniably handsome.

What she had said was a lie, even with the scar, he was incredibly attractive.

Her cheeks were flushed a rosy pink, her fingers nervously fumbling with his shirt as she tried to find

her footing. She spoke with a mix of determination and reason, “It’s precisely because we’re dating that

we should be guided by our feelings and proper boundaries. If you wish to steal a kiss in the future,

then it must be with my wholehearted consent.”

“And how do I earn your consent? Strip down?”

Whitney punched him playfully, her small fist as harmless and tickling as a kitten’s paw.

Ludwik’s eyes narrowed with a mischievous glint as he took her tiny hand and placed it against his

chest. “Unbutton my shirt, take a good look at these muscles, and then you might just find yourself

wanting that kiss,” he teased with a roguish smirk.

“Stop it, will you!” Whitney protested, her cheeks burning even redder as she pushed him away,

creating some space between them.

The commotion had left the baby clothes in a disheveled pile on the bed.

Chapter/I

She reached out with embarrassed determination to tidy up, her mind slowly cooling down from the

flirtatious heat, remembering there was something she needed to tell him.