Love beyond the mask (Whitney)



Danny was visibly upset, a reaction to Whitney's suitor, Bryce, who hailed from one of Banyan City's prestigious families.

"Can you not show up at my place like it's a 24/7 diner? Haven't I made it clear? I don't welcome you here!" Danny had seen Bryce increasingly treating their home as his own.

It irked Danny, this silent rivalry. A grown man with such a vengeful streak didn't sit well with him!

Whitney was about to interject when Natalie stepped forward, breathing deeply. She affectionately patted Danny's head, "Danny, Grandma always said to treat guests with kindness and respect, especially when they're friends of your mom. Is this gentleman a friend of Whitney's?"

Bryce sized Natalie up, a flicker of depth in his gaze.

He knew exactly who the middle-aged woman before him was.

What surprised him was Natalie's warm and gracious demeanor.

To a certain extent, Natalie represented Ludwik. Her kind approach towards Whitney scored points in Whitney's eyes.

Bryce squinted with a smile, "I'm Whitney's boyfriend, her future husband."

"Not so fast!" Danny interjected.

He was aware of the media spreading rumors about his mom and some loser tying the knot. He hadn't made a fuss outwardly, but deep down, he refused to believe it.

Unless his mom confirmed it, he wouldn't accept it as the truth!

"Danny..." Whitney was overwhelmed, trying to calm her son, "Can you go play over there for now?"

Tiana quickly came over and took Danny away.

Natalie's expression shifted upon hearing Bryce's words.

The fleeting shock followed by a hint of sadness didn't escape Whitney's notice.

She frowned slightly, pretending not to see Natalie's downturned mood.

"Hello," Natalie said, forcing a greeting to Bryce, then turned to Whitney, "Whitney, I came here to apologize. Am I interrupting?"

"Not at all. I'm not sure what you're apologizing for, but please, go ahead."

Whitney took off her coat and led Natalie a bit away, her demeanor consistently gentle and respectful.

Natalie's eyes reddened, unable to help but grasp Whitney's hand, her voice laced with pain, "Are you and this young man engaged? I can't believe it... Whitney, I understand now. After I left here the other day, I told Ludwik I didn't want to buy the house here. But somehow, that boy insisted on ordering Felix to purchase the two nearby properties. I rushed over from the hospital as soon as I got the news, but it was too late; Felix had already made the payment. I want to tell you, don't be nervous, and don't dislike me. I won't live here; I know you wouldn't be happy. I wanted to see you as a daughter, relying on you emotionally, thinking it would bring me closer to Danny, and maybe make Ludwik..."

Natalie didn't finish her sentence.

But her real thoughts and ulterior motives were conveyed through her eyes.

Whitney sighed internally.

Natalie was always so gentle, unwilling to hurt anyone. If Whitney disagreed, Natalie truly wouldn't stay.

Recalling how Ludwik had saved her life the night before, she couldn't bring herself to turn Natalie away again.

It was like repaying a favor.

Unable to bear seeing Natalie upset, Whitney changed her mind, "Since the house is already bought, if you want to live there, please do. If you need my help with acupuncture or anything else, just ask. But that's where our relationship will stay."

Natalie was visibly heartbroken, yet her eyes sparkled with a hint of gratitude.

She trembled her lips, about to thank her when Bryce conveniently walked over, wrapping his arm around Whitney's, his smile filled with goodwill, "Indeed! The houses you bought are yours to live in. Whitney and Ludwik are no longer an item; she's moved on, so you shouldn't feel burdened. Besides, we're getting married early next month. Whitney will move into the wedding house I've prepared. She won't be staying at Delight Mansion for much longer!"

Natalie stumbled slightly, the impact hitting her heart.

Next month? Whitney is getting married so soon!

Whitney, surprised, looked at Bryce. They hadn't discussed wedding arrangements yet; how could he...

Bryce seemed to realize his slip, looking down, "Sorry, I spoke too soon. But Natalie would've found out eventually. She's kind-hearted; we shouldn't deceive her."

Whitney hadn't hidden her intent to marry from Natalie.

She nodded, just then, a loud 'thud' came from the couch!

Whitney looked up to see Danny throwing his spoon on the floor and storming over, kicking Bryce in the leg, "My mom didn't say she'd really marry you! Who asked you to get a wedding house ready? We're not moving in; we won't leave here! Mom, say something; you're not

really marrying him, right?"

Danny was frantic. He knew his dad was no good, and that couldn't be helped.

But if his mom truly married Bryce, what would happen to him and Sammy?

The two kids, where would they stand? Danny hadn't figured it out. He could accept his mom starting a new life, but marrying Bryce was out of the question!

"Mom, please don't marry him, okay?" Danny looked up, his eyes brimming with a mix of anger and plea.

Seeing the redness in her child's eyes, Whitney realized Danny's disapproval.

He needed time to accept Bryce.

With a heavy heart, she firmly heldnovelbin

her son's hand, shattering his

In

illusions, Mommy has made up her mind, Danny. Today, I accepted Bryce's proposal. You might not agree, but I hope you'll respect my decision."

Danny froze, letting go of Whitney's hand with disappointment. With resilient tears, he turned away and ran.

At that moment, he missed Sammy more than ever.

He knew he had no right to interfere with his mom's decision to remarry. His heart, just like his dad's, was shattered. "Danny!" Natalie called out in worry, chasing after her grandson.

"Danny..."

Tiana also rushed over, her face a picture of shock as she glimpsed the unpleasant scene at the entrance of the living room.

She had overheard the entire conversation. Now, casting a deep, thoughtful look at Bryce, Tiana felt that Bryce was playing a deeper game, intentionally bringing up marriage in front of Natalie.

Natalie's eyes were also rimmed with red.

The news of Whitney accepting Bryce's proposal was a heavy blow to both of them.

"Y'all take your time. I'll go comfort Danny and see Natalie out," Tiana told Whitney.

Whitney's gaze was fraught with complexity. She held back from chasing after her son. "Tiana, please, try to talk some sense into Danny. He'll come around."

"Of course! But the little guy's been raised singlehandedly by Ludwik. He's not quick to judge, but he needs time."

Tiana sighed and turned to walk across the lawn.

Bryce poured a glass of water for Whitney and led her to sit down on the couch, his face the picture of innocence. "Did I mess up? Maybe should've kept our wedding plans a secret, at least until everything was ready and then tell Danny. Ljust wanted to help you, to make Ludwik's mother give up."

Whitney's clear eyes met Bryce's dark gaze.

She decided not to dwell on his haste to share their news, wondering if it was to signal through Natalie to Ludwik that his proposal had been successful.