Love Beyond the Mask

Chapter 37

Natalie brimmed with confidence. “Don’t worry, I’m a die–hard fan of romance novels. The push and

pull of love, the fiery passion, the golden rule, they may spar in the living room, but they reconcile in the

bedroom. I know how to set up a whirlwind romance better than anyone.”

Taryn could not help but think that the super fan, Natalle’s confidence might be a bit misplaced.

in the room, a tall man stood by the bed, where a soft bundle lay, breathing out a sweet warmth.

She preferred to sleep on her stomach, he had noticed. Her curves arched invitingly, delicate hands

softly curled in her inky hair, her fair face tinged with a rosy flush.

She was undeniably beautiful, pure, and delicate, yet utterly captivating.

His breathing grew heavy, and he could not help but loosen his tie. Beneath his fine shirt, his muscles

tensed ever so slightly.

There was no computer in the room. Was she not supposed to be here to work on her designs? The

man lay beside her, pulling her into his arms. This was the first time for them to share a bed. Before,

there had only been a distance between them, a formality as they sat on the sofa in the bedroom. To

his surprise, his hand brushed something soft – the tail attached to her pajamas. Her hat even had little

ears.

Lifting the blanket, his gaze darkened as he saw what she was wearing. What was she implying with

this? A fire ignited in his chest, spreading through his limbs.

Something was not right.

His Adam’s apple bobbed as he suddenly remembered the soup Taryn had given him. How sharp he

was, instantly suspecting who might be behind this trickery.

His head throbbed, desire heating his eyes as he leaned down to capture her lips in a kiss, gentle at

first, then deepening…

Whitney woke up to the kiss, her breath stifling as she pushed against a solid ‘wall.‘

Gaining clarity, she opened her wide eyes to see a shadowy figure above her. “Who are you?”

“It’s me,” the man murmured with a low, husky laugh.

“L.. What are you doing?” Whitney realized the nature of his kiss and suddenly remembered the

woman on the phone and the woman in his car. Her face cooled as she pushed him away.

Thinking she was startled, the man gripped her delicate wrist, his voice low and teasing, “You invite me

to this kind of hotel, dressed like that. What do you think I’m going to do, Madam?”

“What are you talking about? It was you who asked me to bring you something. Never mind that now,

get up!”

“What if I say no?” He pressed down on her.

Whitney felt stifled, noting his body’s unusual heat and strength in his muscles.

“What’s the matter with you?”

“Touch my forehead,” he asked, lifting her soft hand.

She did, and it was alarmingly hot.

He propped himself on his elbow, his eyes smoldering, “The old lady tricked me into drinking that soup.

I had drinks before, which only made things worse. What should we do now, Madam?”

140 * Phones 10 Hink of amething” she said seriously

West jesen something

asked encircling her waist with his arm, his head nuzeling her shoulder

are ne a math he murmured referring to their child

14: dewe ames Whitney realized what he was implying and rebuked him sharply

I’ll

Na custed naughts, thaven rights as your husband Il carry you to the bathroom, okay?”

Heat a sack Why’s angered hand landed on his jaw

edut. Nis face turning stern. Do you even know what you’re doing, Madam?”

ses voce was cold haughty and low

ney stared at his perfect profile, her anger like a tiny universe exploding. “And do you know what you’re

A Coveting drunk and dragging me here, blaming some soup your mother gave you. I must say, wwe

quite an engetic man. Hevent you just resting in another woman’s room yesterday afternoon?”

What are you talking about? His anger made him look terrifying.

No face shappened his presence overwhelming.

mney caped curling her hands into tiny fists, afraid to move.

ex eyes were cold, his handsome face tired from working straight from the previous morning to now. Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

Seeing her dressed like this, he naturally assumed…

was

This ungrateful little thing, what was she playing at?

Without allowing for argument, he scooped her up and sat her on the couch.

tes large hand lifted her chin, kissing her again, his voice rough with seduction, “The marriage contract

is clear. You need to fulfill your duties. Consider it doing me a favor, okay?”

Whitney dodged his advances, her mind spinning with questions about the woman on the phone.

He could do as he pleased outside, without explaining to her, and then come back and flirt, using the

contract to pressure her

He was truly despicable.

Her breath cooled, she pushed his solid body away and snapped, “If you need help, go find another

woman! I’m not here for your amusement, Mr. L!”

“What did you say?” He suddenly released her, gripping her hands.

Whitney looked up, her voice laced with sarcasm, “Girlfriends, lovers, you’ve got plenty, right? With

your money, do you think you can trample over someone’s life? I only sold you a year of my womb, not

myself. After a year, we go our separate ways. I have the right to refuse you, Mr. L. If it’s just that one

thing on your mind, don’t bother me, plenty of women will satisfy you.”

The room fell into an eerie silence.

His anger was palpable, chilling. He stared at her defiant face and lifted her chin forcefully, “You think

any woman is worthy of my bed? What do you take me for?”

He stood, his fury palpable, and scoffed. “So high and mighty. How did you end up in my car? You were

willing to go to great lengths for your goals, and now you lecture me on shame? Whitney, if anyone is

unworthy, it’s

17:50

kiked the table mere he left, simtling Whitney into the safety of the couch His pants were torn at the

kapex au 11mer outed has hande inte hats.

testomed at slamming the door behind him.

miner’s lips tightened her head buzzing. It took her a moment to notice the blond on the glass talde

Had he cut his knee? She pressed her brow, her heartbeat racing, her emotions a jumbled mess

The driver picked Whitney up and brought her back to the villa, but she did not see the man again

Natalse knew she had blundered, her gaze flitting nervously as she approached Whitney to explain the

situation begging her not to hold a grudge it was all her doing.

as then that Whitney pieced it together. Natalie had deceived both her and her son. Whitney managed

a wry smile. The root of the issue was not Natalie, after all.

For several days. Whitney saw no sign of the man returning home.

This time, he was truly furious. The house was eerily quiet, with him giving her the cold shoulder.

Yet. Whitney did not feel she was in the wrong, Clearing the air sooner was better for both of them.

Nevertheless, her mood grew more somber. She forced herself to ignore the pang of emptiness in her

heart and dove into her work, sketching designs to avoid worrying Natalie. She even moved in with her

friend Tiana for a while to keep up appearances.

Tiana would occasionally bring over Stella, and the two of them would try to cheer her up. Thanks to

their efforts, Whitney’s design drafts were completed on schedule.

On the 10th of October, the day finally arrived for the preliminary round of the jewelry design

competition, held at the illustrious exhibition hall of Imperial Gem Corporation.