Love beyond the mask (Whitney) novel Chapter 1084

"I get it, Tiana. You stay in Banyan City and help Valerie out, alright?

And remember, you're still expecting, so take care of yourself, okay? Your health’s important.

Parker’s been hanging around with Ludwik, so he can't be there to look after you either..."

Tiana nodded, "Yeah, with Parker and Ludwik around, I feel a bit more at ease with you being in Emperor City.

Parker mentioned that Florence and Bryce might be trying to make a comeback?

Whitney, now's not the time for you and Ludwik to be at odds. Deal with those two troublemakers first, then sort out your differences. Just hang in there!"

Whitney raised an eyebrow slightly at Tiana's fervent advice but didn't want to worry her. "I know what I'm doing," she replied.

"That's good. Remember, you’re a mom now. If life gives you a daughter, that's a blessing. If there’s any awkwardness, you'll grow closer as you raise her. Kids have a way of bringing people together."

"I know…" Whitney said softly, her fingers grazing the incubator, feeling its cool surface.

After a few more words, she hung up with Tiana, her eyes lingering on the phone until it buzzed again.

An unexpected call from her uncle?

Whitney stood, turning away to answer.

In the next room, Ludwik had overheard her conversation with Tiana. His expression was dark, mixed with a flicker of understanding and a trace of relief. He was moved by her struggles and the depth of her commitment. She had stayed up all night with their daughter, working on treatment plans...

His Adam's apple bobbed, and he exchanged a glance with Parker as he was about to enter the room.

But then Whitney's voice reached him on another call, "Uncle? Why are you calling so early?"

Keegan?

Ludwik paused, thoughts racing, deciding to linger outside and listen.

He motioned to Parker, who crouched down, trying to eavesdrop unobtrusively. "Ludwik, why are you eavesdropping on her call?" Parker whispered.

"Quiet," Ludwik replied sternly.

Parker fell silent.

Whitney was oblivious to the presence outside.

She tidied up the couch, her phone on speaker.

Keegan's concerned voice filled the room, "Whitney, what’s going on?"

Whitney hesitated. She had left Evergreen Manor in a hurry the other day, and her uncle must have noticed her unusual demeanor.

With a sudden baby in her life, she didn’t quite know how to explain it to her uncle.

She pressed her fingers against her brow, trying to steady her emotions. "I’m at work, Uncle. Didn’t sleep well? You sound a bit tired."

Keegan frowned, "I keep thinking about your mom. I don’t know why, but I’ve been so restless these past few days, can’t sleep at all.

I called to ask about what we talked about last time.

Do you have time?

If you do, come with me back to Banyan City. Your grandfather needs to be remembered.

I’m thinking maybe we’ve been away too long, and both he and your mom miss us. We should light a candle, give them some peace on the other side."

Whitney was momentarily stunned.

Yes, she had promised her uncle a few days ago.

And she too had been having those strange dreams about her mom, saying she was 'back.'

She felt uneasy.

If it weren’t for the sudden appearance of this child, she wouldn’t have forgotten.

Whitney glanced at the baby, her brow furrowed. The child's treatment was the priority right now, and she wasn’t sure if she could leave…

"Whitney!" A deep voice unexpectedly called from the doorway.

Whitney turned to see Ludwik entering, tall and composed, his white shirt crisp and clean, though his face showed signs of fatigue. His striking features were accentuated by high cheekbones and slightly dry lips, giving him a ruggedly handsome look.

Her eyes flicked over him, suspecting he'd been there longer than she'd realized.