Love beyond the mask (Whitney) novel Chapter 297

"Mama! Can't you think it over? This decision is too hasty. I, I can't bear to leave you."

Danny's plea was a truthful echo of his inner turmoil. It had taken him considerable effort to acknowledge his mom, Whitney, on his own, making the mere two encounters they had shared all the more precious.

Whitney froze for a moment as Danny, or 'Sammy' as he was momentarily dubbed, clung tightly to her legs. The look on the little guy's face was one of deep misery, transforming back into the 'clingy' and stoic Sammy she thought she knew.

With a deep sigh, driven by a fierce desire to protect him, Whitney headed towards the bedroom. "Sammy, let me pack your bags. You'll be back before you know it, and besides, life abroad suits you better."

Suits me better my foot, Danny thought. He had never been abroad in his life, a true homebody at heart.

Panic started to set in for Danny.

As Whitney began to pull out the luggage, Danny felt trapped, struggling to come up with a solution. "Ah, my head! It hurts so much!" he exclaimed, dramatically collapsing to the ground.

"Sammy?" Bryce, both surprised and concerned, watched as the little guy hit the floor but kept one eye sneakily open to gauge Whitney's reaction.

A smirk tugged at Bryce's lips as he caught on to the act.

"Sammy! What's wrong?" Whitney, completely oblivious, rushed over.

"My head, it's like it's splitting..." Danny groaned, putting on an award-worthy performance, his little hands clutching his stomach.

This confused Whitney even more, her panic rising. "What is it, your head or your stomach, honey?"

Damn, Danny thought, realizing his mistake too late.

Swallowing his pride, Danny moved his hands to his forehead, deciding to stick with the headache story.

"Could it be something serious?" Whitney murmured, her fingers swiftly checking his pulse.

After a few seconds, her expression darkened.

Bryce, who had been quietly observing, coughed lightly, signaling his understanding of the situation.

When Whitney continued to hold his wrist in silence, and Bryce couldn't help but cough more pointedly, Danny couldn't resist sneaking a peek.

"Stop pretending," Whitney said, her patience wearing thin.

What? She knew?

Danny quickly shut his eyes tighter, feigning unconsciousness.

"Sammy—" Whitney rolled her eyes, gently sitting him up. "Are you really going to fake being sick just to avoid going abroad? You used to be more creative with your schemes."

Caught and subtly chastised, Danny's pride took a hit. Was he really falling short compared to Sammy?

With a stubborn pout, he decided to stick to his guns.

"So, you're going to be stubborn about this?" Whitney was at her wit's end, remembering Sammy had never been this difficult.

Bryce eyed 'Sammy', a thoughtful look crossing his face before breaking into a soft chuckle. "Doesn't quite seem like Sammy's style. He'd usually have a clever argument by now. But boys will be boys, right, Whitney?" He winked at her, hinting not to bruise the kid's ego further.

Whitney softened, asking, "Is it really that hard for you to leave me?"

"Mhm," came the muffled response from the little figure on the floor.

Bryce weighed their options aloud, "If he's so set against going, sending him away won't give you peace of mind. Plus, have you considered the risks? If Ludwik finds out he's in Maelstrom Country and manages to whisk him away, you'd be even further from reaching him."

Whitney's fingers tightened into fists, her mind racing with the implications of Bryce's words.

Ludwik was ruthless; nothing was beyond him.