When Love Is a Lie (Whitney and Damian) novel Chapter 95

As Whitney and Noel emerged from the small wooded area, their proximity didn't go unnoticed, and the implication of them being alone together seemed to hang in the air.

Especially since Noel overheard it.

Whitney glanced at him, his expression remained impassive, as if the situation didn't concern him at all.

"Don't get the wrong idea. We just walked along the same path, then stopped briefly to look at the new stargazing cabins and tree houses being built near the edge of the valley," Whitney explained, stirring away any mention of their earlier tension, his rescue, and her confrontation with Rachel. Her summary was brief and to the point.

"You just walked along the same path?" Thomas summed up, clearly enjoying the moment as he turned to Noel. "How was the walk?"

Noel didn't respond to his playful tease and replied indifferently, "Why don't you try it yourself?"

Thomas expected a cold, sharp glare as usual.

Noel was not one to respond to teasing, yet he had given an answer this time.

He seemed to be in good spirits compared to his earlier cold demeanor.

What had happened that he didn't know about? Thomas was curious that it must have something to do with the woods.

Yvette nudged Whitney, gesturing ahead with her chin and pouted, "Look who's here. Damian and that fox, Rachel, clinging to him like a shadow. Same as some other people."

Whitney glanced over to the bonfire where Damian stood, surrounded by a small group engaged in conversation, with Rachel seemingly making introductions.

Yvette's remark also caught Thomas's attention. He turned to her and complained, "How did I become part of this?"

Perhaps sensing their gaze, Damian looked over, caught their eyes, then excused himself from the group and made his way toward them.

"It's rare to see you here, brother," Damian said with a charming smile. "I didn't expect you'd be interested in staying for such activities."

Noel had his hands in his pockets as he gave a slight smile. "You seem to be enjoying it as well."

"I heard you and Whitney offered Rachel some pointers on her design. This project is significant, so of course, I had to come and check things over myself," Damian said, then walked over to Whitney and gave her a doting smile.

"If you're enjoying this, I could stay a couple of extra days with you."

Whitney avoided his gaze and took a step back. "No need. I'm heading back tomorrow."

"Then I'll stay the night and take you back in the morning."

"I'm riding with Yvette. You don't need to go out of your way." Whitney said coldly, showing no inclination to be polite.

"Sending my own fiancée back isn't any trouble," Damian replied, unfazed by her coldness, his voice soft and warm with a slight smile.

"Damian, you're busy. Let me take Whitney back. I'm usually drowsy on long drives, Whitney can keep me company and chat along the way," Yvette interrupted, providing a solid reason.

"We're both getting a bit hungry, so we'll leave you gentlemen to your conversation. Damian probably has things to discuss with Thomas."

Thomas narrowed his eyes slightly. This woman was quite adept at passing the buck.

Damian's gaze darkened slightly. He knew it was just an excuse to avoid him, but he turned to Thomas. "So, Thomas, was there really something you wanted to discuss?"