Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 591

Ten million wasn't the focus, but making a splash was key to building a reputation!

Whitney nodded with a smile, "I'll take care of the design personally.

Bryce, thanks for keeping tabs on this client; they're pretty important to me right now."

Bryce set aside the paperwork and walked over, his tall frame enveloping her as she sat in her office chair. His gaze was warm, "Skye Gem Ltd.'s first step was solid. That's all your hard work, Whitney. Don't worry too much about work or your family.

Your dad will pull through, Sammy will be found, and your future will be steady and secure."

Whitney's gaze dropped as she remembered the unsettling phone call with Ludwik from the night before, his threatening tone sending shivers down her spine.

She craved stability, but that depended on Ludwik letting her go!

Her eyes shimmered as she snapped back to reality, "I hope you're right.

The successful launch of Skye Gem Ltd. wouldn't have been possible without your support these past days, Bryce."

Bryce's eyes sparkled, "You can breathe a sigh of relief. I heard your dad's surgery is scheduled in two weeks.

Whitney... the Lutz Group is about to have their grand opening.

My father will be visiting Emperor City in a few days, and I was thinking... maybe you could meet my folks then?"

Whitney's expression stiffened.

Bryce's hint couldn't be clearer.

He was pushing for marriage!

And Whitney, though her mind hadn't changed since she'd agreed to marry Florence next month, felt a whirlwind of confusion inside.

Seeing her silence, Bryce hesitated, "If you're not ready to meet my father, we can wait. I don't want to pressure you.

But you've publicly stated we're getting married early next month, contributing to Skye Gem Ltd.'s sales success.

Going back on your word publicly might not reflect well on you..."

Public image she could disregard.

But this marriage, she was bound to it...

She had made her stance clear in front of Ludwik and Tiana.

But was she truly ready?

Whitney looked up, the man before her was caring and impeccable, a husband anyone would dream of.

After years of waiting, not many could claim such patience.

Marrying him meant she could finally say goodbye to Ludwik, for good.

She could save her son.

She shouldn't hesitate, shouldn't let Tiana's bias against Bryce taint her perception of his intentions.

In her silence, Bryce quickly knelt, magically producing a blue velvet box from his pocket, his eyes earnest, "Whitney, I love you, truly!

If you can't love me right away, that's okay.

I know better than to rush you; I'm willing to wait forever.

My heart is open for you to see, you're the only one in it.

If you don't marry me, I'll remain single my whole life. I've already made peace with that with my parents, and they understand.

Marry me, please? Let me love and cherish you, give you a home.

I can't stand seeing your heart wander, lonely and unsupported.

And I don't want to watch you waste your life on Ludwik, enduring more pain.

He's not worth it!"

Whitney's heart clenched, tears unwillingly forming in her eyes.

Bryce's words broke her down: 'I can't stand seeing your heart wander, enduring more pain.'

Had it been worth it, spending three years on Ludwik?

Worth it or not, she couldn't think about that now.

She just knew, she couldn't go on like this.

She longed for a home, for someone to rely on.

If Bryce was that person, why couldn't she spend her life with him?

She told herself, yes, love could be learned.

Whitney closed her eyes, tears rolling down her cheeks as Bryce, seeing her emotional turmoil, didn't hesitate, gently sliding a ring onto her finger.

The cold diamond made her shiver, but she didn't pull away, silently accepting his proposal.

She needed to push herself to make this decision.

"Whitney! Does this mean you agree?" Bryce looked up, kissing her pale fingertips before embracing her, whispering with a smile, "You've accepted my proposal. On August 15th, you'll be my bride! How about early next month for the wedding? I can't wait any longer!"

Whitney was in a daze.

Taking a deep breath, she stared at the simple yet unfamiliar ring... So, she was marrying Bryce.

A smile broke through her tears, and she nodded quietly, "Okay."

Bryce was overwhelmed, his gaze firm. Whitney was going to be his. Ludwik, do you see this!

He stood up, lifting Whitney in his arms, joyfully spinning her around.

Nyx, peeking from the doorway, quietly captured this moment, sharing it with the work group as a supportive colleague, happy for Whitney. The caption read: "Ms. Valentine's big day is coming!" Tiana was also in the group, immediately noticing the photo, the blue velvet box on Whitney's desk too conspicuous!

Bryce's beaming smile as he held her was radiant.

She knew what it meant.

"Tiana, what are you looking at? Grandma wants to see Mommy, call her back." Danny tugged at her sleeve, visibly upset.

Tiana quickly hid her phone, wary of showing the little rascal the photo.

After all, he was Ludwik's protege.

Glancing at Natalie sitting in the living room, brought over by Danny's grandmother, Tiana smiled awkwardly at the elder, pinched Danny's ear, and turned to call Whitney.

-

"Now?"

The warmth of the office was interrupted by Tiana's call.

Bryce frowned, letting go of Whitney.

After the call, he asked softly, "Is everything alright?"

Without mentioning Natalie, Whitney stood up, grabbing her coat and bag, "Sorry, there's something at home I need to take care of..."

Bryce gazed into her captivating

eyes, a hint of concern flickering

across his face. He suspected that the tension at home had something to do with Ludwik, not to mention the constant irritation caused by Daniel, that little troublemaker.

He masked his worry with a practiced ease, offering his hand. "Let me walk you home. I'm free this afternoon. There's the opening

ceremony of the Lutz Group younet

need to attend, and there are many wedding details I'd love to discuss with you at length. What I'm really looking forward to, though, is having dinner with you tonight-a dinner to celebrate our engagement."

Whitney's cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and delight as she softly murmured her agreement, accepting his hand as they walked out together.

In the living room of Delight Mansion, Natalie was engaged in a playful activity with Danny.

The sound of the doorbell had

Danny springing to his feet and

t.ne

dashing to the door, exclaiming with a mixture of excitement and reproach, "Mommy, why did it take you so long to get back? Grandma has been waiting for you for ages... And what brings you here?"

Rising from the sofa, Natalie's expression shifted upon hearing the latter part of her grandson's greeting.

She saw a tall, lean man with a gentle face and an air of sophistication standing there. His hand was placed tenderly on Whitney's, while his other hand carried her purse.

Natalie's heart tightened as her eyes settled on Whitney's delicate features; she knew exactly who the young man was.