Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 724

"Is Audrey pregnant?" Whitney asked, raising an eyebrow inquisitively.

"Yeah, just found out."

Audrey's expression was shy, a clear sign of her happiness.

"And Mr. Lutz is okay with you working through your pregnancy?"

"Maybe it's because I'm more considerate and competent," Audrey replied, not without a hint of pride.

Whitney offered a serene smile, "Doesn't your husband mind you working so hard?"

Audrey's face stiffened momentarily before she said with deliberate nonchalance, "I'm not married yet. This baby is my boyfriend's."

"Oh, bring your boyfriend next time. We should all grab dinner together, you, me, Bryce," Whitney suggested, seemingly out of politeness.

Yet, Audrey felt an underlying pressure in her words, unsure if Whitney was hinting at something.

Hiding her sarcasm, Audrey hinted, "Oh, you'll meet my boyfriend sooner or later, Ms. Valentine."

"Alright, I'm tired. Won't keep you for tea then," Whitney replied coolly.

As Audrey turned to leave, she caught a glimpse of Whitney entering Bryce's bedroom, a smirk of mockery crossing her face. She wondered how Whitney would react when she discovers the truth about that bed, which Audrey was so tired of.

Unfortunately, Audrey's attempt to stir suspicion between Tiana and Bryce had been thwarted by Bryce himself, who had acted preemptively.

With a flicker of fear in her eyes for Bryce, Audrey's thoughts were dark.

-

By 7 PM, Bryce was back home, his gaze falling on the graceful figure bustling in the kitchen. His eyes flashed with irritation and regret.

Having Whitney move in was a victory, but now he couldn't touch her.

His men had failed to track down the mysterious masked man, leaving Bryce wary of making any moves.

Yet, with Audrey and Florence alternating in meeting his needs, he felt no rush. Especially Florence, whose frail demeanor belied her inventiveness, offering pleasure without even sharing a bed. "Seems she played the role of the sickly for pity before," Bryce mused. "Bryce, you're back," Whitney called from the kitchen, her surprise evident upon seeing him. As she served dinner, she realized this marked the beginning of their true marital life.

Adjusting her emotions, she smiled, "Come on, wash up. What are you waiting for?"

"It feels surreal, coming home to you. I'm too happy," Bryce confessed, taking her hand. "I've waited too long for this. It's like a dream."

Whitney felt a pang of resolve, "Bryce, I appreciate all you've done over the years. I'm ready to make this marriage work."

"Good," Bryce replied, his gaze dropping as they sat down to dinner.

During the meal, Whitney casually brought up, "Is Audrey quite capable?"

Bryce paused, offering a smile, "What about her?"

"She mentioned she's pregnant," Whitney shared.

Bryce feigned surprise, "Really? How did you come to know?"

"She told me herself," Whitney explained, her tone casual yet probing, "It's odd, right? We aren't close, yet she's sharing such personal details. Is she angling for a raise? And she mentioned the baby is her boyfriend's." Whitney's narrative wasn't accusatory towards Bryce but hinted at disapproval of Audrey's overfamiliarity.

Bryce, sensing the gentle but clear message in Whitney's voice, inwardly cursed Audrey's lack of discretion. "I'll look into it. Maybe she admires you and wants to be friends. I'll consider adjusting her position."

As the evening wound down, Whitney, wrapped in contemplation and a bit of apprehension about their marital obligations, found Bryce with a blanket, intending to sleep elsewhere.

"Bryce..." she began, surprised.

He explained his decision to give her space, noting his own late nights and not wanting to disturb her.

Whitney, touched by his consideration, hesitated before suggesting she was ready.

"No need to force yourself," Bryce insisted gently, "I can wait."

This gesture deeply moved Whitney, softening her towards him and their future together.

The thought of today's visit to the police station lingered in her mind. She had harbored suspicions that Tiana's disappearance might somehow involve Bryce, and Ludwik had effortlessly swayed her doubts about him. Guilt washed over her. "Alright, I'll try to get my act together as soon as I can."

"Uh-huh, off to bed now. Goodnight." Bryce flashed a smile before heading to the study.

Whitney didn't feel like going to their master bedroom. Somehow, lying alone in the vast matrimonial bed felt too desolate. So, she picked a guest room for herself.

Just as she was about to drift off, her phone buzzed to life. It was Danny calling.

A smile spread across Whitney's face as she answered, "My boy..."

But instead of his usual cheer, Danny's sobs filled her ear. "Mommy... *sob* Mommy, it hurts so much. I just got into a car accident. Can you come see me?" "What?" Whitney bolted upright, her heart racing. "How did this happen, sweetheart? Where are you?"