Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 822

Parker's glasses caught a gleam as he eyed the woman before him.

She was petite, and given his height, it was easy for him to look down on her soft, curly black hair that framed her cute face.

She was as adorable as... Cherry.

He pursed his lips, saying, "Cherry called me today, sobbing her heart out, thought I was gone for good. So, I figured I'd check in on her."

He was clearly seeking her opinion.

"Uh?" Tiana blinked, internally cursing.

How did Cherry end up contacting Parker? She had just visited her last night and hadn't brought up Parker at all.

It must have been Danny or Sammy passing the message along.

Her daughter was quite fond of Parker, clever too. But the little tyke had been down in the dumps ever since Parker's disappearance. She couldn't really say no, "Then... let's go see her together." "Alright, I'll drive. Just wait here for me," Parker gestured for her to stay put.

With firm steps and a lean figure, Parker's presence was filled with a masculine aura Tiana couldn't forget.

His departing figure was so captivating, she found herself staring long after he was gone, her heartbeat racing uncontrollably.

When he drove up, she quickly looked away.

The drive was mostly silent between them.

The stifling silence was shattered upon their return to Delight Mansion by Cherry's exuberant welcome.

"Ah! Daddy Parker, you're back. Cherry... Cherry thought you were gone forever, cried for so long, a whole month, daddy," she sobbed, throwing herself at him.

Waiting by the doorstep, wrapped up like a burrito by the nanny in a little red cape against the winter's first snowflakes, her tear-streaked, doughy face melted Parker's heart.

He didn't know why, but he was so fond of this little girl.

Especially since Tiana had brought her to Emperor City, their bond had only grown stronger.

After all, she was his brother's child, a blood relation.

"Come here, let me give you a hug," he said, squatting down with open arms.

"No, no, it's daddy, daddy!" Cherry stubbornly corrected, climbing onto him.

"Cherry-" Tiana shot a look, frustration and embarrassment mingling in her expression, "How many times have I told you not to call Mr. Doonan daddy? He's not "

"He is, he is!" Cherry protested, ignoring her mom, "I just know he's my daddy. And I only want such a handsome man to be my daddy! Right, daddy?"

Nestling into Parker's neck like a little piglet, her baby scent was too much for Parker to bear saying 'no' to. He glanced at Tiana with a smirk, "So, you mind her calling me daddy?" His eyes, under the light, carried a depth that seemed to hint at something more.

Tiana couldn't decipher his intent. Was it a test?

Her heart raced even faster, dodging his gaze, "But he's clearly not..."

"The kid likes it, what's the harm? She's missing a father figure. Why be so harsh on her? Wouldn't you rather see her happy?" Parker retorted, seemingly indifferent. Tiana felt uneasy at his words.

Now he's playing the good guy in front of the kid.

But when Cherry grows up, how is she supposed to explain this awkward relationship, that Parker is actually her great-uncle?

"Don't you, an unmarried man, find it off-putting to be eagerly called daddy?" Tiana countered with a frown.

"I don't mind," he replied softly, his gaze returning to her, direct and clear, "I like Cherry, and if being her daddy is an option, I'm not against it."

"What... do you mean?"

Her heart was in turmoil under his gaze.

Her cheeks flushed with her quickening pulse.

Was he implying... that because he liked Cherry, he was willing to be with her?

Was that what he meant?

"Cough. If you're that bothered by me being her daddy, don't overthink it. I'm not planning to intrude on your life.

Who knows what plans you have for your future, Tiana. Didn't you say last night you were thinking of marrying Barclay?"

Before Tiana could delve deeper into her fluttering heart, a cold splash of reality doused her thoughts.

Her gaze dimmed, lips pursed in anger, "Did I say I wanted to marry Barclay? That was just you aggravating me into saying something!"

"So, you don't want to marry him?" Parker's eyes narrowed slightly.

"Of course not! Why would I want a man like that, do I look like I have a masochistic streak?" Tiana retorted sharply, "In your eyes, am I just some resigned woman, ready to lower herself to marry the man who once tormented her?" Her agitation was palpable, fists clenched, eyes shimmering with unshed tears.

Parker, feeling a tug at his heart, reached over Cherry to grasp her wrist, quickly explaining, "That's not what I meant. I just couldn't stand the thought of you planning to marry someone else."

Tiana almost laughed, what right did he have to be upset? What did she have to do with him?

Yet... she bit her lip, curiosity getting the better of her, "And why does that bother you?"

"It just does. Aren't you putting Cherry second by marrying someone else? What if your new husband mistreats her? Have you thought about that?"

Parker's expression was stern, all seriousness, his true feelings masked.

In truth, he was simply jealous, unwilling to see Tiana belong to another man.

"You needn't worry," Tiana, not getting the response she hoped for, replied with a hint of sarcasm, "Barclay hasn't shown any concern for Cherry's future, so you definitely shouldn't overstep."

Parker was visibly annoyed, his gaze cold as he looked at her wind-chilled cheeks, "Why must you provoke me? Can't we have a normal conversation?"

"I am having a normal conversation. Just speaking the truth. Things that Mr. Doonan shouldn't worry about, shouldn't be your concern!"

"Daddy, Mommy, what are you fighting about? Who's Barclay?" Cherry looked at her parents, their faces flushed with anger, feeling heartbroken. She didn't understand a word and could only interrupt anxiously, "I'm so cold." It was only then that the two adults realized they had been arguing outside in the snowy night for far too long.

Parker, full of remorse, scooped up the little one, "Sorry, Daddy wasn't thinking about Cherry. Let's get you inside."

"Cherry..." Tiana tried to catch up and take her daughter from him.

But then, the way he had just called himself 'Daddy' echoed in her ears. She rolled her eyes, speechless.

He seemed so eager to be Cherry's dad, didn't he?

Too bad, he wasn't.

Tiana sighed inwardly, watching his figure holding their daughter. She thought, if only he were her real dad, all their troubles would disappear.

But that was impossible, considering what his brother did to her three years ago.

"Grandma Nancy made dinner, Daddy, Mommy, let's eat together!" Cherry excitedly pulled Parker to the table.

Tiana had no choice but to go to the kitchen and grab three sets of silverware.