Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 834

Parker knew deep down, he didn't have that spark for Endora. Over the past three years, it had been more about a sense of duty than love. He felt he owed her for a favor from one drunken night, nothing more.

When Endora didn't see the warm welcome in his eyes she had hoped for, but instead got pushed away because of the little munchkin in his arms, her heart sank. Trying to mask her hurt with a forced smile, she said, "Oops, sorry kiddo, this is my fiancé. But who might

you be?"

Tiana watched her cousin's act with a cold eye.

If it weren't for Endora, would Barclay have found out about Cherry so quickly and come after them?

The gears in Endora's head were transparent to Tiana.

Now that Endora had shown up, flaunting her title as Parker's fiancée, Tiana was jolted back to reality. Her own feelings for him, whether he was responsible or not, seemed trivial.

She didn't want to wedge herself into their relationship.

Awake from her dream, she faced the harsh reality.

With a self-deprecating smile, she stepped forward, coolly taking the child from Parker, "Cherry, Mr. Doonan is busy. Let's go."

"What's the rush?" Parker's gaze fixed on Tiana, mysterious and unreadable.

Cherry immediately glared at Endora, full of hostility, "Daddy Parker, who is this woman exactly?"

Endora was startled to hear the child call him daddy!

Could it be that Parker had found out... the child was his?

Nervous, she glanced at Tiana, fearing her secret of substitution would be uncovered. She tentatively smiled, "Tiana, is this your daughter? Why does she call my fiancé daddy? Though you're my cousin, I must remind you, it's not proper.

And, now I remember, isn't your daughter Barclay's..."

"Endora." Parker cut her off with a hint of displeasure, explaining, "The child started calling me that on her own. I felt bad for her, so I let it be."

At this, Endora was fuming. Not only had he returned from the dead, but he also hadn't contacted his fiancée?

Instead, he was hiding out with Tiana, this homewrecker, acting like a happy family shopping around!

Endora had always been wary of Tiana, sensing something special in the way Parker looked at her.

Her jealousy was like a fire burning in hell, as she tearfully clung to Parker's sleeve, "Parker, waiting for you was agony. Why didn't you tell me the moment you came back? I've been a mess since you disappeared, unable to eat or sleep. Every time I close my eyes, I see your face.

I've been sick with worry...

But here you are... with my cousin. How should I feel when you promised you'd only ever marry me?"

Seeing Endora's tear-streaked face, Parker felt a headache coming on.

Had she not bumped into him today, he'd have forgotten he had a fiancée.

Narrowing his eyes, he coldly pulled away, "Endora, Tiana mentioned you had already returned to Banyan City.

Plus, I'm not ready to go public. Once I sort everything out, I'll meet with you."

Endora sneakily glared at Tiana, suspecting she had whispered poison about her to Parker.

She wanted to tear Tiana apart, immediately changing her tone, "Cousin said she went back to Banyan City?

Oh, how did she put it?

When you were in trouble, I was the first to look for you. But she, knowing all along, refused to give me any information.

She even sent me back to Banyan City. Otherwise, why would I have reluctantly left?

Parker, you're the love of my life. Even if you were dead, I wouldn't look at another man.

Cousin, why can't you stand to see me happy? You've gone out of your way to drive a wedge between Parker and me!"

Tiana almost laughed out loud at her act.

Did Endora really think Parker was that naive?

Tiana squinted her eyes, a smile playing on her lips as she glanced at the stranger who had been holding Endora's hand earlier.

He looked like a typical rich kid.

With a scoff, she turned her interest back to Parker, "If my cousin is so devoted to you, then who was she shopping with today? Look at all those high-end bags. Who paid for those? That guy over there?

I didn't tell Parker that the moment you heard he was dead, you ran back to Banyan City, scared you'd be branded a widow.

I wonder, cousin, how many men have you picked as backups during your fun times in Banyan City?"

"You... what nonsense are you spouting?" Endora was caught off guard seeing that Tiana had noticed Liam. She rushed to explain, "Parker, that's Liam. Don't get the wrong idea! My dad forced me to come to the capital to discuss a business deal with him." Parker's gaze on Endora sharpened, a chill in his eyes.

Tiana laughed lightly, turning to shout, "Liam, my cousin says it's just business between you two! You're quite generous, buying her so many luxury items?"

Liam, clearly uncomfortable with the conversation, hesitated before deciding not to get involved in their drama. With a cold look, he walked away. "Parker, see? He's just a business partner." Endora tried to pull Parker's hand again, shooting Tiana a glare, "Cousin, haven't you slandered me enough?

I don't want to argue with you anymore. Now, please, give me back my fiancé.

After all, you're here with a daughter, clinging to Parker. If word gets back to Banyan City, it won't look good for your parents, will it?"

Tiana's expression chilled, remembering her parents' pride and integrity.

Endora's threat struck a nerve.

But the truth was, Parker wasn't hers; he belonged to Endora.

Tiana pressed her lips together tightly, dodging the man's intense gaze behind his glasses. With a determined heart, she scooped up her daughter and said with a half-smile, "I never intended to wedge myself into your relationship. But I do hope, Mr. Doonan, that you see things clearly. So you won't end up married and filled with regret.

Of course, if you're fine with being the laughingstock of the town, then just ignore my words."

"Tiana!" Parker's voice was a cold snap, his large hand imprisoning hers. His brows furrowed, clearly not wanting her to leave.

Tiana looked back at him with annoyance. Ever since Endora showed up, his heart had been in turmoil. His fiancée was like a ball and chain, yet he hadn't taken Tiana's side. Why should he, over some ambiguous feelings? She was disappointed. With a light chuckle, she said, "You've got a fiancée to cater to, no need to bother with us anymore."

"Mama! What does having a fiancée matter? I can tell Daddy Parker really likes you. And, unlike you, his fiancée didn't brave the dangers to find him when he was missing and presumed dead!" Cherry said loudly, making sure Parker heard her. A chill ran through Parker's gaze. Indeed, at the moment of life and death, the only person who truly cared for him was Tiana.