Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 930

Although Winston was taken aback by Barclay's sudden decision to get married, he agreed to it and even, at Mrs. Doonan's request, granted him a mansion worth millions and a small share of the company's stocks as a reward for settling down! Winston had no other demands for his wayward eldest son, just that he marry someone, anyone, to get his life in order and stop being a nuisance to society. To Winston, who Barclay married was of no consequence.

The old man was probably not oblivious to Barclay's misdemeanors, but due to Mrs. Doonan's jealousy, he found himself defending his son, turning a blind eye to his faults.

His heart belonged to Carmen, Parker's mother, the woman he truly loved. For Carmen, Winston had neglected Barclay and had chosen Parker as the future head of the Doonan family, recognizing his exceptional talents from a young age. Barclay was a lost cause, with a gloomy disposition and a penchant for trouble, gambling, and a lack of ambition.

Winston was aware of a dark rumor about Barclay fathering an illegitimate child from a girl he had wronged three years prior.

Now, Barclay was marrying that very girl, acknowledging his illegitimate daughter in the process.

After hearing Mrs. Doonan's tearful pleas, Winston agreed to this marriage, albeit surprised that the girl was the cousin of Endora from the Melford family.

Well, that's that.

Hoping to ease his conscience, Winston let Mrs. Doonan organize his eldest son's wedding, promising him several properties and 5% of the Doonan Group's stocks as a wedding gift, hoping he'd straighten out and avoid criminal activities.

Mrs. Doonan was overjoyed, confident that her son's marriage would ensure Winston's continued support.

Barclay was even more delighted; with money in his pocket, life was a breeze.

But his greed wasn't satisfied; with Endora marrying Parker, he was convinced she would help him gain control over the Doonan family.

So, he had to keep a close eye on Tiana, the wrench in his plans.

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Bridal Shop.

Entering the shop was like stepping into a dream, with rows of dazzling wedding dresses on display, their white brilliance overwhelming. From diamond-encrusted to long trains, and even dresses designed by internationally renowned designers, the variety was dizzying. Any girl would be over the moon at such a sight, but Tiana felt nothing but a hollow emptiness. She had never worn a wedding dress, not even for a photoshoot.

Now, faced with the opportunity to try on a wedding dress, she found herself in the direst of circumstances.

Marrying a man she didn't love, her father's life hanging in the balance, her wedding might as well be her funeral.

Her eyes, devoid of their usual spark, followed Barclay lifelessly around the shop.

"Do you see anything you like?" Barclay asked, feigning affection in front of the shop assistant, caressing Tiana's face, "Darling, hmm?"

Feeling like a zombie, all Tiana wanted was to escape. She randomly pointed at a dress, "That one."

Barclay approved of her choice, a V-neck dress with diamond details that promised to highlight her figure seductively. He smirked, "Nice choice, very much to my taste. Try it on!"

As Tiana avoided his touch, her thoughts drifted away. She hadn't seen Endora... and probably wouldn't see Parker either.

Somehow, this realization brought her a sense of relief, yet also a profound sense of emptiness. She didn't want to witness their happy moments, nor did she want Parker to see how life had bent her out of shape.

Maybe on her wedding day, her struggle would reveal the true nature of this marriage, perhaps changing Parker's view of her.

By then, they would become enemies.

Because she would ruin his wedding, shattering his life.

Lost in thought, Tiana followed the assistant to the fitting room.

The luxurious fitting room was spacious, and the assistant handed her the dress with caution, repeatedly reminding her, "Please, take your time trying it on."

Everyone in Banyan City knew about the upcoming Doonan family weddings. One was a grand affair for the young master, and the other, a quieter event for the lesser-known Mr. Doonan, who was marrying a single mother.

The assistant's disdainful glance didn't escape Tiana, but she was too preoccupied with her thoughts to care. Left alone, she struggled into the dress, unable to lace it up fully.

As she was about to give up, a hand reached out from behind her, pulling the laces tight and causing her to stumble backward into a shadow that enveloped her completely.

Tiana's eyes widened through her tear-blurred vision.

Parker lowered his gaze, elegantly lifting the wedding dress off her shoulder with one hand, examining it with apparent interest.

He tilted his head, a cigarette dangling from his lips, squinting those icy, playful eyes, silently observing her pristine back.

His fingers lightly flicked across her skin.

He appeared so suddenly! Tiana's eyes shot open in terror, her heart churning like a volcano, breathless, staring at his strikingly handsome face. The light reflecting off his glasses obscured his eyes completely, hiding any trace of his gaze. It felt as if the air around them had dropped to freezing point.

Enough to make her shiver.

Emotions surged within her, overwhelming and sorrowful, drowning her. She couldn't help stealing another longing glance at him.

Parker's hand pressed down on her slender shoulder, leaving a stark red mark on her pale skin under his grip.

But he no longer showed any mercy, forcefully pressing her against the mirror, his tall frame looming over her...