Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 941

Clad in a flawless white suit that accentuated his lean, statuesque frame, he was undeniably the center of attention at the wedding.

In Tiana's memory, he often donned black, sometimes opting for a more casual look that reminded her of the understated, young magnates depicted in TV dramas. Even in his laid-back attire, his handsome features were stunningly dazzling. At this moment, if one could overlook his brooding expression, his appearance softened by the white suit seemed almost elegantly serene, nearly drawing her into a daydream.

Yet, she dared not even breathe too loud, for fear that this intimate moment with him would shatter like a fragile dream at the slightest touch, her stomach ache quietly gnawing at her.

Oddly enough, despite no longer being... pregnant, why did she still feel nauseous?

Tiana frowned, eventually attributing the discomfort to the tumultuous helicopter ride.

A dive, a descent.

The helicopter landed near the beach, where a pristine white house stood isolated against the backdrop of the emerald Sea Bay.

The villa, strikingly white against the gloomy sky, seemed even more glaring.

Parker, with a swift stride, stepped out of the cabin. The rotor's wind tousled his sharp haircut as he adjusted his frameless glasses, lending his sharply contoured face a cold, almost ethereal pallor.

He turned, fixing his gaze on Tiana, still dazed inside the helicopter.

The pilot, sensing the tension, had wisely made himself scarce!

In the suffocating awkwardness, Tiana felt unable to withstand his icy stare. She hurriedly stood up, testing whether she could smoothly jump down from the steps-

But the tall man had already reached out, pulling her down in one swift move.

"Ah..." Tiana let out a small shriek, her voice fading as quickly as it appeared. Parker's arms, muscular and firm beneath the slim fit of his white suit, effortlessly caught her. Her hair, previously pinned up, cascaded down around her shoulders, dark and thick.

Her long, naturally curly hair framed her clear, innocent face, making her look almost doll-like with her rosy lips and bright teeth.

Parker's gaze lingered on her momentarily, his brooding eyes quickly shifting away.

Tiana sensed his mood was still foul, the atmosphere chilling. She promptly straightened up, trying to tame her wind-swept hair.

Her throat felt like it was choked with lead, yet she found herself needing to speak, her voice tinged with cautiousness, "Parker, why have you brought me here?" Ignoring her, the helicopter's rotors ceased, and the wind died down.

He emanated a strong, masculine presence, clean and crisp, as he turned and started toward the white house.

Tiana stood her ground, unwilling to yield, her brows knitting in a plea, "I don't know what you're planning, but let's go back, please!"

The wedding had been left in chaos by his dramatic exit-how could they face the fallout?

Including Winston, how could society ever forgive them?

Tiana lacked his daring arrogance. From being publicly claimed at the wedding to being kidnapped, she had no choice but to comply, fearful of further embarrassment.

But if this was merely a fleeting escapade, a beautiful dream, then it was time for it to end.

Could adults really afford such reckless abandon?

"Parker, listen to me..."

He continued forward, his long strides outpacing her easily, refusing to look back.

Tiana, left with no choice, hastened after him, trying to reel in his rampant pride, "Parker, Parker! You shouldn't have left your mother and your family behind to face the ridicule of Banyan City's elite. And I... Cherry was left behind too; I must go back..." "Whitney will take care of her."

Parker's glance was dismissive as he stood at the villa's doorstep, his slender fingers pulling out to press the fingerprint lock.

His demeanor was nonchalant, almost careless.

Tiana's brows furrowed, his indifferent state unnerving her, making her unpredictable. She inhaled deeply, facing his opaque gaze behind the glasses, "We can't just hide here, letting the whole town mock us." "Have I wronged you?" His gaze cut through her.

His eyes were like black holes, coldly piercing.

Tiana stuttered, her cheeks flushing under his intense scrutiny, "You know that's not what I mean."

"Come inside!" His words were curt, his tone indifferent.

Tiana shook her head, "Let me go."

"The punishment hasn't even started, and you want to leave?" Parker's laugh was cold, his glasses reflecting a chilling light.

Tiana froze, sensing a deeper meaning and a chill in his words. She was uneasy, "What are you planning to do—"

Before she could finish, his hand was on her back, pushing her forcefully into the house!

The new house smelled of simplicity and coldness. The living room lacked traditional, expensive chandeliers, opting instead for a few recessed lights in the ceiling, embracing minimalism.

To the right, a 270-degree sea-view floor-to-ceiling window offered a stunning view of the Sea Bay below, battering against the glass in a visually arresting display.

Yet, Tiana couldn't hear any of the sea's roar. The spacious, echoey house, with its chilly atmosphere, unsettled her as she noticed her still-worn shoes.

Parker, ever so elegant, stood at the entrance, his white shoes untouched by the intention to change.

His tall figure cast a long shadow, reaching Tiana's toes.

She had no choice but to speak up, "Is this your house?"

"I'm hungry." Parker spoke again, sparing his words.

Removing the Windsor knot from his suit, he sauntered over to the couch and sat down to drink water, his legs casually crossed.

Tiana caught the hint in his words, glancing toward the open kitchen.

A pristine white countertop, equipped with a large refrigerator and baking tools, suggested the place had seen life. This was his property; he had stayed here before, hadn't he? Hesitating, yet feeling she shouldn't be so compliant, she noticed him slightly leaning forward, hand clutching his stomach. His brows furrowed, and he set down his water glass. The tension in his body hinted at suppressed discomfort, a faint trace of pain on his face.

Tiana's eyes widened slightly, unable to resist approaching, "Are you having a stomachache?"

"Are you blind? Can't you see?" His voice was sharp, his pale lips barely moving.

"..." Tiana bit back a retort, deciding it wasn't worth the fight. "Don't just curl up there, stretch out on the couch... Have you been skipping meals lately?"

Parker looked up at her, his gaze icy with scorn. "Do you really think I've been in the mood to eat properly?"