Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 944

For reasons unknown, Parker felt a sudden, inexplicable tug at his heart, a sting that was hard to explain. Despite knowing the child was unplanned and suggesting it should not be part of their lives, he found himself hesitating, his expression turning even more sour as he quickly caught up to her. His voice hoarse and eyes slightly glazed, he spat out, "You never said anything before! And was what I did earlier really that offensive?

When you were hanging out with Barclay, did he never cross the line? Tiana, why put on this act of purity with me!

Since you decided to get rid of the baby, come and get registered with me. I want you to stay away from other men for the rest of your life. If I can't make you happy, no other man will either.

This is your punishment.

If you agree, I'll ensure Endora hands over the antidote for your father.

Otherwise, I don't mind being the villain."

"Parker!" She hadn't anticipated his cunning move, his ruthlessness. Tears streaming down her face, she protested, "If you had just helped my father back then, why be so heartless now? If you can't accept Cherry, I won't marry you as part of a deal."

He clenched his eyes shut, not minding the falsehoods surrounding Cherry's background, but how could he despise that adorable child?

Yet, he scorned sharing his true feelings, his smile frosty, "How I treat Cherry is none of your business! Both of you will be mine to command. As long as you obey, life will be smooth. You have no other future possibilities!" Tiana's gaze fell, her fears realized.

He planned to keep her trapped by his side, tormenting her daily, along with harboring resentment towards Cherry's background?

"Parker..." She shook her head in despair.

Just then, Parker's cell phone rang in his pocket. He took it out, his handsome face shadowed with a cold frost, deliberately ignoring the call.

He moved to grab Tiana, but the landline in the living room suddenly rang out!

The abrupt sound was jarringly loud in the silent room, and Tiana instinctively felt it might be someone from the Doonan family, hoping they could pressure him into regaining his sanity.

Parker's icy gaze fixed on the ringing phone.

Finally, he answered, and indeed, Winston's furious voice came through, "Sending your brother to the police today was unforgivable, and I haven't even started with you. And now, marrying your brother's woman? This is outrageous! You've wasted your years as a young master, consumed by trivial love, neglecting progress!

This is utter nonsense. That woman, Tiana, was carrying your brother's child. Do you want to make a mockery of the Doonan family? You've brought shame upon our family today!

Let me tell you, you'll have to step over my dead body before I allow a single mother to ruin your marriage. You are the future of the Doonan family, and you cannot marry her!

I know where you are. Leave her within half an hour, or when I get there, you'll be dealing with her corpse, Parker. Don't push me to my limits; you two cannot be together!" Winston's thunderous roar ended with the phone being slammed down.

Parker's cold demeanor turned deathly still, his father's wrath clearly unleashed.

Tiana, unavoidably hearing Winston's words, shrank in fear, realizing Winston indeed despised her background enough to wish her dead.

Her heart twisted in pain, fists clenched as she stared at Parker's tense profile... He must find his way back to reason, retreat from this impossible situation. Their internal conflicts, along with external family pressures, meant they couldn't possibly be together. "Parker, not even Winston can accept Cherry in your family tree. You're meant to lead your family with pride, not be tainted by someone like me. And I don't want to be targeted by Winston, so please, let me go..." Parker gripped her tightly.

His father's call had come too soon. Although he had anticipated the outrage, the timing was still shockingly quick.

He looked deeply at the woman beside him, unwilling to let her go under any circumstances.

"Shut up, and don't make things worse," he muttered, lips pressed tightly as he called his men, his voice grave, "Check the surroundings of the beach villa, including roads and airways, to see if my father's men have arrived." "Young master, your father has definitely pinpointed your location... Should we move?"

"Right." Parker had just acknowledged when his phone signal abruptly cut off.

His expression darkened, and after trying the landline, which was also disconnected, he quickly realized all communications had been severed.

Clearly, his father had taken drastic measures, determined to separate him and Tiana.

At the church.

As Winston returned, the guests were swiftly escorted out, leaving the place empty.

The Doonan family elders reported Parker's actions to Winston, who was so enraged his blood pressure soared. Whitney witnessed Winston destroying the ceremonial altar in the church, his fury palpable.

Such was the power of the Doonan family patriarch.

Then, Winston's call to Parker, overheard by Whitney, revealed his intent.

She and Cherry hid in a corner, watching Winston march out with his cane.

Carmen attempted to follow, but Winston reassured her, "I will separate them, bring this rebellious son back on track. Don't follow; I'll do what must be done, even if it hurts to watch."

Carmen, taken aback, her eyes moist, replied, "That girl is innocent. She was dragged into this by Parker. If you disdain her background, at least spare her life."

Winston remained silent.

Whitney's brow was tinged with worry. Her decision to stay wasn't without reason; she feared Winston's stormy return. Now, with the old man set on confronting Parker and Tiana, she knew he'd never bless their union. The root of his disapproval lay in Cherry's heritage - he believed Parker marrying Tiana was an affront to morality, one that could tarnish the Doonan family's reputation beyond repair!

The only thing that might sway him was the truth, the one thing that could seal his lips.

To protect Parker and Tiana's relationship...

Buzz buzz-her phone vibrated.

Glancing at the caller ID, Whitney's lips curved into a smile, "Chris, landed already? I need that paternity test rushed to me, like, yesterday!"

"Will do, Ms. Valentine."

After hanging up, Whitney turned to Ashton, handing over Cherry with urgency, "Ashton, I've got to catch up to the old man, make it to where Parker is. This whole mess needs me there to lay bare the truth, face to face. That's the only way we'll cut through this knot! Drop Cherry off at Tiana's mom's place; she's over at Skyfaith Hospital. Then, hustle to back up Chris."