Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 968

In the quaint town of Caldwell, where the estates sprawled like the pages of a classic novel, the air buzzed with the latest scandal to hit the Caldwell Estate-though, this time, it seemed the winds were changing for one of its most whispered-about inhabitants. Tiana Melford, heiress to the Melford fortune and subject of countless town gossip, found herself caught in a whirlwind of emotions as the news played out before her. The revelation that her family's name was being cleared came as a shock, a beacon of hope in a saga that had seemed endless. "Looks like Mr. Parker's handiwork if you ask me," whispered a servant, unaware of Tiana's presence. "All for Ms. Melford, helping her reclaim her inheritance and clearing her name. Quite the romantic gesture, eh?"

Another servant chimed in, their voice tinged with excitement, "And to think, our young master has eyes only for her. Not the belle of the ball, by any means, but there's something about her, isn't there?" Their conversation, laced with admiration and a hint of envy, was abruptly cut short as they noticed Tiana standing behind them, her eyes brimming with tears, lost in the gravity of the moment. "Ms. Melford, you're awake," one of them rushed to her side, while the other made a move to turn off the television.

"Let it play, please," Tiana requested, her voice barely above a whisper, her gaze still fixed on the screen that was busy rewriting her narrative.

As the news segment wrapped up and the room fell into a comfortable silence, Tiana finally voiced the question that had been weighing on her heart, "Where's my daughter? Where's Cherry?"

"She's downstairs with Mr. Parker. He brought her to see you this morning, but you were still resting," the servant explained, just as the sound of confident footsteps approached.

Parker entered the room, his presence commanding yet comforting. He wore his confidence like a second skin, his tailored suit accentuating his frame, the very picture of sophistication with a hint of mystery behind his spectacles.

Tiana couldn't help but be drawn to him, her heart fluttering at his nearness. As their conversation unfolded, Parker admitted to his role in clearing her name and securing her family's legacy. It was an admission that brought a mixture of relief and newfound respect in Tiana's eyes.

"Why would you do all this for me? For us?" Tiana asked, her voice soft, her eyes searching his for answers.

"For you, for our daughter, to right the wrongs of the past. And," Parker paused, stepping closer, his gaze intense yet tender, "to clear the path for my family, to restore your honor. Isn't that what I should do?"

Tiana's heart skipped a beat at his words, her cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and surprise. "Who, who's your family?" she stammered, caught off guard by his declaration.

Parker simply took her hand in his, a silent promise hanging between them, a gesture that spoke louder than words. In that moment, Tiana realized that perhaps, amid the tumult and the rumors, a new chapter was beginning for them-one filled with hope, redemption, and the promise of a future together.

He wouldn't let her pull away, his strong hand gripping hers firmly. As her eyes darted around, filled with uncertainty, he leaned in, furrowing his brows with serious intent. "Bringing you to the Doonan Mansion," he began, "made the old man and everyone there pretty much guess what I was aiming for.

Don't tell me you haven't figured it out?

This morning, I introduced Cherry to my father. The old man didn't say much, but it was clear he took a liking to her. That girl's got a way of making everyone smile with her sweet talk.

Then, the old man grilled me, asking when we're planning on having a son to carry on the Doonan family legacy.

I joked back, saying I'd love to have a son, but first, I need to find the right lady to be my wife."

His deep, dark eyes fixed on her, burning with intensity and a mischievous charm that seemed to set the air ablaze.

Under his heated gaze, Tiana found it nearly impossible to breathe, let alone confront the blatant meaning in his stare.

He had fought to reclaim his father's company, protected her reputation, and now... what was he trying to say?