Love beyond the mask (Whitney)



"Would you just zip it!" Hunter Lutz approached, his voice low and stern.

The commotion caught the attention of many relatives of the Lutz family, and soon enough, whispers of gossip filled the air, casting disdainful glances toward Whitney.

"Turns out she's a sly one. I always wondered why Audrey, such a high-society darling, couldn't snag Mr. Lutz after all these years."

"And this lady, she's quite something. Did you all not hear about her drama in Banyan City with Mr. Lippert? Her ex-husband is now the most eligible bachelor in Harmonia Country."

"Seriously? No way!"

Whitney listened to their mockery and Claire's indifference without flinching, prepared by Bryce for this moment.

She understood their disdain; after all, a fake engagement years ago had left a scar on Claire.

But Tiana couldn't keep her cool.

Fuming, Tiana thought if she had known the Lutz family would treat Whitney this coldly, she would have persuaded her to reconsider Bryce.

Yet Whitney seemed adamant about marrying Bryce.

Standing up, Tiana retorted, "Who's worthy of whom, that's debatable!

I get it, Claire, you're protective of your son. But can you understand my concern for my best friend?

Let me introduce her properly. My BFF, Whitney, hails from Harmonia Country's third most prestigious family, the Sheldons! At twenty, she founded Skye Gem Ltd., which is thriving in Emperor City.

In short, Whitney's worth is in the billions, not to mention her status as a Sheldon heiress. Now, tell me, does she not match up to Banyan City's elite, Mr. Lutz? Miss Audrey, from which nouveau riche family did you say you were? Do you still think Whitney is marrying down?"

Audrey was seething, her envy palpable at Whitney's surprisingly powerful background.

The Sheldon family, ranked third in Harmonia Country, was well-known among high society.

The mood shifted as people's gazes toward Whitney changed, showing newfound respect. The previously mocking socialites had vanished.

Keegan, sitting in his wheelchair, spoke up at the right moment, "Mrs. Lutz, Bryce is indeed a catch, and I'm fond of him. But let's not sell Whitney short. She's a successful businesswoman with a strong family background. They are well-suited, wouldn't you agree?"

Hunter was well aware of Whitney's family wealth; after all, Emperor City was a place Banyan City's wealthy could only dream of, "Mr. Tennyson is right."

Claire pouted, visibly upset.

Bryce rushed over, wrapping an arm around Whitney's waist, his demeanor gentle, "Father, Mother, Keegan's right. I'm blessed Whitney agreed to marry me. Marriage isn't about social standing. But if we're comparing, Whitney's wealth and status far exceed mine. She's the jewel of Emperor City. I'm grateful she's finally noticed me, and with just one look, decided I was worth her lifetime commitment. The ceremony's about to start, let's take our seats and celebrate our union."

"Whitney, I'll be waiting for you here. Let your uncle walk you down the aisle," Bryce reassured, holding her hand tightly.

With a soft smile, Whitney, escorted by Tiana to the door, made her entrance alongside her uncle.

As the wedding march played, they walked up to the stage, took their vows, and exchanged rings. Bryce kissed her tenderly through the veil. The ceremony concluded amidst cheers.

Taking a deep breath, Whitney felt a sense of closure. Glancing at the clock, it read 11:53.

Danny, absent from his mom's wedding, couldn't bear to watch, let alone on his dad's behalf.

He roamed the hotel lobby, suddenly remembering he had left his phone watch in the bride's room.

After retrieving and powering it on, he noticed a missed message from an unknown number.

Opening it, his eyes fixated on the words, "Danny, has dad arrived? I know what you're thinking. My heart is always with you."noveldrama

Who would call him Danny? Who would mention 'dad' and know his thoughts?

Could it be Sammy?

Frozen, Danny reread the message, his heart racing.

Bolting from the room, Danny's thoughts were a whirlwind. If Sammy had indeed escaped Florence's grasp, did that mean his mom married Bryce under a false pretense?

Sweat drenched, he wished he could sprint to the banquet hall, cursing himself for not noticing Sammy's message sooner.

By now, Mom and Bryce's ceremony must be wrapped up, right?

1

He finally made it to the wedding banquet hall With Tiana's help, Mom had already slipped into her toast dress. She approached a beaming Bryce, ready to start the rounds of toasts with the Lutz

family's relatives.

"Mom!"

The banquet hall was bustling, and Danny's shouts were drowned out by the lively chatter.

His small figure struggled to push through the crowd. "Mom, listen, Sammy..."

But deep in the throng of guests, Whitney, raising her glass for a toast, didn't hear him.

Bryce was in a pristine white tuxedo,

elegantly standing by her side. Whitney, dressed in a red cocktail dress-a simple style that

ove

highlighted her graceful figure and

stunning beauty-was the

undeniable center of attention as the

bride.

Bryce's hand, resting on her waist, was already anticipating the sweet night ahead, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Take it easy, Whitney, just a sip will do." He couldn't bear the thought of her drinking too much and gently advised her in front of everyone.

"Aww, look at the groom pampering his bride! But come on, you've got to drink at least one glass, or the groom has to drink three!" A group of younger Lutz family relatives teased and laughed.

Bryce, spirited by the happy

occasion, raised his glass in front of

Whitney, holding her hand tightly.

et

"Cousin, don't make it hard for your

sister-in-law. I'll take those three glasses. Let us off the hook, will you?"

Whitney also had to speak up, "Please, go easy on us. Bryce and I are heading off for our honeymoon tomorrow."

"Bryce, look how your bride is sticking up for you. You've got yourself a keeper, such a loving couple!" The cousin joked. The atmosphere was lively and warm.

Bryce looked tenderly at Whitney. "Honey, don't worry about me. I can hold my liquor."

Whitney, under everyone's gaze, blushed slightly, still getting used to the endearment.

Journalists captured the moment, broadcasting this grand Banyan City wedding live online.

"Whitney, I think Danny is calling you..." Tiana approached.

But before she could finish, a sudden loud noise from the roof caught everyone's attention, sounding almost like a helicopter.

Someone frowned and exclaimed, "What's happening? Is there a helicopter landing on the roof?"

"Who would come to a wedding in a helicopter?"

"Must be some billionaire making an entrance!"

Hearing the crowd, Whitney's face fell. Ludwik owned helicopters, plenty of them at Everwood Villa Estate!

Just past midnight, and he had already found them.

After all, he had come.