Love Beyond the Mask novel Chapter 1076

Whitney stared blankly at the incubator, her eyes devoid of life. The baby inside felt foreign to her, as if she were looking at a stranger. She hadn't carried this child for nine months, hadn't felt her grow within her.

All she could think about was how this baby had spent those months inside Florence, a woman Whitney despised. Florence had stolen her embryo, hoping to secure wealth and status, and Whitney couldn't forgive her for that. The thought of her child growing in such a hostile environment, absorbing nourishment tainted by Florence, filled her with a deep sense of unease.

Yet, the child was innocent in all of this. Whitney knew Florence had no love for her and likely treated the pregnancy with neglect, if not outright malice. The baby had been born prematurely, with fractures and a severe lung infection. It was clear she had suffered.

Whitney's heart ached with a maternal instinct she couldn't quite suppress. It was no wonder she had felt such an intense pang of anxiety the day before. This child, her child, should have grown safely within her.

"What's her condition now?" Whitney's voice was strained, dry and unfamiliar, as she forced the words out. Her heart resisted, but concern seeped through.

Ludwik, standing beside her, noted the shift in her demeanor with relief. At least she was asking about the baby. He approached the incubator, his expression troubled. "Her lung infection is severe, and her jaundice hasn't cleared up. She's barely able to take any nourishment. Specialists are considering surgery to help with her breathing."

He hesitated, then continued, "Whitney, I didn't tell you because... if she doesn't survive, I didn't want to add to your burden."

Whitney's eyes darted back to the tiny figure in the incubator. The baby was so small, her features scrunched and indistinct, her little hands resting motionless. Whitney's heart softened, despite herself. This was no stranger; this was a part of her.

Her son Sammy had been quietly protecting this child, recognizing her as his sister, as part of their family. Her heart, icy and hardened by anger, began to thaw just a little.

Whitney glared at Ludwik, her voice trembling with emotion. "Everything is always on your terms, Ludwik. You forced me into this pregnancy, and now that the child has been born from Florence, you expect me to accept her? You're a real piece of work."

Ludwik nodded, accepting her anger. "I know, Whitney. I am to blame for all of this. But our daughter is innocent. We don’t know if she’ll make it, but now that you know, I had to tell you everything. I can only ask you to try to see her for who she is."