Love Beyond the Mask novel Chapter 822

Parker's glasses caught a gleam as he eyed the woman before him.

She was petite, and given his height, it was easy for him to look down on her soft, curly black hair that framed her cute face.

She was as adorable as... Cherry.

He pursed his lips, saying, "Cherry called me today, sobbing her heart out, thought I was gone for good. So, I figured I'd check in on her."

He was clearly seeking her opinion.

"Uh?" Tiana blinked, internally cursing.

How did Cherry end up contacting Parker? She had just visited her last night and hadn't brought up Parker at all.

It must have been Danny or Sammy passing the message along.

Her daughter was quite fond of Parker, clever too. But the little tyke had been down in the dumps ever since Parker's disappearance. She couldn't really say no, "Then... let's go see her together."

"Alright, I'll drive. Just wait here for me," Parker gestured for her to stay put.

With firm steps and a lean figure, Parker's presence was filled with a masculine aura Tiana couldn't forget.

His departing figure was so captivating, she found herself staring long after he was gone, her heartbeat racing uncontrollably.

When he drove up, she quickly looked away.

The drive was mostly silent between them.

The stifling silence was shattered upon their return to Delight Mansion by Cherry's exuberant welcome.

"Ah! Daddy Parker, you're back. Cherry... Cherry thought you were gone forever, cried for so long, a whole month, daddy," she sobbed, throwing herself at him.

Waiting by the doorstep, wrapped up like a burrito by the nanny in a little red cape against the winter's first snowflakes, her tear-streaked, doughy face melted Parker's heart.

He didn't know why, but he was so fond of this little girl.

Especially since Tiana had brought her to Emperor City, their bond had only grown stronger.

After all, she was his brother's child, a blood relation.

"Come here, let me give you a hug," he said, squatting down with open arms.

"No, no, it's daddy, daddy!" Cherry stubbornly corrected, climbing onto him.

"Cherry—" Tiana shot a look, frustration and embarrassment mingling in her expression, "How many times have I told you not to call Mr. Doonan daddy? He's not—"

"He is, he is!" Cherry protested, ignoring her mom, "I just know he's my daddy. And I only want such a handsome man to be my daddy! Right, daddy?"

Nestling into Parker's neck like a little piglet, her baby scent was too much for Parker to bear saying 'no' to. He glanced at Tiana with a smirk, "So, you mind her calling me daddy?"

His eyes, under the light, carried a depth that seemed to hint at something more.

Tiana couldn't decipher his intent. Was it a test?

Her heart raced even faster, dodging his gaze, "But he's clearly not..."

"The kid likes it, what's the harm? She's missing a father figure. Why be so harsh on her? Wouldn't you rather see her happy?" Parker retorted, seemingly indifferent.

Tiana felt uneasy at his words.

Now he's playing the good guy in front of the kid.

But when Cherry grows up, how is she supposed to explain this awkward relationship, that Parker is actually her great-uncle?

"Don't you, an unmarried man, find it off-putting to be eagerly called daddy?" Tiana countered with a frown.