When Love Is a Lie (Whitney and Damian)

Chapter 247 Holding Onto Dreams That Will Never Be

There was a bracelet on the ground near the car, its crystals caught the light and shimmered faintly.

lian brot down to pick it up, holding it in her hand for a closer look

From behind a nearby pillar, Whitney spotted the bracelet she instinctively glanced at her own wrist, now bare. At that moment, her heart sank

The bracelet was a gift from Yvette during a work trip, bought from a quaint little shop renowned for good luck charms. She had worn it every day since, except when she showered.

Now, her mind raced. Would Lilian recognize it?

"Do you know whose bracelet this is?" the man beside Lilian asked, noticing how carefully she was inspecting it.

*It looks familiar, Lilian replied. She pondered briefly before saying, "We haven't found anyone hear. Let's just leave,

The man was clearly reluctant. He asked, "we've only just met, and you want to leave already? How about we head to a hotel instead?"

Lilian shot him an exasperated look. "This isn't the time for that!"noveldrama

"I told you, I've got a plan," the man said, wrapping his ann around her waist and sliding his hand underneath her blouse.

Her defenses crumbled in an instant. She leaned into him, her eyes softening with playful annoyance as she lightly smacked his arm. "Oh? What plan?"" "Come with me, and I'll tell you everything, the man said as he smirked. Then, they got into the car together and drove out of the parking lot.

Only after their car disappeared did Whitney step out from behind the pillar,

Lilian was pregnant, and it was obvious that the man was the father. Yet her engagement to Noel was just around the comer. The man hadn't let her go for an abortion, claiming he had a solution.

What kind of solution could he possibly have?

Also, the bracelet was still in Lilian's possession

Whitney frowned.

After spending time with Margaret, Whitney belt the hospital

The evening sky was already dimming by the time she returned to Coasta Heights.

As she slipped off her shoes at the entrance, she hesitated. This situation couldn't go unaddressed. She needed to tell Noel.

Crossing the hallway, she stood at his door and knocked.

When it opened, Whitney froze. Standing before her was Madelyn, dressed in understated yet elegant attire. Her hair was neatly pinned back, and her gemstone earrings radiated a quiet sophistication "Ms. Spencer?"

Madelyn was a bit surprised. As she noticed whitney was wearing a pair of slippers, the warmth in her expression quickly faded.

Whitney hadn't expected Madelyn to answer the door and found herself momentarily at a loss for words.

"Mrs. Howard, good evening."

"You're here for Noel? Madelynaked.

Back when Noel was still unconscious, Madelyn had been forthright in warning Whitney to stay in her lane and not harbor any unrealistic fantasies about her som. Wet, here she was again

Whitney met Madelyn's icy state and explained, "Chir company's new project involves Seabourke Architectural institute, and I needed to discuss some work-related matters with Mr. Howard."

The frost in Madelyn's eyes didn't thaw in the slightest out of courtesy, she stepped aside and gestured for Whitney to enter. "Come in Noel isn't home yet." Whitney besitated. "If Mr. Howard isn't here, I don't want to intrude

She turned to leave, bur Madelyn's fum vulce stopped her

"He's on his way back. It won't take long"

Left with no choice, Whitney reluctantly stepped inside.

"Ms. Spencer, do you semember what I told you at the hospital? Madelyn wasted no time addressing the elephant in the room after she sat down Whitney remained standing in the entryway, her fingers curling slightly as she nodded. "Yes, I remember." "Not long from now, N

Noel will be engaged to the Heids" daughter. I'm sure you're aware of that."

Whitney felt a sharp pang interrbest as she replied, "Yes, I know."

Tunderstand that some feelings are hand to let go of. I've been your age before, but clinging to what was never yours will only lead to disappointment, "Noel has responsibilities to the Howards and our family, an the woman who stands by his side must be someone of equal stature. Do you understand what I'm saying, Ms. Spencer?"

This time, Madelyn's words cut straight to the point. What she wanted to say was, "Don't get your hopes up. My son will never marry you."

It teir as though Whitney had been stripped bate, left exposed under the harsh spotlight for all to judge Her already pale complexo tumed an even starker shade

the sound of the door unlocking broke the suffocating silence.

Noel walked in. His eyes up mountarily when he saw Whitney, but the faint glow quickly faded as he noticed herghostly pallor. When he saw Madelyn sitting en the couch, his expression darkened.

"Oh, you're finally back," Madelyn said with a smile as she looked at Noel

Noel gave a light nod before stepping toward Whitney. In a low voice, he said, "Wait for me in the study

"Noel, isn't that a little inappropriate? Madelyn said, "If Ms. Spencer has business to discuss with you, why can't she do it here!

Althougli she was smiling, her expression was grim