When Love Is a Lie (Whitney and Damian)
Chapter 28

"s becane other tithymoah!" Whaneyretected.

whauryasn't someone who got angry easy, let alene hh people, but if anyone dared insult these closest to her, she had zero tolerance.

"If you won't teach her manners, I don't mind helping out should let her know what respect and decency mean."

Rebecca polsted a trembling linger at Whitney, her fury blazing as if she wanted to devour her. "s not your place! Your father and are still here. You don't have the right to act

Willey's eyes were cold as she stared back at Rebecca. "Aren't you going to hone my father and leave this family?'

Rebecca was rendered speechless, her heart shaking. She had hoped her plan muld work in her favor, yet Whitney had seen right through it.

Whitney turned to Westley Tat, Lunderstand why you diced my mother back then. After all these years, I know that it's impossible for you to get back together. But I hope that, for the sake of what you once share, you'll see her Before Westley could respond, Rebecca eut in, "We're talking about millions here! You make it sounds easy. Do you think the Spencer family's money just falls from the sky

"course.Det Spencer Group's wealth was buik by both my mother and my father!"

Fearing that Westley might waver, Whitney pressed on, "Dad, you katow how much my mother sacrificed for Spencer Group. That accident happened on her way to the factory. She practically gave here for this family."

Whimney had been young at the time. It was only later, with the help of a friend from Hel's I firm, that she learned the full story of Margaret's accident. She had never asked heather about hersell, fearing it would bring back painful memories Wesley seemed to drift back to the past, remembering the snipples be and Margest had faced together when building their legacy.

He paned Whitney's shoulder ceassuringly. "Whimney, don't worry. I'll save your mother. Millions are not beyond the Spencer family's means.

"whitney's eyes grew misty, and shrnodded in gratitude. But then Westley added, "You need to reassure met. Please, no more talk of beraking up with Damian."

Framment, Whitney felt a pang of suspicion. It sounded as if Westley was making a dead with her. But she quickly dismissed it

Her father had aber trouted her like a precious jewel. Even after crying Rebecca and having Stella and Martow, Whitney remained his favorite.

He would never me her marriage as a bargaining chip. It was impossible.

As the workday was winding down at Howard Group, Whitney carned some documents to the CEO's office.

"Mr.Howard, these two documents need your signature," Whitney sald

Damian flipped through them, briefly scanning them before signing

"I'll take my law, then," Whitney said without saying anything else as she turned to leave.

"Whitney," Damian called back. "You's not just my employee. Don't you have anything else you'd like today to me?" She turned around and asked, "It's work houn, Mr. Howard, what would you like to use?" o you think?"

"I'mpanulering making our lationship public. What do y

Dani looked at her as be wasted for her answer.

"I don't think it's a good idea." Whitey lowered her pane, missing the fleeting displeasure that crossed Damian's face.

"Bet you've been so distant and cold toward me. I really want everyone to know that you're my fade Don't you want others to know?

In the past, she would have definitely wanted that

"We've kept it a sectel until now. There's no need to go out of our way to announce it. Besides, if everyone knows, how will that affect my work? Will be able to interact with my

Whitney made excuses for herself. Although their wedding was set for next month, the prefered to wait until the day itself for everyone to learn about their relationship. Damian seemed to sigh in rollet and miled, "So, you're wanted about that? I thought you'd fallen for someone else." Whitney looked up, sensing something hidden in his words.

"Come back to the will with me tonight, alright? in a couple of days, the York family is hosting a birthday banquet for Mrs. Vork, and they've invited us. I've had a gown made for

Vittney knew this was just other excuse to being her luck to the villa.

*You can just have in delivered to my place, it doesn't fit, let you know."

Back when they had lived under the same rool, he he had revolved around me had no space of her own thily alter moving out did she realize how comfortable and Troving it was to live alone. -

She didn't have to worry about preparing meak or his dalys. There was need to think at which the would go with which suit and what kind of links he should wear

Now, she could use that time to coad, binge wach her favorite shows, or simply scroll through her phone. It was so much more relaxing.

With that in mind, alve returned home with some snacks from the supermarket to enjoy while reading lator.

As opened her apartment door, she heard a door open behind her

Hearing the sound, Whitney turned around

Chapter 29 din Hera Gowm

Aman dressed informal attire emerged from Noel's apartment, polling sites behind him.

www No moving out? But why hadn't she seen him?

Whimer's mind flashed back to their last conversation in the parking lot. Noel said he'd consider her request to older.

Had he actually decided to move out because of her?

A of gak wished over her as she realand that she might have gone too far. Had she driven him ay?

"Hello, I'm Mr. Howard's neighbor. Is he moving out?" Whitney asked directly.

The man looked at her and replied politely, "I'm Dariel Carter, Mr. Howard's assistant. He's about to lose on a business trip, but he couldn't spare the time to pack, so he sent me ever to handle " So, that was it

Whitney felt an odd sense of relief at his explanation:

just as she was about to him back to her apartment, Dariel spoke up again, "You must be Ms. Spencer, right?

Whitney was surprised. "Do you know me

Mr. Howard mentioned you and asked me to pass along something as a ton of apology for any recent inconvenience he might have caused

With that, Dariel handed her a large, rectangular gift box

Atokes of apology'

Whitney took it haped look.

Then, Daniel entered the elevator with the sulte

Whitney understood what Noel meant by "elence": w'd been insistent on keeping their distance and avoiding each other, which had led to some unpleasant encounters

She placed the git box on the table, removed the ribbon, and lifted the lid. Inside lay a mealy folded white gown that was embroidered with silver

lilies. Each petal shimmered subdy against the curious abric. The tricate collars adorned with tiny gems that sparklede delicate jewelry.

Why was taken aback she hadn't expected Noel to gilt her gown. It perfectly matched her style

However, it looked quite expensive. She couldn't accept such a valuable gilt from him.

she picked up phone, only to realize she didn't have his contact number, she'd just have to wait until he returned from his business trip to get back.

Later that ewing her doorbell rang. She checked the monitor and saw it was Damian's assistant, Billy Lawson

"Billy" she greeted as she opened the door.

"Ms. Spencer, Mr. Howard couldn't make it himself, so he asked me to deliver this evening gown for you."

Whinary accepted the b

Just before leaving, Bly added, "Mr.Howard said he'll pick you up for Mrs. York's birthday banquet the day after tomorrow."

She set the boxes side by side on her table, suddenly amused by the thought that both Nael and Damian had sent her gowns on the same day.

Opening the box from Damian, she found a light blue evening gown.

Thinking it might need adjustments, she slipped it on to check the fit it was perfect, though not because Damian knew her slaw well it was probably because the designer already Whitney exted Damian, "it tits, no odoratations"

In his bedroom at the villa, Damian's phone bud. He reached for it with his lure an

"No," Rachel said softly, wrapping her arms around his neck, her eyes glinting seductively." promised to spend the night with me. Are you going back on your word? Ihaven't quite large you WL." Comanchuckled, sliding his hand to her waist. "Who said I'd go back on my word? since you're stil mad, maybe this wil help? His voice held a playful tone

Rachel's eyes sparkled mischievously you scold me again, I'll really go on that led date and find myself a man to marry"

"You wouldn't dare," Damian said, pulling her close "If you did, I'd make you mine right in front of him. Let's see who'd dare marryi "Damian, you're such argue Rachel baghed softly. Damian leaned in closer and whispered enticingly, "can be maçta toque."

you then

At 7.00pm, 1

Whitney was preparing to attend Elena Gubert's birthday banquet.

She slipped into the light blue gown. She had turned down Damian's offer to send a makeup art and stylist

After all, Elena was the star of the evening. There was need for her to dress too extregantly. She applied a subtle yet elegant maloup herself.

Just as she finished getting ready, Damian called "I'mbere. I'll come up and get you"

"po need. I'm realy I'll come down. Just wait for me in the parking lot."

Whitney hung up the phone, took a glance at the mirror, and hurried out of the bedroom. As she brushed past the comer of her table, a cup of juice tipped over, spilling all over her dess Whitney Trowned, scolding herself for being so clumsy. The gown was ruined. She coulda's go to the banquet like this