When Love Is a Lie (Whitney and Damian)

Whitney's eyes widened in surprise. Elijah had known all along.

She glanced at Noel and noticed he didn't seem as surprised as she was.

"It's all thanks to Grandpa for looking out for us," Noel said.

"Good to hear that," Beckham said, feeling relieved. His voice softened with concern as he asked, "How are you feeling, Whitney? You've been through a serious injury. I can't thank you enough for saving Noel." Whitney replied, "I'm fine now. Thanks for your concern, Mr. Howard."

Noticing the serious expressions on their faces, Beckham recalled the odd atmosphere he'd sensed when he walked in. Frowning, he asked, "Care to tell me what's happening here?" Noel glanced at Madelyn but stayed silent.

Beckham knew his wife well enough. Even though Noel stayed silent, Beckham could tell what Madelyn was thinking.

His expression grew serious as he said, "You're still refusing to give in? The Howards don't need marriage alliances. I've always done things with integrity, and I don't need any of that. "When I retire, we can find a peaceful, beautiful place to relax and spend our days doting on the grandkids. Isn't that better, Madelyn? Stop holding on to these material things!

"I agree with Noel being with Whitney. If you disagree, then..." Beckham paused, taking a deep breath as if making a decision. "Then we'll separate!"

Madelyn stared at Beckham, the man she'd been married to for 30 years, her face a mix of shock and disbelief. "You want a divorce?"

"I don't want a divorce. You're the one who insists on having everything your way. I don't care, but you even try to meddle in our children's marriages and ruin them..." Beckham's heart ached. The woman he married hadn't always been consumed by self-interest; she had once been innocent and carefree.

"When have I ruined anything?" Madelyn snapped, anger rising. "It's just a bowl of soup. What did you think I was going to do?"noveldrama

Noel looked surprised. "You weren't trying to hurt our baby?"

Madelyn replied, irritated, "I just wanted to bring Whitney back and take care of her. She's carrying our family's child. Do you really think I'm that cruel?"

Just then, Ada spoke up. "Mrs. Howard prepared the ingredients last night and started stewing them early this morning."

Ada had worked for the Howard family for over 20 years and considered Noel like her own child, which made her words unquestionable.

"So, you... agree?" Noel asked, trying to clarify.

"She's carrying our family's child and even took a stab for you. Where else would I find a daughter-in-law like her? Do you think I'm that ungrateful?" Madelyn sank onto the couch, turning her gaze away as she sulked. "But what do you two think of me? You and your son are ganging up on me to make me mad!" Her good intentions were all misunderstood, and she didn't know what else to say.

The atmosphere in the living room grew tense and awkward.

Whitney stepped forward and picked up the chicken soup from the coffee table. She drank it all without hesitation.

Madelyn glanced at her. "Aren't you worried everything I said earlier was a lie? That I actually put something in the soup?"

Whitney smiled gently and shook her head. "You're the baby's grandmother; you wouldn't do that." She then turned to Ada. "Can I have another bowl?"

Ada smiled warmly and quickly agreed. Madelyn's expression softened considerably.

Noel took a stick from a vase and handed it to Madelyn. "I was wrong. If you need to, take your anger out on me."

Even though Madelyn was angry,

how could she bring herself to hurt her own son? She raised her hand and gave a slight wave before tossing the duster aside, her face filled with helplessness.

Beckham chuckled as he sat down beside Madelyn. "It's all my fault. Honey, know you're too kind to hold this against me. If you're not satisfied and don't want to hit our son, then hit me instead."

Whitney covered her mouth, stifling her laughter. The usually stern deputy mayor had this soft side in private.

"You two are so annoying. Do you think I enjoy hitting people?"

Madelyn pretended to be angry. She stood up and pulled Whitney toward the stairs. "Forget about them. You just got out of the hospital. You need more rest. Just let me know if you want anything to eat."

Madelyn had arranged a room for Whitney and told Noel not to go in, saying he might act impulsively and hurt the baby.

Later that night, as Whitney was about to settle in, she heard the door creak open. Before she could turn to look, someone wrapped their arms around her from behind.