Love Beyond the Mask novel Chapter 1262

“Ms. Turner, is that really how you feel?” Gary’s sharp gaze softened just a little.

Whitney frowned deeply, noticing the way Shane looked at Sandy—like he could crush her with a glance.

But Sandy, oblivious or simply stubborn, stood her ground. She cast a brief, startled look at furious Shane, then dropped her eyes and spoke softly, “Yes. I don’t want to marry Mr. Nelson.

Finding out I’m Tina’s mother so suddenly has thrown my whole world upside down. The memories I’ve lost make Mr. Nelson feel like a stranger to me. You can’t force love—it doesn’t work that way.

Mr. Nelson, I don’t remember the past four years. You’re asking if I still have feelings for you?

I’m sorry, but I just don’t know anymore.”

She’d answered him honestly—her heart was cold as ice.

Shane let out a bitter laugh, his jaw clenched as he stared at her pale, determined face. “You say you can’t force love? So who is it you’d rather marry? Silas? Are you blind, Sandy? With that attitude, I doubt you’re much of a mother to Tina either. If you don’t want to marry me, then don’t even bother coming to see your daughter!”

Sandy was stunned by his angry outburst, her eyes wide in disbelief.

Even Mrs. Nelson frowned at her son’s intimidating tone. “Shane, that’s not fair—these are two separate things.”

But Tina, hearing her daddy say her mommy couldn’t visit anymore, burst into loud sobs. “Daddy, you’re mean!”

“Shane, watch your mouth!” Whitney finally snapped, exasperated by both Sandy’s stubbornness and Shane’s childishness. She grabbed Shane’s arm, lowering her voice to scold him. “You’re mad she won’t marry you, but honestly, what did you expect? You just dropped this bombshell on her this morning and now you want her to say ‘I do’ by lunch? If it were me, I’d laugh in your face.

It was a mix of pressure and patience—a velvet threat.

But to Sandy, it still sounded like an ultimatum.

This man… his heart was hard as stone, and his power let him get away with it all. Sandy’s stomach twisted. She knew deep down that peace was likely out of reach.

Tina sniffled and clung to her. “Mommy, why don’t you want to be with Daddy? I know he made a lot of mistakes. We lost so many years together because of him. But Daddy just said he loves you!

Even if you’re not sure about him, won’t you think about it for me?

I just want a family. I wish I could have what the other kids at school have.”