Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 1185
"I'm just asking you to meet with her, Dad. Mom's memory is gone-she doesn't remember so much from back then. If you know
the truth, maybe you could finally tell her. I think it might help her heal, deep down."
Whitney's voice was gentle but firm, her hand resting on Hudson's strong arm. "Don't you think so? Dad, do you really want Mom
to keep living with all these misunderstandings, holding onto anger and regret? Aren't you tired of seeing her like that, never
forgiving herself or you?"
Hudson was silent. His jaw clenched so tightly his cheekbones looked like they might crack, eyes dark and intense, full of
emotion that threatened to spill over. He pressed his lips together, then finally spoke, his voice low, almost broken. "She's only
willing to see me because you asked her, Whitney. Otherwise, I doubt she'd even remember I exist. Are you sure your mom
wants this?"
"She promised me, Dad. She'll see you," Whitney said softly, squeezing his arm. "Don't you want a chance, even just one, to set
things right?"

Hudson gave a bitter little laugh, his eyes filling with old pain. "Whitney, what chance could I possibly have left? No matter how
much I want it, your mother isn't someone I can just wish for anymore. I know her better than anyone. She's always been cool
and composed-never the type to let her emotions rule her. I was so young back then, and I hurt her too deeply."
Whitney's eyes softened. "But Dad, you've suffered all these years too. I used to think you were the bad guy, but when I found
Mom's photo in your study, I realized you were just trapped. Grandma forced your hand. Even the strongest people have weak
moments when they're young. You couldn't choose between the Sheldon family and Mom, could you?"
Hudson's regret was heavy. "You're right. I was young, and I was a coward. I hesitated, and lost her forever."
Whitney hesitated, a trace of hope in her heart. "But Mom's back now. I didn't push for details, but from what she's said, that
marriage in Germany was more about gratitude than love. Her husband passed away years ago. She's been alone ever since."
She looked down at her lap. "Honestly, I don't want her to keep living in that big house all alone. She's got everything-money,
status-but she's lonely, Dad. It's heartbreaking."
Hudson's heart twisted. Of course he cared.

He still remembered seeing her in the hospital garden just last week. She hadn't changed much at all-those striking features, that
quiet grace. His heart had pounded just like it used to, back when he was young and stupid and in love.

How was he supposed to keep his cool, when the woman he'd missed for so long was suddenly within reach again?
He couldn't.
Whitney wanted him to try. Maybe she needed it as much as he did.
Hudson's eyes softened, his voice quiet. "Thank you, Whitney. Thank you for giving me this chance. Even if I only get to see her
once, that's enough for me."
Her face brightened. "So you'll do it?"
Hudson nodded, voice husky. "You know I want to. You're thoughtful, softer than your mother. She wasn't always so cold, you
know. When she was young, she was stubborn as hell. I guess we both made mistakes."
Whitney thought there was more to their history than just Dad messing up. Maybe it was time for both of them to lay it all out-tell
Mom what really happened back then.
She stood up and reached for his hand. "Dad, Mom just finished lunch and she's resting in the sun room. She's awake-she
knows what I've arranged."
Hudson's heart skipped a beat.
Was it really time to see her?
He glanced down at his hospital gown, suddenly self-conscious. He'd never cared much about how he looked, but now he ran a
hand through his hair in embarrassment. "Whitney, I can't go like this. I need a shirt and tie-your mom always liked me in a
button-up, hated when I looked scruffy."
Whitney grinned. "Come on, Dad. Let's get you ready."