When Love Is a Lie (Whitney and Damian)

Helena's eyes instantly reddened, panic clear in her gaze. She opened her mouth, but the words wouldn't come. She wanted to stop him, to ask him to stay, but the memory of how she had hurt Matthew that night held her back.

After Gavin's betrayal, Helena told herself she would never love again. Men constantly surrounded her, but she felt nothing except for Matthew.

She tried to convince herself she felt nothing for him but gradually realized she was wrong. Matthew was too perfect, and she couldn't shake the feeling that she didn't deserve him. That night, she had been scared and pushed him away. Since then, Helena had felt as if she were walking in a daze.

Then, today, at Noel and Whitney's wedding, she found out Matthew was leaving for graduate school in Moslea. The news threw her into a panic.

When Matthew said he probably wouldn't be coming back, it felt like her heart was breaking, the pain overwhelming.

"You..." She opened her mouth several times but couldn't find the words to ask him to stay.

The announcement came on again, reminding any passengers who hadn't checked in yet to do so as soon as possible.

"I have to go," Matthew said, giving her a brief hug. "I wish you all the best in your career and that you find someone you truly love."

With that, he turned, disappearing into the now-empty gate.

Helena stepped out of the airport, dazed and heartbroken. The man who had cared for her most was gone for good.

Tears slipped down her face, but she hardly noticed. It felt like she couldn't hear or see anything, as if the world around her had disappeared.

A car horn blared as it drove toward her, but Helena didn't notice. She walked on, her eyes fixed ahead, moving toward the center of the road.

Suddenly, a firm hand yanked her back, and she stumbled into someone's chest. A sharp, scolding voice filled her ears. "Why aren't you watching where you're going? You could've been hit by a car!"noveldrama

In disbelief, Helena lifted her head, and Matthew's face came into view, his eyes radiating warmth.

"You... weren't you supposed to get on the plane?" she asked, her voice trembling.

Matthew wrapped his arms around her, his lips curling into a gentle smile that seemed to ease her sorrow. "I'm not going anymore."

Helena bit her lip, trying to hold back her sobs. But soon, she broke down in Matthew's arms, tears flowing uncontrollably.

After a while, she barely managed to say, "No... you can't... that's your future..."

"It doesn't have to be abroad. There are still better options here for graduate programs," Matthew said softly, rubbing her back to comfort her. "I'll become better and stronger to protect you." Helena's heart melted. No matter what the future held, she would never push Matthew away again.

...

A year later, Whitney stood before

the mirror, dressed in a wine-red evening gown. Her long black curls cascaded down her back as she picked up a pair of crystal earrings and put them on.

Suddenly, a pair of hands wrapped around her waist. In the mirror, she met Noel's intense gaze. "Planning to go alone, Mrs. Howard?" he asked.

Whitney finished putting on her earrings, then turned and wrapped her arms around Noel's neck. "I've been pregnant for nine months and then had the baby. I haven't gone out much since."

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She continued, "When I do, I either have bodyguards or you with me. Today, I'm receiving an award. Can you please just agree, my dear?"

Having been kidnapped twice, Noel was overly protective. Whether she was heading to work or a construction site, he always made sure bodyguards were with her. Whitney found it too conspicuous, so she negotiated with her company to work from home.

Unexpectedly, a year later, her design for Seabourke Library won an award.

She spoke in a soft, almost coaxing tone. Worried Noel might object, she quickly added, "Don't worry, I've already fed the baby, and the

nanny's watching him."

Glancing at the clock, she realized she was running late. She kissed Noel on the cheek. "I'll be back as soon as I get the award."

Just as she took a few steps, he pulled her back. "Not enough."

Whitney sighed and tiptoed to kiss him again, this time on the lips.

Noel held her waist, his large hand cupping the back of her head as he pulled her into a deep kiss.

In an instant, Whitney felt weak, her eyes growing dazed.

Noticing this, Noel reluctantly pulled back. "Alright, go now."

Whitney's eyes were filled with longing as she looked at Noel.

"What's wrong?" he asked, confused.

How could he still ask that? After everything he'd done, how could she even think of leaving now?

Whitney made up her mind, deciding not to hold back. She grabbed Noel and pulled him toward their bedroom.

"Didn't you want to go get your award?" Noel asked again.

Whitney pushed him onto the bed, her fingers lightly brushing over his eyebrows and eyes. "Let's finish what we started before I leave." The End