When Love Is a Lie (Whitney and Damian)

Noel stopped in his tracks as Damian stepped forward, deliberately blocking the doorway. He glanced at the plastic bag containing fever patches in Noel's hand.noveldrama

"Whitney's being careless, letting you take care of her while she's sick. Thank you for your help," Damian said with a smile that did not seem genuine. He reached for the bag, but Noel's grip remained firm. "What's the meaning of this?" Damian's smile faded as he met Noel's cold gaze.

"Did you give Madam Colin's medicine to Rachel?" Noel asked.

"Whitney really tells you everything, doesn't she?" Damian smirked. "Someone might think you're her fiancé instead of me."

Noel's gaze grew colder. "Since you're so aware of your own role, you should understand what's appropriate. Don't play with fire unless you want to get burned."

The tension in the air was palpable as Damian's smirk turned icy. "I could say the same to you. Don't pursue what isn't yours and know your place. Whitney loves me. No matter what I do, she'll forgive me. Haven't you figured that out yet?" Noel's free hand clenched into a fist before relaxing. "Who she loves isn't my concern. I'm just warning you not to embarrass the Howard family, or the position of Howard Group's heir might not be yours to keep."

This statement sparked a new thought in Damian's mind. He could not help but wonder if Noel was eyeing the Howard Group himself. If so, perhaps his concern for Whitney was not personal but strategic.

The idea weighed heavily on Damian. He had never considered Noel a rival, assuming Beckham would not approve due to his political career.

However, Noel's words made him think twice. After all, someone who became chief designer at Seabourke Architectural Institute was not to be underestimated.

Damian's smile returned. "Thanks for the warning. As a Howard, I'd never do anything to embarrass the family."

He reached for the bag again, and this time, Noel let it go.

"I hope you mean that," Noel said flatly before returning to his apartment.

After Noel's door closed, Damian entered Whitney's apartment. Whitney was still asleep, feverish and unaware. He tossed the bag of fever patches aside, not in any hurry to use them on her. Instead, he stood over her, watching her pale face.

Damian crouched slightly and muttered, "If you had just listened and moved back in with me, I wouldn't have given the medicine to someone else."

His mind wandered to two nights ago. Rachel had come to the villa wearing only a slinky dress under her coat.

"Uncle Damian, I need a favor," she had purred while pressing against him. "My friend's mother was in an accident. Could you give her Professor Morris' medicine instead?" Damian looked at her, asking, "How do you know what medication he has?"

Rachel avoided his gaze. "I

overheard Whitney mentioning it to someone.... That it's really effective. for brain injuries." As she spoke, she pressed closer. "I want to help them they're so pitiful. It's just her and her mother now. If you agree, I'll make it worth your while tonight."

Rachel had kissed him then, guiding his hand to her chest. Yet, all Damian could think about was Whitney's hurt expression, so he pulled away.

"If your friend's mother's condition is critical, she can have the medicine first," he said.

Rachel was surprised by how easily he agreed as she knew her excuse would not hold up under scrutiny. Still, his reaction unsettled her. Damian had never turned her

l.ne

alway

before, and her expression dropped.

...

When Whitney woke the next morning, sunlight was streaming through her windows. She was confused to find herself in bed with medicine nearby. Hearing movement outside her room, she got up but immediately felt dizzy. As she swayed, someone rushed in to catch her while calling out, "Whitney, careful!" Whitney looked up, disappointment flashing across her face before she put on a cold look. "Were you the one who took care of me last night?"