Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 81

As Whitney spotted L lingering in the hallway, her heart quivered, and a glimmer of hope lit up in her eyes. She wondered if he was just being tough with his words but soft–hearted inside. But then she saw him draping his Jacket over Elaine’s shoulders with such care, and realization hit her hard.

It wasn’t about her all.

L hadn’t left because he was taking care of Elaine, who was soaked to the bone, probably needing to see a doctor.

Meanwhile, there she was, having been roughed up, aching all over in her hospital room, with not even a glass of water to drink because he’d refused to hire a nurse for her.

And from where she stood, it almost looked like L was pulling Elaine into an embrace.

What kind of sister was Elaine to deserve such intimacy?

A chill settled in Whitney’s gaze.

Pushing the IV stand, she slowly made her way out of the room.

Elaine, quick to notice, warned the man while taking a step back, putting some distance between them. It was a clear attempt to show innocence, but it only made her look more suspicious.

Whitney’s gaze turned icy. Suddenly, the cup in her hand felt too heavy, and as it slipped, it crashed onto her foot, eliciting a sharp cry of pain.

Ludwik’s cold hand reached out to steady her as he scolded, “Can’t you be more careful?”

He picked up the cup, and seeing her parched lips, a pang of regret hit him.

Did she need some water?

But Whitney heard only his irritation, a stark contrast to the tenderness he’d shown Elaine just moments before. Her displeasure surged, and she coldly shook off his hand.

His displeasure was immediate. He’d already set aside his pride with the gesture of a peace offering, and now she was pushing him away?

He wanted to spank her for her insolence.

Pressing down on the IV stand, he glared at her with a chilling look, “What’s your problem, Whitney?”

laced with self–derision, Whitney retorted, “No problem at all. I wouldn’t want to keep you from

words were like ice, and Ludwik’s

concern, trying to explain, “Whitney, it was because I was wet, so he kindly offered me his jacket. He didn’t mean anything by it. Please don’t

scrutinized Elaine, unable to hide her distaste. From the moment Elaine had clung to L’s wrist, to the subtle provocation in her voice, Whithey

Elaine. You don’t have to emphasize that he put his jacket on

somewhat out of control. She knew she shouldn’t have

the hospital room while tending to other women. The thought of her helpless situation in the

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remark. In any argument, she’d retreat like a turtle into its shell, absolving

to her? Did she appreciate your efforts to get a lawyer for her? She clearly doesn’t care, and if I went to put my jacket on you, I

something, but a flicker of

know how to

Just moments ago, he had hoped that if Whitney showed any sign of softening, he would smoothly reconcile with her. She shared a room with her ex, mistook Simon for her

she deliberately

don’t care, Elaine, I’ll take

you can’t just leave

now, his aura cold enough to freeze the hallway.

leaned on her IV stand, watching them leave hand in hand. Her heart felt

her weary eyes closed, and dampness spread to

choked up, her abdomen aching, making

hurried over, offering support. “Is that your husband? If you’d just apologize, I’m

for quite a while, not really talking to that other woman. Seemed like he

couldn’t hear her through the buzzing in her head. With red eyes, she shuffled back to her room, collapsing

hospital, a

thrilled, was pulled into the car

he released Elaine’s hand, his eyes profound and exhausted. “Go home by

had said he would take her home, but that was just an angry retort meant for

He was using her.

Ludwik offered a half–apology, “I’ll call you

her heart, but this was the path she had chosen. One day, she’d

I just have a little cold. I can make it home

really listening, his gaze fixated on

scratch in her heart turning into a smirk. This evening had been a triumph. Her ‘kindness‘ was etched in Ludwik’s mind, and