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?”

retorted, “No problem at all. I wouldn’t want to keep you

ice, and Ludwik’s face

feigned concern, trying to explain, “Whitney, it was because I was wet, so he kindly offered

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

sneered, “I’m not misunderstanding anything, Elaine. You don’t have to emphasize that he put his jacket on you. I

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

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

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darkened at her ‘I couldn’t care less‘ remark. In any argument, she’d retreat like a turtle into its shell,

scoffed at Elaine, “Why bother explaining to her? Did she appreciate your efforts to get a lawyer for her? She clearly doesn’t care, and if I went

but a flicker of darkness passed through

how to appreciate

showed any sign of softening, he would smoothly reconcile with her. She shared a room with her ex, mistook Simon for her savior,

she deliberately picking

“Since you don’t care, Elaine,

just leave

aura cold enough to

behind, Whitney leaned on her IV stand, watching them leave hand in

and

voice choked up, her abdomen aching,

nurse hurried over, offering support. “Is that your

He’s been standing there for quite a while, not really talking to that other

With red eyes, she shuffled back to her room, collapsing into bed, too exhausted

the hospital,

was pulled into the

rain, and he released Elaine’s hand, his eyes profound and

said he would take her home, but that

He was using her.

Ludwik offered a half–apology,

was the path

demure look, she insisted, “It’s okay, Bro. I just have a little cold. I can make it home on

his gaze fixated

her heart turning into a smirk. This evening had been a triumph. Her ‘kindness‘ was