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?”

all. I wouldn’t want to keep you from playing

were like ice, and Ludwik’s face turned stormy. “What’s with the

it was because I was wet, so he kindly offered me

From the moment Elaine had clung to L’s wrist, to the subtle provocation in her voice, Whithey recognized

anything, Elaine. You don’t have to emphasize that he put his

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

seemingly indifferent to her, had left her stranded in the hospital room while tending to other women. The thought of her helpless situation in the hospital room stirred

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argument, she’d retreat like a turtle into its shell, absolving herself of

bother explaining 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

but a flicker of darkness passed through

how

softening, he would smoothly reconcile with her. She shared a

deliberately picking a

you don’t care, Elaine, I’ll take you

you can’t just leave

to freeze the hallway. He grabbed

watching them leave hand in hand. Her heart felt colder than the howling

eyes closed, and dampness

abdomen aching, making her want

your husband?

He’s been standing there for quite a while, not really talking to that other woman. Seemed like he was waiting

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

the hospital,

pulled into the car by

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

her home, but that was just an angry retort

He was using her.

Ludwik offered a half–apology, “I’ll

was the path she had chosen.

look, she insisted, “It’s okay, Bro. I just have a little

his gaze fixated on the

This evening had been a triumph. Her ‘kindness‘ was etched in Ludwik’s mind, and the relationship between those two began on a discordant note.