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?”

at all. I wouldn’t

like ice, and Ludwik’s face turned stormy.

over, her eyes brimming with feigned concern, trying to explain, “Whitney, it was because I was wet,

Elaine had clung to L’s wrist,

have to emphasize

knew she shouldn’t have

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 a

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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, absolving herself

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

something, but a flicker

don’t know how to appreciate

his mind, choosing to stay here. Just moments ago, he had hoped that if Whitney showed any sign of softening, he would smoothly reconcile with

deliberately picking a

don’t care, Elaine, I’ll

you can’t just leave

to freeze the

hand in hand. Her heart felt colder than the howling wind

her weary eyes closed, and

voice choked up, her abdomen aching, making her want to cry even

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

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

buzzing in her head. With red eyes, she shuffled

hospital, a

was pulled into

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

he would take her home, but

He was using her.

this, Ludwik offered a half–apology,

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

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

wasn’t really listening, his gaze fixated

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