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?”

problem at all. I

were like ice, and Ludwik’s face

with feigned concern, trying to explain, “Whitney, it was because I was wet, so

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

to emphasize that he put his jacket on you.

out of control. She knew she

to other women. The thought of her helpless situation in the hospital room stirred a mixture of resentment

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any argument, she’d retreat like a turtle

your efforts to get a lawyer for her? She clearly doesn’t care, and

but a flicker of darkness passed through her

how to appreciate things.”

showed any sign of softening, he would smoothly reconcile with her. She shared a room with her ex, mistook Simon for her savior, blamed him for not rescuing her, and misunderstood his relationship

deliberately picking a

then declared, “Since you don’t care, Elaine, I’ll

leave Whitney here,”

aura cold enough to freeze the hallway. He grabbed Elaine

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

weary eyes closed, and dampness spread

up, her abdomen aching,

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

not really talking to that other woman. Seemed like he was

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

the hospital, a

thrilled, was pulled into the car by

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

take her home, but that was just an angry

He was using her.

this, Ludwik offered a half–apology, “I’ll

the path she had chosen.

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

really listening, his gaze fixated on the hospital’s

been a triumph. Her ‘kindness‘ was etched in Ludwik’s mind, and the relationship between those two began on a discordant note. Reconciliation would be difficult