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?”

“No problem at all. I wouldn’t want to keep you from playing dress–up

were like ice, and Ludwik’s face

“Whitney, it was because I was wet, so he kindly offered me his jacket.

Elaine, unable to hide her distaste. From the moment Elaine had clung to L’s

have to emphasize that he put his jacket on

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

man, 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 a mixture of resentment and anger within

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

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

was eager to express something, but a flicker of darkness passed through her

really don’t know how to appreciate

mind, choosing to stay here. 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 savior, blamed him for

deliberately

declared, “Since you don’t care, Elaine,

just leave Whitney here,” Elaine

truly furious now, his aura cold enough to freeze the hallway. He

Whitney leaned on her IV stand, watching them leave hand in hand. Her heart felt colder than the howling

weary eyes closed, and dampness

aching, making her want

offering support. “Is that your

been standing there for quite a while, not really talking to

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

the hospital,

pulled

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

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

He was using her.

a half–apology, “I’ll

a scratch at her heart, but this was the path she had chosen. One day, she’d repay Whitney’s scorn

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

gaze fixated on the hospital’s second

had been a triumph. Her ‘kindness‘