Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 125

She was floored the had speculated that Land Elaine were probably chums, given their deep professional ties and then families being old money allies

But engaged? That was beyond her wildest guess.

So where did that leave her?

Lipon hearing her words, Ludwik’s handsome face froze, his features turning rigid.

grip tightened around her delicate hand, his gaze fierce. “Who told you that?”

“Ashton) So, it’s true? Whitney’s laugh was hollow, tinged with sorrow, “You and her, childhood sweethearts with a wedding on the horizon Once our child is born, you’re set to marry her. Then why be serious with me? Now get it. I’m just a fling, but now I’ve been cast as the mistress. L, are you amused by playing me?”

Her soft eyes drilled into him.

Ludwik’s face went cold, “He’s talking nonsense. It’s not like that at all!”

“Did you lie to me?”

“wouldn’t call it lying” His frown deepened, and an oppressive oura surrounded him.

Releasing Whitney’s hand, Ludwik shoved his hands in his pockets, blocking her path, his tone detached as he explained, “Elaine was my fiancée, but only for three months. The family dumped a failing business on me, with everyone waiting to see me fall. I was a self–made man, and the Bartels family put her by my side. I needed her status and used her to ward off some women later. I made it clear to the Bartels that she was like a sister to me. The marriage was their one–sided attempt to promote her. If I liked her that much, you would not have stood a chance!”

His mockery was evident, pride etched in his features.

“So, he truly believes he did not deceive me?” Whitney thought.

As long as he did not admit to having a fiancée, there was not one, right? Elaine adored him, and Ashton’s certainty indicated she had been by his side for years as his fiancée.

Whitney wondered if he ever realized that Elaine’s harassment these past days might all stem from his secrecy. The hurt inside her had no outlet, and she offered a self–deprecating smile, “I never wanted to be a mistress, and I doubt any woman does. If you’re serious about someone, you should clear up your relationships first. L. if you’d told me at Alpine Springs Resort that you had a fiancée, especially her, I would’ve never agreed to date. you…

“So, you’re having second thoughts again, huh?” His face darkened abruptly, cutting her off.

This woman was always so uncertain about their relationship.

Anger surged through him as he spoke coldly, I’ve explained myself. She’s not my fiancée now, was only in name for three months. Why can’t you let it go? Do I strike you as the type to lie? You believe the gossip but not me?”

desire to

“You haven’t grasped my point. I may have fallen on hard times, but I still have my pride. A transaction forcing me to bear your child is one thing.

you

turned away, shutting

the detimeeting man did not stop het

door chord, a loud thump erupted from the

is this guy a

friend’s attempt at

equal, adept at controlling her, demanding her compliance, yet

relationship was exhausting

“When you say cool off, do you mean

mistress. He doesn’t understand. I’m angry because he lied

dilemma, sighed deeply, and reached for her phone. “You’re so upset. Should I call Valerie to

Valerie did not pick

had just ended when

eyeing her like she was

legs disabled, Matilda harbored a deep–seated resentment towards Valerie.

Fuller, Ashton’s father, present,

looked at Valerie with kindness. “Don’t go just yet. I’ve

befitting the ruggedly

really

crossed Valerie’s

because she had schemed her way into his bed here,

He loathed her.

today, he had returned. Could it be….

and serve him a bowl,” a servant suggested

Valerie found herself rising to fetch the pudding from the kitchen for him.

returned, she collided with the

softly. “Mom.”

Matilda finally smiled.

faced his father with a cold, stern

have family dinners every week. Valerie has finally come back to the country. Why

approaching with the bowl,

soft lighting caressed her slender, unique face, her cool silhouette seeming