Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 172

Whitney had rushed to Ludwik’s side upon hearing his anguished cries, her concern for him propelling her

forward

But as she reached the door, Elaine shoved her inside and quickly shut it behind her. Leaning against the door, Whitney caught her breath and studied Ludwik closely.

He was in the throes of self–harm, dragging shards of porcelain across his arm, likely trying to distract himself from the searing pain in his head.

“Ludwik, stop it! You can’t do this to yourself! Let me help you ease the pain, please?” Whitney implored, rushing to his side.

His eyes were bloodshot, no longer recognizing her. Instinctively, he lashed out, driving the sharp shard toward

her arm

Her skin was instantly beaded with droplets of crimson, Gritting her teeth against the pain, Whitney managed a tender, pained smile. “At least you didn’t go for my belly”

1 need to get out!” Ludwik muttered, half–delirious as he pushed past her.

He must’ve realized who was on the other side of the door.

“You can’t go out there; you can’t let them get the upper hand, ruin your life. Your father… he wants to lock you up in an asylum,” Whitney said, her voice thick with urgency as she wrapped her arms around him, her eyes brimming with pity.

His forehead was a map of bulging veins, his gaze filled with extreme agony and fear- a remnant of some childhood trauma. He shook his head helplessly, turning to embrace her. “I don’t want to go there. Please, save

me.”

“Elaine, there must be something you can do. I need to get better fast… to stand up to them!” His words were broken, forced out between waves of pain.

The mention of “Elaine‘ left Whitney frozen, tears streaming down her face.

But she had no time to be sad, no time for jealousy over his trust in Elaine. She would not stand by and watch him crumble, let the Lippert family kick him when he was down. She would cure him; she had to believe she

could.

“Leave it to me. L. Give me your hand,” Whitney called to him, her voice a gentle caress through her tears.

His rage seemed to subside at the sound of her voice, and he slowly calmed down, slumping to the ground and extending his muscular arm toward her,

to his limbs, a clear sign of a fevered affliction pressing on his nerves, causing

that of a stranger she

see his face clearly. He had injured her arm as well, giving her a fair share

through the night, treating his

she had used to treat that man, Whitney hoped they could work for Ludwik too. After assessing his condition, she picked up the pack of medical needles Elaine had left on the table. Selecting a silver needle, she aimed for

voice. “Don’t be afraid, L. I’m healing you. Just

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Chapter

she began to hum a lullaby, delicate

the barren corners of Ludwik’s heart, bringing solace and peace.

furrowed brow relaxed, and he slowly wrapped his cold hand around hers, gradually

you that night, he realized, as the melody

there on her lap, his hand still holding her wrist and resting across

baby kicked gently.

but he’s sick. Mommy’s healing him. Be good,

them now lay the life within her,

bitter taste in her mouth.

hear her murmurs. His hand left her wrist and found its way to her swollen belly, where he

fully aware. This moment of interaction between him and their child was precious.

brow furrowed in pain, his trembling body seeking warmth even in his vulnerable state.

weakly to Whitney’s belly, as if it were a sanctuary

he mistook her for his mother.

high,” she whispered, feeling a chill envelop her.

well, to smile at me again.”

silver needle, as she looked down

to make, I could never have enough when I

turned his head and slipped into a peaceful sleep.

Whitney’s pale hand covered her mouth tightly, muffling the broken whispers, “I’m sorry, Ludwik.”

promised her, to stay by your side, to bear this child and bring you warmth. It was her dying wish, and I will fulfill it…”

picked up the needle and refocused on the treatment.

his pressure points, Ludwik’s violent state

intensive care unit, there were two

by the main door, close enough to see through the small window, listening enviously to the conversations between Whitney and Ludwik

heart eased. Whitney’s treatment was working.

approached, the confrontation in the hallway outside