Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 199

In the opulent grandeur of the silver screen’s embrace, Elaine nestled snugly beside Ludwik in the plush velvet cinema seats. Her heart fluttered like a caged bird as she stole glances at his chiseled features, a heady mix of sweetness and triumph bubbling within her.

Just hours earlier, her temper had flared over the photo Whitney sent, prompting a frantic call to her mother for counsel.

Her mother had told her to feign hospital stay to throw Whitney off balance, and cautioned, “You can’t let Natalie kick the bucket just yet, darling. Bear with it. You’re at the cusp of getting engaged to Ludwik; if she stirs trouble now, his heart will be elsewhere. You need to ensnare his affections fast. Once the engagement is official, you’ll find the right moment to deal with her. Then, with the title of Mrs. Lippert securely yours, what’s there to fear?”

Her mother was spot on, which is why Elaine was basking in today’s triumph of setting an engagement date with Ludwik.

She had relished publicly humiliating Whitney, a sweet release at last.

Now, she needed to expedite matters with Ludwik, to cement their relationship beyond doubt.

As the movie screen flickered to a kissing scene, Elaine feigned coyness, her head inching involuntarily towards his broad chest. But Ludwik’s mind was miles away from the on–screen romance, his gaze shifting to his phone more often than the film warranted.

Elaine’s lips had barely grazed his jawline when Ludwik abruptly came to, instinctively turning away as he rose with grace, “Elaine, I’ll be right back. Need to use the restroom.”

Elaine drew a sharp breath, watching his retreating back with a mix of desire and frustration.

Outside, Ludwik, unable to concentrate inside the stifling cinema, stepped out for a smoke.

After pacing around without finding her, his brows furrowed deeply in irritation.

“Felix, I thought I told you to keep an eye on her. Who let her leave?”

Felix emerged, internally sighing at his boss’s distracted state, and pointed discreetly towards the street opposite the cinema, “Ms. Valentine said she needed some fresh air. I kept a watch; she’s just

over there.”

Following Felix’s indication, Ludwik finished his cigarette and strode purposefully out into the night. As he reached the vibrant strip of eateries, his steps faltered.

There she stood, Whitney, frail and thinly clad in front of a bustling barbecue stand. Like a statue, she gazed on, her raven hair whipping across her pale face in the chilly night breeze.

Ludwik’s mind, constricting his chest with a sudden ache. It was the spot where they had reconciled, their first date after patching things up.

barbecue right now, L!”

place is called ‘Destiny Barbecue‘, and there’s ‘Romance

teased the petite woman beside him, “Romance Inn? Maybe we can stop by

pierced his heart like a warm needle, sinking

14:49

hers, landing on the very spot they had once shared a meal. She

affection, had chased after her with a napkin, dabbing at her lips. Later, she had coyly sought a kiss, wanting to taste something sweeter from his lips.

a distant longing, his fists clenched

same? Did she wonder why everything had

time. Oh, he’s not with you today? Don’t stand

with concern after seeing her linger for

hastily wiped her eyes and shook her head, “No, thanks. I’m good.”

out on their cravings. I’ll have a word with your boyfriend when he comes to pick you up; he shouldn’t

smile, “He won’t

Whitney turned to leave, she couldn’t resist one more glance back. Her eyes, glistening under the moonlight, seemed to seep into Ludwik’s heart, softening it

watched her small figure recede, rubbing his brow,

Mr. Lippert was buying it for Whitney. Mr. Lippert was softening; his mood always swayed by her.

lined with late–night food stalls. Compelled, he followed from a distance, stopping just short of a planter as he dropped his cigarette butt.

a car, a man stepping out to greet her.

watch and smiled,

occasion for you to reach out to me,” Bryce, spotting a narrow spot by the curb, gently supported her waist, careful of her condition, “It’s crowded here; let’s find somewhere to sit.”

still lured by the scent of Destiny Barbecue, lingered on it once

a barbecue? Then let’s go,” Bryce suggested, noticing the pallor

hesitated, the taste of those flavors

same place

Whitney politely inquiring, “Mr. Lutz,

lived abroad for years; I’ve experienced all

Chapter 199