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.

the spot where they

go for barbecue right now,

is called ‘Destiny Barbecue‘, and

petite woman beside him, “Romance Inn?

heart like a warm needle, sinking deep

14:49

on the very spot they had once shared a meal. She had been so adorable, directing him to

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

with a distant

the same? Did she wonder

you! You were here with a very handsome boyfriend last time. Oh, he’s not with you today?

with concern after

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

baby might be craving something. Pregnant ladies shouldn’t miss out on their cravings. I’ll have a word with your boyfriend when he comes to pick you up; he shouldn’t be too hard

a wistful smile,

couldn’t resist one more glance back.

brow, and sighed, “Felix, get a barbecue

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

he saw her disappear around the corner onto another street lined with late–night food stalls. Compelled, he followed from a distance, stopping just short of a planter as he dropped his cigarette butt.

pause by a car, a man stepping out to greet her.

and smiled, “Mr. Lutz, punctual as always.”

curb, gently

of Destiny Barbecue, lingered

let’s go,” Bryce suggested,

those flavors a distant but

same

Whitney politely inquiring, “Mr.

delicate. I’ve lived abroad for years; I’ve experienced all sorts of living

Chapter 199