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.

constricting his chest with a sudden ache. It was the spot where they had

go for barbecue right

called ‘Destiny Barbecue‘,

woman beside him, “Romance Inn?

a warm

14:49

had once shared a meal. She had been

about the other boyfriends being more attentive, he, filled with tender 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

eyes clouding with a distant longing, his fists clenched at his side.

thinking the same? Did she wonder why everything

time. Oh,

Destiny Barbecue approached Whitney with concern after seeing her

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

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

wistful smile, “He

glance back. Her eyes, glistening under the moonlight, seemed to seep into Ludwik’s

recede, rubbing his brow, and sighed, “Felix, get

buying it for Whitney.

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

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

glanced at her watch and smiled, “Mr.

curb, gently supported her waist, careful of her condition, “It’s crowded

still lured by the scent of

go,” Bryce suggested, noticing

of those flavors a distant but poignant memory.

same place as before.

stand, Whitney politely inquiring, “Mr. Lutz,

abroad for

Chapter 199