Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 314

"Shameless!" Whitney's eyes filled with tears, her voice quivering with outrage. How dare he demean her with physiological excuses after spending the night with her? He was beyond a jerk, utterly despicable.

Perhaps sensing he'd gone too far, Ludwik frowned, gently grasping her hand in his, seeking some form of reconciliation.

His face twisted uncomfortably as he explained, "Look, we're both consenting adults. The police wouldn't see it as assault, you know that, right?"

"I didn't enjoy it one bit. You're terrible in bed! It was like being bitten by a mangy dog. I had no choice but to let it happen and now I'm worried I've caught something. I'm heading to the hospital for a check-up!" Hearing the words "consenting adults" confirmed Whitney's suspicions that Ludwik was shirking responsibility.

Despite anticipating this, her heart still ached fiercely.

Of course, he was set on marrying his beloved Elaine, while she was merely a fleeting distraction.

Despicable.

A chill crept into her gaze.

Ludwik, faced with her biting sarcasm, saw his own face darken with anger.

What, she had the nerve to criticize his performance? And insinuate he was diseased? What did she take him for?

Rising abruptly, his frustration evident, Ludwik retorted bitterly, "Maybe I'm the one who should get checked. With your reputation, who knows how clean you are?"

Whitney froze, feeling as though her heart had been mercilessly torn apart.

She let out a hollow laugh, remembering just how venomous Ludwik's words could be.

couldn't wait to get me into bed, over and over. Hypocrisy suits you perfectly, Mr.

Ludwik's complexion turned stormy. "You provoked me

of him? Aside from their night together, which admittedly shook him, she seemed perpetually armed

hoped last night might soften her stance, but clearly, he'd overestimated

like you? I'll consider it a dog bite,

Ludwik struggled to speak, his

wanted to make amends for last night, admitting his fault and open to any

bitten by a dog, irked him deeply. Was his company that repulsive to her? "Whitney, I'm giving you one chance to name your

some cheap fling! The nerve of

Whitney stood tall at the bedside, her gaze mocking, "It was just a fling. I'm not the one clinging, Mr. Lippert. I move on, just like kicking a dog aside after it's served its purpose. After all, there might

bed again, and you'll regret it!" Ludwik's jealousy flared, his grip tightening around

for dousing his heated thoughts with

that last night meant something

her eyes, he found only indifference, a stark contrast to the adoration she once held for

a silent, suffocating despair taking

for you because Elaine wasn't an option. Your hoarse voice this morning said enough. Consider it a forgettable one-night stand, and don't you dare use this to upset Elaine." With that, Ludwik left, his departure

knew exactly how to

seen it coming; she was nothing but a backup plan. Yet, for a fleeting moment last night, lost in

Whitney would make them both pay, starting with

lingering sentiment,

-

encounter with Parker outside was

score, the marks on Ludwik's neck leaving

are you doing here?" Ludwik's tone was

watch, obviously. You two were so loud the whole