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.

cold smirk, she countered, "Disgusted by me yet you couldn't wait to get me into bed, over

"You provoked me first.

Aside from their night together, which admittedly

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

you? I'll consider it a dog bite, but remember, this isn't over. Now,

struggled to speak, his pride swallowing his

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

a dog, irked him deeply. Was his company that repulsive to her?

was some cheap fling! The nerve

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

that in my bed again, and you'll regret

had a knack for dousing his

had hoped, foolishly, that last

found only indifference, a stark contrast to the adoration she once

silent, suffocating

words cutting deep, "If you want to play the field, fine by me. I only settled 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,

exactly how

Yet, for a fleeting moment last night,

clarity had returned, along with a plan. Whitney would make

lingering sentiment, ready to plot her

-

outside was

the marks on Ludwik's

you doing here?" Ludwik's tone was

so loud the whole floor could hear. What if Elaine