Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 348

"I'll get it myself," Whitney said, feeling an unexpected closeness as the warmth of the man next to her seemed to radiate through the air.

She tried to step back but suddenly found her arm caught in his firm grasp. "Careful," he warned.

A floor cleaner was passing right behind her.

His deep voice sent an intriguing shiver down her neck, much to her annoyance.

Frustrated, Whitney reached for another bottle on the higher shelf.

"You're too short to reach that. Aren't they all the same anyway?" he questioned, baffled by her insistence.

"Short? I'm not short!" At 5'5", Whitney wasn't tall, but she loathed being called short.

Her glare was both fierce and somewhat comical, causing Ludwik to pause before teasing, "You're not short, sure. You'd barely make it under my arm, though." Whitney's forehead creased in irritation.

He even gestured to emphasize his point, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. Turning his head slightly, he whispered, just loud enough for her to hear, "But this height difference... it's quite convenient for, well, kissing and... um." Realizing he was about to say too much, Whitney stepped on his foot, shutting him up before he could continue.

What was he thinking, saying something like that?

Her cheeks flushed with anger and embarrassment, especially with her son nearby.

Ludwik sensed he'd gone too far, especially after noticing her reaction. "Sorry. Need anything from the top shelf?" he said, trying to change the subject.

respond, walked away in

giving him a look of

is not the time for

son's gaze drifted towards the carousel outside the

a supermarket, not a playground," Ludwik replied,

you don't love me anymore, I'll just go to Mommy

letting his son climb onto his back for

playing horse for his son. Surprised, her gaze softened when she noticed the boys

dreams of a happy family, now seeing a glimmer of that in her sons' interaction with

the checkout, Ludwik's attention to a particular box of condoms on display embarrassed Whitney further, realizing

determined to keep

at their apartment, Whitney gave Ludwik the cold shoulder, focusing instead on preparing a meal for her and her son, leaving Ludwik to add his own portion to the rice cooker

to eat, Whitney couldn't help but acknowledge Ludwik's presence, his attempt to fit into their lives in his own awkward way, sharing a meal

up a third helping, he found the pot disappointingly empty.

should've added more,"

from the kitchen, Ludwik noticed that Sammy had switched seats, and even his eating manner

playing on

downplayed,

how Ludwik had practically licked his plate

by his dad's understatement, laid back in his chair with an easy laugh. "Seems like good men who appreciate mom's cooking are rare. Bryce is an exception; he always says mom's dishes are heavenly. If

sweep through the room, affecting even Whitney, who felt the