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.

to respond, walked away

giving him a look of admiration, his

face darkened, "This is not the

outside the store, "Daddy,

not a playground," Ludwik

love me anymore, I'll just go to

Ludwik found a secluded spot and crouched down, letting his son climb onto his back for a piggyback ride, much to the boy's

son. Surprised, her gaze softened when she noticed the boys had switched places. Sammy, pretending to be Danny, clung to

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

particular box of condoms on display embarrassed Whitney further, realizing

her son out, determined to

a meal for her and her son, leaving Ludwik to add his own portion to the rice cooker

acknowledge Ludwik's presence, his attempt to fit into their lives in his own awkward way, sharing a meal as if they were a normal

kitchen, hoping to scoop up a third helping, he found the pot disappointingly empty. He

added more," he mumbled

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

playing on his lips. "Dad, isn't

alright," Ludwik downplayed, his

drink, recalling how Ludwik

who appreciate mom's cooking are rare. Bryce is an exception; he always says mom's dishes are heavenly.

room, affecting even Whitney, who felt the