Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 399

Ludwik was oblivious to the chilling change in her demeanor.

Leaning in, captivated by her presence, he couldn't resist brushing aside her hair to seek out her cheek for a kiss. "Whitney..." he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.

Startled, Whitney turned, her gaze icy as she struggled to distinguish between the memory captured in a photograph and the reality before her. Her chest felt tight, as if trampled by a hedgehog leaving behind a trail of painful pricks.

The photo, sent by Elaine with today's date-3 PM. Now it was 5.

Looking at Ludwik, so impeccably dressed, she scoffed at the thought that he had been drowning in work at Skyfaith, fasting in guilt as Danny suggested. She had hoped he'd share her concern for Sammy, feel the loss as deeply... But clearly, he didn't. While she was hanging on a thread after an argument with Elaine, he was out, meeting new women? Was he always this stranger she never truly knew?

Tears welled up in Whitney's eyes, overwhelmed by a surge of anger. "Whitney... what's wrong?" Ludwik's confusion was palpable as he noticed the coldness in her stare, his brows knitting in concern.

Whitney, her anger turning cold, slammed her phone against his chest. Trying to stay calm, despite the rage fueled by Elaine's betrayal, she forced a smile, "And where were you this afternoon, having fun?"

especially not the conditions they'd proposed... His instinct to conceal was stronger, his lips curving into a

of him, her voice dripping with sarcasm, "Next time you sneak around, Mr. Lippert, at least wipe that smirk off your face. Oh, but considering our current situation, it's hardly sneaking around. More like taking a bite out of life while your

photo, his features hardening. He hadn't expected a simple outing to be twisted into a scandal. Snatching the phone from Whitney, he

not what you think, Whitney! Nothing

thought you'd remember Sammy, that you'd care! But clearly, you haven't seen him, haven't raised him, so

control shattered, her emotions teetering on the edge. She had only suspected an affair with

These days haven't been easy for me either, Whitney. You don't need to be so

words fell on deaf ears as Whitney, unmoved by the photos that weren't manipulated, saw no explanation, only arrogance and domination. At this point, divorced and with their son gone, their relationship was beyond repair. He

over her. Shaking her head, she looked at him, her voice calm, "Save your sweet talk. I've seen enough of

me for Elaine, and every bit of it is lodged in my heart, impossible to remove... Our son is what separates us. What does it matter if you

of despair, his heart sinking with each cold, merciless word from Whitney. Her misunderstanding cut deep-not caring for Sammy? As if everything he'd done was a joke. He had hoped for reconciliation, but was it truly

lost more than he could bear-not by choice, but because she refused to give him even a sliver of hope. Ludwik's departure was as cold as the distance between them, leaving behind a silence colder than winter itself. He scooped up a panicking and tearful Danny in his arms, taking large strides out of the room,

mommy. It's normal for girls to get a bit upset. She didn't really mean what she said about splitting up..." Danny frantically kicked his legs in distress. Ludwik paused, a bitter and violent emotion crossing his face, "Stop lying to me!" He couldn't bear to hear

a bouquet of flowers. As they came face to face, both men halted, a spark of anger flaring in Ludwik's eyes. Without a doubt, Bryce was here to see Whitney. Approaching