Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 403

Ella gasped, "Miss, you're so frail, this could kill you."

"It's alright, I really wanted to help Mr. Lippert's mother. It's just... after Mr. Lippert saved me in that alley, I fell for him at first sight. So, I had a selfish little request..."

The girl shyly raised her head, her gaze timid as a fawn.

Ludwik frowned.

She hurriedly added, bitterly, "Mr. Lippert, don't feel burdened. Liking you is my business! If Mr. Lippert can be a good boyfriend and fiancé, keep me warm, and let me experience true love, I'd die with no regrets." Ludwik somewhat understood her point.

He set his terms, "I can give you the status of a boyfriend or fiancé, the care and protection you're asking for. But, my heart, and anything more intimate, I can't. I won't be able to fall in love with you, I hope you understand."

Florence clearly understood. He was willing to play the perfect boyfriend, but he was offering only an empty shell, all fake warmth and affection. But it didn't matter. Time was on her side, and with her charm and strategies, she was sure she could win his heart from Whitney!

The girl smiled happily, "Having Mr. Lippert dote on me is enough for me."

"Do you have any other requests?" he asked.

"Yes." Florence said pitifully, "I want the donation of marrow and blood to be kept a secret from the public. My family doesn't know about my terminal illness; they think I'm just frail. If they found out about my donations, they'd be heartbroken." Ludwik nodded in agreement.

A young girl bearing a terminal illness? The man felt a faint sense of pity.

Dr. Johnson asked, "Miss Florence, how are you feeling? We need a full understanding to prepare for the blood transfusion and your care."

Florence nodded, looking at her doctor.

The doctor stepped forward, gravely, "Miss's condition is dire. She shouldn't be risking her life with a blood transfusion, but I couldn't dissuade her... Her terminal condition is a heart issue. Any excitement could induce coughing fits and fainting. If she's to donate marrow, she must be well looked after and kept happy."

Ludwik looked at the girl before him as though she were a precious resource.

her life, he naturally would

"Starting today, I'll look

smile pierced Ludwik, reminding him vaguely

the innocence and cuteness Whitney had before any harm

I have a meeting at ten, shall I take you home first? Here's my card,

you that?"

intimacy from other women, but

I also reach out to chat anytime?" she asked

of being

her to the Garden Hotel, then

was also to reject a marriage arrangement my family made. I don't want wealth or power,

silent for a

was preparing to visit Emperor City

-

Hotel, Ludwik, eyes

and Whitney... Felix dared not speak further, recalling the desolation in Mr. Lippert at the hospital, a side of him

"Miss Florence, Jared arrived

an illegitimate daughter, my father is indeed

now. Before my father finds out, we'll pack

bring back the illegitimate daughter, keeping the 'Miss' title for her since she's older than you. It's truly unfair to you." Florence's lips held a

-

In the office.

indeed from out of town, coming to Banyan City only to seek treatment." Ludwik narrowed his eyes. In the café, he'd noticed her reluctance to share her surname. He had sensed it was related to her family background, perhaps

the bridge of his nose, "As long as she's not complicated. No need to dig deeper.

Felix understood.

-

the cemetery of