Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 449

In the quaint powder room nestled within the Sheldon family's sprawling estate, not far from the dining hall, Whitney leaned heavily against the ornate vanity, splashing cool water on her face before looking up into the mirror, her eyes tinged with discomfort and the faintest hint of red.

Ding-dong-

A text from Bryce interrupted her solitude, "Whitney, are you okay? I'm just outside."

With a wry smile, Whitney replied, "I just need a moment to myself, Bryce. Why don't you head out to the garden for a smoke..."

Crash!

Her phone plummeted into the sink as a sudden, stormy presence enveloped her from behind, pinning her slender hands against the vanity.

Ludwik, having caught a glimpse of the message, seethed with rage. "Exchanging sweet nothings in the bathroom now, are we?" His voice was a dark, menacing whisper, his breath hot against her ear. "Are you deliberately flaunting your little romance with Bryce in front of me?" Whitney, startled by his sudden appearance, turned pale and whirled around, her gaze darting to the door, which was firmly shut, with Bryce standing just outside.

But how did Ludwik get in?

Then she saw the open window...

out of

indescribable discomfort, morphing into unreasonableness. Hadn't he humiliated her and Bryce

now he had the audacity to corner her

her eyes flashing with defiance. "I'm also a Sheldon, Ludwik. Who I bring home is

today. And why should she be afraid

Ludwik's laugh was cold, filled with scorn and a terrifying fury. "You think I have no say over

his grip on her face fierce as he forced a kiss on her, her lips instantly giving way under the assault. His dark eyes burned with a ferocious

do this to me! Let go...ugh,

else has the right, then? Bryce?" Ludwik's fury intensified, his

control at the mention of Bryce, transforming into

it's all coming back, isn't it?" he sneered, bringing up past

expect me to bless this union? Never. Even if

trembled, her voice barely a whimper, her eyes swimming with tears and fury. "How can you do this

over

think of her reason for enduring all this to uncover the

him! And what about Florence? How can you justify your actions towards me when you parade around with her?" Whitney's accusation was a mix

confession of caring for Bryce, and it pierced through him. He never cared for Florence, not like how Whitney

more aggressive, a terrifying mix of possession and humiliation. "Since you're so fond of him,