Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 469

"Your call," Ludwik said, softening his tone upon catching the mist in Whitney's eyes.

He felt a mix of frustration and resignation bubble within him. "Do you have any idea where I've been all day?"

"I don't want to know. Just leave," she replied, her voice firm.

Ludwik, visibly irked and not taking her dismissal lightly, stared at her defiant face for a moment before lighting up a cigarette, blowing the smoke directly at her. She coughed, her lungs protesting, anger rising.

But then, Ludwik gently lifted her chin, his voice softening. "I got news about Sammy. Been wanting to tell you since dawn, but you wouldn't listen. Kept lashing out at me!" "So now, I'm here, swallowing my pride to step into your hotel. Get it?"

Whitney paused, a mix of confusion and urgent concern flitting through her eyes. "What about Sammy? Did you find a clue?"

He didn't reply, letting the smoke curl around him.

Whitney tugged at his sleeve, looking up at him with a vulnerability that seemed to smooth his ruffled feathers.

Ludwik moved closer, his voice low and commanding, "We'll talk later. Cook something first."

"You..."

Her protest was cut off by a suspicious grumble from a stomach - definitely not hers.

Looking up at him, she saw the discomfort on his face, the wound on his forehead adding to his weary look. "You haven't eaten, have you?"

said, 'Isn't it obvious?' and started rummaging through the

he been dining in blissful romance with Florence? Ah, right, he had met with

thought soured Whitney's mood further, a hint of hesitation in

a cozy evening with Florence for Sammy, yet couldn't spare a moment

was he really looking out

even

annoyance, she couldn't help but steal glances at his sharp profile, his forehead bandaged, a reminder of his altercation. Their eyes met abruptly, causing Whitney to avert her gaze, her throat tightening. "Did you get that wound while searching for Sammy?" He nodded. "Yeah, was

She was astounded by his casual

slight smile to Ludwik's lips. "What, you're worried about me now, Whitney?

his usual stern demeanor softened by

reminded Whitney of days back in Banyan City, when life was simpler, despite their

even though his heart seemed distant, his familiar presence, doing the usual chores, stirred

let his proximity affect her. "As if I could still care about you!

a bitter smile crossing his thoughts. He had deluded himself, feeling a pull towards her, despite

her leave for Banyan City, to avoid the turmoil of his feelings. But Whitney wasn't one to back down easily. His determination turned cold.

well just blow up," he muttered coldly, unpacking the

his morbid talk. After all he had done, how

them turning stifling. She decided not to engage

she turned to leave, she noticed him

she asked,

"Ludwik?"

man before her

have you been without