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?"

cigarette, he gave her a look that said, 'Isn't it obvious?' and started rummaging through the fridge for

in blissful romance with Florence? Ah, right, he had met with Parker for Sammy's

further, a hint of hesitation

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

really

he even

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

astounded by his casual

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

stern demeanor softened by the domestic setting,

Banyan City, when life was simpler, despite their constant bickering over Elaine, finding brief moments

though his heart seemed distant, his familiar presence,

let his proximity affect her. "As if I could still care about you! Dream on," she snapped, guarding

crossing his thoughts. He had deluded himself, feeling a

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. She had this effect on

next time I might as well just blow up," he muttered coldly, unpacking the

his morbid talk. After all he had done, how could she offer any

mood soured further, the silence between them turning stifling. She decided not to engage further, letting him cook on

she noticed him leaning against the

she asked,

"Ludwik?"

before her was reduced to grimacing in

you