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?"

his cigarette, he gave her a look that said, 'Isn't

he been dining in blissful romance with Florence?

a hint of

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

was he really looking out

even realize how

his forehead bandaged, a reminder of his altercation. Their eyes met abruptly, causing Whitney to avert her gaze, her

astounded by his casual

was evident, which brought a slight smile to Ludwik's lips.

inched closer, his usual stern demeanor softened by the domestic

was simpler, despite their constant bickering over Elaine, finding brief moments of sweetness amidst

heart seemed distant, his familiar presence, doing the

proximity affect her. "As if I

had deluded himself, feeling a pull towards her, despite

of his feelings. But Whitney wasn't

well just

aback, wanting to silence his morbid talk. After all he had done,

soured further, the silence between them turning stifling. She decided not

leave, she noticed

she asked,

"Ludwik?"

her was reduced

long have you been