Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 618

Whitney felt like she had been physically struck, her cheeks alternating between flushed red and pale with anger as she glared at him, her voice dripping with scorn. "Who are you calling 'wife'? How many more times do I have to tell you? I am Bryce's wife. The woman If she couldn't fight him off, she'd at least annoy him at every chance, shattering his deluded self-importance.

you're destined to marry is in New York, and her name is Florence. What we're doing is not right; you'll end up in jail sooner or later."

Sure enough, the mention of Bryce hardened the man's tender gaze momentarily, a storm of frustration passing through his eyes. However, Ludwik quickly regained his composure, his tone indulgently soft. "Don't try to provoke me, Whitney. After last night, you've completely come back to me. If torturing me makes you happy, I'll endure it with pleasure."

Whitney felt he was as receptive as a brick wall.

Feeling utterly powerless, she snapped at him, "I don't want to torture you. Please! I just want to stay away from you. I despise you!"

A shadow passed across his eyes, but then he looked at her with a devilish grin. "Oh, you say you despise me, but your performance last night suggested otherwise. We're a perfect match; you're well acquainted with pleasing me." Nonsense.

Whitney's face turned beet red at his insinuation, her dignity trampled underfoot. She wished she could tear his smug expression to pieces.

"You're talking nonsense! You plied me with drinks!"

Ludwik took a deep breath, his voice husky. "Yes, giving you alcohol was a mistake on my part, but your body doesn't lie. If you weren't deeply moved by me, you wouldn't respond the way you do. Baby, why not follow your body's lead?" He leaned in, kissing her nose tenderly.

Whitney didn't dodge, but retorted coldly, "Physical reactions are just primal instincts. I was happy with Bryce too. You can't compare to his gentleness and chivalry. You're just brutish and grasping..." "Say that again, I dare you!"

no longer serene as he grabbed her face, pinching her cheeks

to me, there's been nothing between you and him." His voice was filled

breath quivering. "Think about it. Bryce and I have been together for nearly a month. It's normal

up." Ludwik's aura darkened terrifyingly as he glowered at her. "Whitney, I love you. Why must you push me? You can tease me, but not like this. I can't take it. I don't want to hurt you. I'm trying so hard to forget whatever fling you had with Bryce!" Whitney was stunned into silence by his

surge of fear akin to the helplessness of the previous night, regretting her provocation. If she angered him into a fit, escaping

enough? Are you going to hit me now? Oh, I forgot, you have fits of rage. Fine,

her face, kissing her softly. "I could never hurt you. Even if I lose control, I'm still a man first and foremost. I only want to love you. Why would I harm you? From now on, I'll cherish you forever. Whitney, deep down, I've never touched Florence. I haven't betrayed you. Whether you believe it

her in a robe, his gaze cooling as he summoned

of water and a small

Whitney's heart sank.

hesitation, offered

wanting a child from her, why

he explained ruthlessly, "Despite our closeness last night you admitted you and Bryce you might've been intimate in Banyan City days ago. I can't risk you carrying someone

she and Bryce had barely shared a kiss, feeling guilty towards him, she quickly

was her most fertile time; she needed to escape

hidden deep, she coldly addressed Ludwik, "Why are you still here? I've taken the pill.

clothes for her. "Get dressed and come down.

leaned against the door, finally exhaling. In the bathroom, she saw the bruises marring her skin, her

Bryce, and Ludwik's haunting words:

were so serious and cold when he