Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 664

"It's no problem at all, I'll crash in the guest room," Bryce offered with a considerate tone, making sure not to trouble her. Whitney instantly felt a wave of relief wash over her, nodding gratefully. "Thank you for being so understanding, Bryce..."

"But as much as I understand, Whitney, you can't just spend all your time with the kids and leave me hanging," Bryce joked with a low chuckle, wrapping his arms around her in an affectionate embrace, winking playfully. "You know, I'm just a regular guy too. Don't make me wait too long, okay?"

"I... Bryce... okay," Whitney stammered, her cheeks flushing a deeper shade of red.

Bryce mistook her blush for shyness, leaning in to whisper, "Whitney..." as he kissed her hair gently.

Whitney froze up even more, instinctively ducking her head to avoid further contact. Despite trying to relax, she tensed up as the scent of Bryce's cologne filled her senses a stark contrast to Ludwik's subtle, clean fragrance that seemed to linger with warmth and strength.

Her heart felt tight, confused at her own reactions. Why was she thinking of Ludwik while in Bryce's arms? Was it because she hadn't been close enough to Bryce before their marriage? Or had the past month with Ludwik, with his constant affection and kisses, left her too accustomed to his presence?

Shaking off the intrusive thoughts, Whitney realized she needed to focus.

like this feels so right," Bryce said, feeling her stiffness but refraining from pushing further. He gently let go, changing the subject. "So, when do you plan to go to the police station? The case about Ludwik kidnapping you is still open. I even got a call from

troubled, but she couldn't deny the truth in Felix's words. She didn't want

"Bryce, I'm sorry. I can't agree to press charges. Danny and Lily are now part of the Lippert family. If Ludwik goes to prison, it could really affect them. They might not say it, but deep down, they still have feelings for Ludwik. If I go too far, I could hurt their innocent hearts, and I can't bear the thought

thought about me? If you don't press charges, what will people say? They'll think you were willing, that during our marriage, you let Ludwik have his way with you. They'll call you names, and say you were unfaithful, making me a laughingstock. How can I hold my head high? No matter how successful I am, I'll always be mocked. Have you ever considered my feelings?" Hearing his angry voice and sensing his barely concealed frustration, Whitney felt a deep fear, lost for words. "I didn't mean to ignore your feelings. I agreed before without thinking about the kids. Bryce, I'm sorry. Can't we think of the children?" "Bryce,

between you two in the past month, but that he's recaptured your heart. Is it some kind of twisted love

didn't..." Whitney tried to explain, but Bryce, with a cold

overheard their low argument. Seeing Bryce's departure, she asked, "Why did he leave like that? He seemed really upset. What did you guys talk about?" Standing under the dim porch light, Whitney felt a profound weariness. "Tiana, let's

Tiana replied, puzzled but obedient as

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for him with a tenderness that felt both familiar and distant. As he finally opened his eyes, he heard her instructing the nurse about his care, "Remember, Jason gets

staying up with him every night? You seem so worried,

on Jason with a hidden affection. "I heard Ludwik might visit tonight. Don't let on that I've been here. And if Jason asks, don't mention me

was Ludwik's mother and Jason's legal wife, a relationship shrouded in layers of

his blurry vision, Jason watched a figure move towards the door,