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.

"So, when do you plan to go to the police station? The case about Ludwik kidnapping you is still open. I even got

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

Lippert family. If Ludwik goes to prison, it could really affect them. They might not say it, but

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

what I'm most afraid of? Not what happened between you two in the past month, but that he's recaptured your heart. Is it some kind of twisted love you can't let go? No matter

a cold look and a bitter laugh, left the house

she asked, "Why did he leave like that? He seemed really upset. What did you guys

but obedient as they went

-

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 pain around 2 a.m. Make sure

staying up with him every night? You seem so worried, barely sleeping. Even the doctors said his recovery owes much to your care.

with a hidden affection. "I heard Ludwik might visit tonight. Don't let on that I've been here. And if

understanding only that Natalie was Ludwik's mother and Jason's

Jason watched a figure move towards the door, growing more distant