Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 759

Seeing her panicked and unfamiliar gaze fixed on him, Bryce quickly regained a sliver of sanity amidst his frustration, his handsome face immediately clouded with disappointment, pain, and heartbreak.

It almost made Whitney believe that the version of him she had just witnessed was nothing but an illusion.

Bryce held her tightly, his eyes tinged with a helpless crimson. "Whitney, do you really find me that repulsive?"

"It's not that I find you repulsive," Whitney curled up, defensively yet despairingly. "I don't know why I'm reacting like this, I'm sorry, Bryce."

She wanted to give herself to him, but when it came down to it, she just couldn't.

They had tried twice, and she had resisted both times. Maybe it would never work?

Yet, when Ludwik had kissed her last night, even managing to make her tremble and feel lost in confusion, she hadn't felt this resistance or disgust. In fact, Ludwik's presence felt familiar and captivating. If she hadn't kept her wits about her and left his study, she might have let him kiss her senseless.

Her body was treacherously accustomed to Ludwik, rejecting any other man.

This conclusion was devastating.

"Bryce, it's my fault, it's my issue. Maybe... maybe this marriage should end," Whitney said courageously.

"Don't say another word!" Bryce abruptly cut her off, his crimson eyes filled with fear and desperation as he clung to her. "Whitney, how could you say something so cruel?

I've loved you for so many years, waited for you, and finally married you. You're almost like a dream come true.

I want us to spend our lives together. If you leave me now, I don't know how I'd go on."

Whitney was stunned and speechless.

Was she really that important to him?

She wasn't moved; instead, she felt a weight pressing on her heart.

words felt like shackles, causing her guilt and

speak, but Bryce quickly cut her off, gently stroking her hair. "I was too harsh, did I

won't pressure you

overthink, get some rest

a look of dejection. However,

made a call to Hudson's hospital, his voice

to deal with Dr. Ivan,

oh Whitney,

had thought, after getting my revenge on her through acquiring the Sheldon Group and leaving her by my side as

her regret her rejection, make her wish she was

-

The next morning.

into the Lutz Group. He immediately summoned Florence to his office, locking the door behind them as he unleashed his fury in a variety of ways. They were in the midst of their escapade when the

turned to rage upon seeing the

I see why you've been sidelining me,

close, his annoyance clear.

was livid, her pent-up anger erupting. "I've been at your side for so long, and

see who

grabbing a document to

her face a cold mirror of Whitney's, her smirk chilling. "Mr. Lutz, this is your secretary, isn't she?

you think

arrogantly pushed Audrey

Audrey was dumbfounded.

This was... Whitney's stepsister?

she faced Bryce. "Wow, Bryce, you've really outdone

stooped to her. She resembles

for second best. How

eyes darkened with a secret pain, his previously tender gaze now menacing. He fastened his belt and advanced on Audrey, his voice icy. "Shut your mouth! Who do you think you are? Your position was stripped because you couldn't