Love Beyond the Mask

Chapter 199

In the opulent grandeur of the silver screen’s embrace, Elaine nestled snugly beside Ludwik in the

plush velvet cinema seats. Her heart fluttered like a caged bird as she stole glances at his chiseled

features, a heady mix of sweetness and triumph bubbling within her.

Just hours earlier, her temper had flared over the photo Whitney sent, prompting a frantic call to her

mother for counsel.

Her mother had told her to feign hospital stay to throw Whitney off balance, and cautioned, “You can’t

let Natalie kick the bucket just yet, darling. Bear with it. You’re at the cusp of getting engaged to

Ludwik; if she stirs trouble now, his heart will be elsewhere. You need to ensnare his affections fast.

Once the engagement is official, you’ll find the right moment to deal with her. Then, with the title of Mrs.

Lippert securely yours, what’s there to fear?”

Her mother was spot on, which is why Elaine was basking in today’s triumph of setting an engagement

date with Ludwik.

She had relished publicly humiliating Whitney, a sweet release at last.

Now, she needed to expedite matters with Ludwik, to cement their relationship beyond doubt.

As the movie screen flickered to a kissing scene, Elaine feigned coyness, her head inching involuntarily

towards his broad chest. But Ludwik’s mind was miles away from the on–screen romance, his gaze

shifting to his phone more often than the film warranted.

Elaine’s lips had barely grazed his jawline when Ludwik abruptly came to, instinctively turning away as

he rose with grace, “Elaine, I’ll be right back. Need to use the restroom.”

Elaine drew a sharp breath, watching his retreating back with a mix of desire and frustration.

Outside, Ludwik, unable to concentrate inside the stifling cinema, stepped out for a smoke.

After pacing around without finding her, his brows furrowed deeply in irritation.

“Felix, I thought I told you to keep an eye on her. Who let her leave?”

Felix emerged, internally sighing at his boss’s distracted state, and pointed discreetly towards the street

opposite the cinema, “Ms. Valentine said she needed some fresh air. I kept a watch; she’s just

over there.”

Following Felix’s indication, Ludwik finished his cigarette and strode purposefully out into the night. As

he reached the vibrant strip of eateries, his steps faltered.

There she stood, Whitney, frail and thinly clad in front of a bustling barbecue stand. Like a statue, she

gazed on, her raven hair whipping across her pale face in the chilly night breeze.

Memories flooded Ludwik’s mind, constricting his chest with a sudden ache. It was the spot where they

had reconciled, their first date after patching things up.

“I’d really go for barbecue right now, L!”

“The place is called ‘Destiny Barbecue‘, and there’s ‘Romance Inn‘ too.”

He teased the petite woman beside him, “Romance Inn? Maybe we can stop by afterward.”

The unexpected sweetness pierced his heart like a warm needle, sinking deep into his core.

14:49

Ludwik’s gaze followed hers, landing on the very spot they had once shared a meal. She had been so

adorable, directing him to order her favorite toppings.

When she pouted about the other boyfriends being more attentive, he, filled with tender affection, had

chased after her with a napkin, dabbing at her lips. Later, she had coyly sought a kiss, wanting to taste

something sweeter from his lips.

His throat tightened, eyes clouding with a distant longing, his fists clenched at his side.

Was she thinking the same? Did she wonder why everything had fallen apart?

“Miss, I remember you! You were here with a very handsome boyfriend last time. Oh, he’s not with you

today? Don’t stand out here; come in and eat.”

The owner of Destiny Barbecue approached Whitney with concern after seeing her linger for so long.

Caught like a thief, she hastily wiped her eyes and shook her head, “No, thanks. I’m good.”

“But your baby might be craving something. Pregnant ladies shouldn’t miss out on their cravings. I’ll

have a word with your boyfriend when he comes to pick you up; he shouldn’t be too hard on you!” The

owner joked.

Whitney managed a wistful smile, “He won’t be coming.”

The owner’s expression faltered. As Whitney turned to leave, she couldn’t resist one more glance back.

Her eyes, glistening under the moonlight, seemed to seep into Ludwik’s heart, softening it inexplicably.

He watched her small figure recede, rubbing his brow, and sighed, “Felix, get a barbecue to go.”

Felix couldn’t help but smirk, knowing well that Mr. Lippert was buying it for Whitney. Mr. Lippert was

softening; his mood always swayed by her.

Ludwik lit another cigarette as he saw her disappear around the corner onto another street lined with

late–night food stalls. Compelled, he followed from a distance, stopping just short of a planter as he

dropped his cigarette butt.

His heart lurched as he saw Whitney pause by a car, a man stepping out to greet her.

Whitney glanced at her watch and smiled, “Mr. Lutz, punctual as always.”

“A rare occasion for you to reach out to me,” Bryce, spotting a narrow spot by the curb, gently

supported her waist, careful of her condition, “It’s crowded here; let’s find somewhere to sit.”

Whitney’s gaze, perhaps still lured by the scent of Destiny Barbecue, lingered on it once more.

“Craving a barbecue? Then let’s go,” Bryce suggested, noticing the pallor of her lips.

Whitney hesitated, the taste of those flavors a distant but poignant memory.

No, it wasn’t the same place as before.

Quietly, they entered the stand, Whitney politely inquiring, “Mr. Lutz, you’re adjusting okay here, right?”

“Don’t think of me as delicate. I’ve lived abroad for years; I’ve experienced all sorts of living conditions.”

Bryce chuckled lightly, deftly prepping a simple plate for her and glanced at her belly, “Everything’s

been alright since you left my place that night? I’ve been concerned for you.”

Whitney stiffened slightly, unable to divulge what had transpired when she returned to Ludwik’s place.

She forced a smile, “The baby and I are doing fine.”

“But you don’t look well. You even visited the hospital today,” he noted with furrowed brows.

Was he following her? She dared not dwell on the concern in his gaze, instead pulling out a vial from

her pocket and cutting to the chase, “Mr. Lutz, I need a favor. Could you have this blood sample

analyzed for me? It must be kept strictly confidential and accurate. After considering my options, I

believe only someone with your resources can help me.”

“For such a small favor, I only wish you’d ask more of me.”

grasp. The

Bryce reached over, his hand subtly covering hers as he took the test tube from her warmth of his palm All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

was reassuring, and the slight smile on his lips told her not to worry.

A flicker of warmth crossed Whitney’s heart.

“Mr. Lippert! The barbecue for Madam is ready. Will you be delivering it to her personally?” Felix

bounded over, his face lit up with excitement as he clutched the neatly packed takeout box. But he

found Ludwik standing motionless on the street, his presence as still as a statue.

The cigarette hanging from his lips had burned down to the filter, the glowing ember casting a sinister

light into his icy gaze. Ludwik slowly took the food, glanced at it, and let out a chuckle.

With a turn, he tossed the food straight into the trash can!

Felix, confused by his actions, followed Ludwik’s scornful gaze and took a sharp breath.

How could the young madam be sitting in this eatery with Bryce??

Bryce’s hand was still hesitantly pulling away from Madam’s delicate hand.

Damn it.

Did Mr. Lippert see it all?

Before he could gather his thoughts, the man beside him, radiating a chilling aura, strode into the

eatery.