Love beyond the mask (Whitney)



To Tiana, it felt like Bryce had lost his feelings for her. She pondered whether Bryce's disdain for Ludwik was the reason he felt compelled to win her over. Did she truly understand Bryce? The answer was a resounding no. Without love, she had never ventured close enough to Bryce to decipher his heart. Maybe, just maybe, Bryce harbored such feelings. But now, she was out of options.

Was Tiana being overly sensitive? "Tiana, Bryce was new in town, fresh off the bus to Emperor City. Pushing him to go head-to-head with Hugh was putting him in a tight spot. He's got his own empire to run, a family legacy to uphold. We don't know the extent of his connections, but from his standpoint, making enemies is out of the question. If others don't stand by him, he can't support us. That's just the way it is. The friction between me and Hugh? It's unfair to shift the burden onto him."

"I get it," Tiana admitted. "Him saving you was a kind gesture, and we can't blame him for not being able to do more. But look at Ludwik! When he saved you, he didn't weigh the pros and cons. He's like the top dog of Harmonia Country, not afraid of anyone's power. But he went all out, helped you, even went as far as to get your hair! That's what I'm talking about a man in love will stop at nothing. Ludwik has that kind of boldness. The guy might be a jerk, cold-hearted at times, but when he cares, he's impeccable!"

Tiana wanted her to see the difference: Bryce was reserved while Ludwik's care and protection for Whitney were unconditional, as long as he wanted to shelter this woman.

Whitney's heart skipped a beat, a calm no longer present. She looked at Tiana helplessly, "Tiana, are you being a bit romantic? In times of peril, just because a man makes sacrifices, do you think it negates all the hurt he's caused before? Those wounds, they're like nails, embedded in your heart, bleeding. And let's not forget, Florence is carrying his child. Is there really room for a turnaround? Saving a life is one thing; I've learned my lesson not to mix it up with feelings. Are you changing your opinion on Ludwik just because he saved me?"

Tiana's heated emotions cooled. "I'm not speaking in Ludwik's favor, Whitney! Your decision to break it off was wise. I'm just comparing him to Bryce -Ludwik has the power and the boldness, making it hard for a woman not to see him as a strong pillar. But Bryce wins in being clean, always there for you. I'm not trying to drive a wedge between you and Bryce, just make sure you're considering everything... Since it's about saving a life, just thank Ludwik and keep it at that. You both can maintain a cordial facade. In the future, for the sake of the kids, you'll still need to interact, right?" Whitney was willing to keep up appearances, but was he? Their relationship was like a vast sea, difficult to navigate. She nodded, "I know how to handle this. You should get some rest."

Tiana dried her hair, left the room, and closed the door behind her. The night was deep and silent.

Whitney sat at her desk, staring at the small bag of hair. Eventually, she picked up her phone and dialed his number. The ringing echoed, amplifying her heartbeat in the quiet room. He answered quickly, his voice low and blurry, "Speak up!"

Whitney pulled the phone away, his breath enveloping her. She took a deep breath, aiming to ease their relationship, "Thank you, Ludwik. And thank you for Hugh's hair."

A moment of silence followed. His breathing was heavy and forceful, chilling through the airwaves. Just as Whitney ran out of words and was about to hang up, his cold voice cut through, "You're in such a hurry to not owe me a favor? You think a simple thanks will do?"

Whitney's brows furrowed. That was indeed her intention, but hearing it so mercilessly from him made her cheeks flush with embarrassment. "I didn't ask you to save me."

Ludwik grew angry, "Right, as if your very hair screamed you didn't want my help. Let's call it a trade then. This strand of hair as payment for that kiss in the booth."

Whitney's cheeks turned pale instantly. Clutching the phone, it was clear this conversation would never be peaceful. Her patience vanished, "If it's a trade, then I take back my thanks. It's like being bitten by a dog; you won't have that chance again!"

Ludwik's lips curled in a cold sneer. "You really going through with marrying Bryce?"novelbin

His voice lowered, losing its edge, and reached deep into Whitney's ears. She gripped her phone tighter, staring into the darkness, "Of course. Will Mr. Lippert bless me?"

Hearing his own heartbreak, his eyes turned bloodshot. Ludwik gritted his teeth, "Whitney, you're infuriating. Do you not understand why I got that hair for you?"

Whitney vaguely knew what he

meant but chose to misinterpret,

"Who knows? Mr. Lippert is a man of

deep thoughts. You don't think

getting Hugh's hair would make me

grateful, stand by me against

Florence? She's carrying you

child;

who would believe you'd support me

over her in the Sheldon Group

matter? I don't believe you."

"I don't believe you."

It was challenging for him to appear good in her eyes anymore. Not believing him...

Ludwik laughed coldly, the chill deepening, "Tiana told me you wanted to expose Hugh and Florence's vile faces. That's also what I want to do. Whether you believe me or not, I don't care."

Whitney was taken aback, his heavy breathing coldly wrapping around her ear. He still intended to say he wouldn't go.easy on Florence, even with her Carrying his child. She quickly cleared the haze from her eyes, changing the subject, "Ludwik, your opinion of me doesn't matter. Can't we get along peacefully from now on? I'll be married, and so will you. For the kids' sake, maybe it's time you let me go."

"Let you go? Watch as you get married? See you carrying Bryce's baby after I've been through hell?" His voice was laced with frost, heavy with

sorrow.

Ludwik stood at the doorstep of Ryan's house, gazing at Sammy sitting silently on the edge of the couch, looking ill.

He averted his gaze, along with the truth that almost slipped out, and said bitterly, "I won't get married. I'l never marry anyone else. If you go through with this marriage, I'll make you regret it. Whitney, don't marry Bryce. I'm giving you one last chance. Tell me now!"

His eyes were bloodshot, pleading with her.

Whitney's heart felt frozen, unmoved by his words, painfully aware.

She couldn't respond to him. "If that's the case, there's nothing left to say, Ludwik. Even if you threaten my life, I won't be intimidated! If you don't want peace, then we'll be enemies!"