Love beyond the mask (Whitney) novel Chapter 199

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.”

Chapter 199 

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.”