Love beyond the mask (Whitney) novel Chapter 396

The faint bluish tinge of the needle mark on Natalie's back suggested recent injections, a detail that puzzled Whitney. Furrowing her brow, she snapped a photo with her smartphone and gently inquired, "Natalie, have you been feeling any different lately? Had any major health checks?"

"I'm fine," Natalie responded, slightly taken aback but smiling. "Though, I did have quite a few tests done today..."

Outside the room, Ludwik's expression shifted upon hearing Whitney's questioning, calling out, "Whitney!"

Whitney turned to see Ludwik approaching with a frown, seemingly displeased by her intrusion into the hospital room. She paused, her lips parting slightly.

She had come at Tiana's behest, hearing that Natalie might be in trouble and wanted to see for herself.

But Ludwik's wary look made Whitney hold back further questions.

"Could you step outside for a moment?" Ludwik asked, his voice low.

Stepping out, Whitney faced Ludwik, her cheeks flushed from a slight fever, her gaze somewhat weary.

Ludwik stepped closer, touching her forehead with a tenderness that belied his concern. "You're ill yourself; why come visit your mother?"

"Danny was here for a drip, I just came along," Whitney replied, turning her face away slightly.

Ludwik's hand fell as he asked, "What were you discussing with her?"

Whitney paused, then chuckled lightly. "You're still wary about me treating your mom?"

"I didn't mean it that way..." Ludwik started, but Whitney cut him off, showing him the photo of Natalie's back. "I found this needle mark on Natalie. Has she been having spinal issues, needing injections or spinal taps? It doesn't seem related to her current condition."

Ludwik, taken aback by the image, hadn't been aware of any recent procedures on his mother's spine. But the mention of spinal concerns hit a sensitive nerve; he feared Whitney discovering Natalie's leukemia.

"It might have been a routine spinal check by Dr. Ford. I'll ask him later," Ludwik deflected. "You shouldn't worry about it. Her treatment is primarily in the hands of Western medicine specialists now."

Whitney, sensing his underlying message of keeping her out of it, replied with a hint of resignation, "I get it. I won't interfere anymore. I'm leaving, and Danny wants to come back to the apartment with me."

Ludwik's attempt to offer a ride home was briskly refused, the tension between them palpable as Danny watched, concerned.

Despite Whitney's cold refusal, Ludwik followed, attempting to reach out, "Whitney, can we not do this? Please, don't be stubborn..."