Love beyond the mask (Whitney)



"That scoundrel," she fumed, her anger boiling over. "Even on his last legs, he can't shake off his true nature." She was especially incensed, warning him, "That was the past. We've cut ties long ago. I'm married now."

Ludwik's gaze darkened.

With a flippant tone, he retorted, "Doesn't make much of a difference. On your wedding night, instead of being with your husband, you were in my bed, Whitney. Have you forgotten? I doubt you could forget; we were...busy all night."

"Shut up." Damn it, why did he have to bring that up?

Whitney's face flushed with anger, her beauty and her porcelain features shimmering under the light, ensnaring Ludwik's gaze. It was maddening how familiar he was with every inch of her, his temperature rising uncontrollably as he reached out, his hand brushing her cheek.

Whitney shivered at the touch, those memories imprinted on her very skin.

Angry at her own instinctive reaction, she hissed, "Ludwik, what the hell do you think you're doing? Don't you dare, Danny is sleeping right next to us. I swear, if you try anything, I'll bite you. And besides, you're not even...in the game anymore. Can't you behave for once?"

His hand stiffened at her words, a sharp pain piercing his heart.

His face went pale instantly.

Whitney bit her lip, regretting her harshness. Men had their pride, especially concerning certain matters, which to them were more critical than life itself.

"I didn't mean to belittle you, but you're really crossing the line here!"

"Crossing the line? Knowing my condition, you should worry even less. Even if I wanted to, I...I can't have you."

Ludwik was visibly frustrated, his touch on her lips restrained, yet his flirtatious nature hard to conceal. "Talking about biting me? You know that reminds me of a certain flavor, Whitney, damn it..."

"..." What was he even saying? Whitney thought he was speaking in riddles, but she understood all too well, feeling harassed in the quiet of the night. Her face turned crimson, "Just shut up. You should be keeping to yourself at this point. Stay away from me. You're still a man, after all; stop talking nonsense."

"I'm no longer a man," Ludwik said coldly.

"

Whitney was speechless, not expecting such a bleak outlook from him. There had to be a way to help him.

"You're a doctor, Whitney. Remember how you helped me once when you first came back? Maybe you could show some kindness again, treat me like any other man..."

"No way!" Whitney was stunned at his audacity. Was he really seeking treatment, or just looking for an excuse to be close to her?

And how could he be just any man to her, after their countless encounters?

Her face burning with embarrassment and anger, she pushed him away. "How can you have the nerve to ask me for help? Have you forgotten how deep our grudge runs? Besides, you deserve this fate. Maybe you won't harm any other woman now."

"I don't want to harm any other woman; I just want to harm you. Without you, I might as well not bother."

Ludwik chuckled bitterly, his handsome face falling.

Whitney saw his thick lashes drooping, his whole demeanor lacking energy, shifting from a flirt to looking pitiful.

She blinked, considering whether he was just playing the victim too well or if she was seeing things. Was he really that pitiful?noveldrama

Her lips moved, but she didn't know what to say.

"If you don't touch me, do you not need...that ability?"

Her expression darkened, and after a pause, she coughed softly, "Don't be too pessimistic. I was just angry earlier. Though I can't treat you, the doctor I recommended is quite good. With modern medicine, there's still hope."

Seeing her soften, Ludwik pretended to be more dejected, wrapping his arms around her. "I don't know why, even when you're tempting me, and I want you, nothing happens."

Who's tempting whom? Whitney was livid. "Get away from me."

"I won't." Ludwik stubbornly stayed by her side, his embrace filled with the warmth and scent of a man, his gaze drooping even more. "I'm so pitiful now, let me hold you just this once. It's been so long...Whitney."

His pitiable look was quite the contrast to his muscular build.

Whitney clicked her tongue, feeling the familiar sensation of his touch. He was still strong, and his body temperature was high.

How could he be...incapable? She wondered.

Caught off guard, Ludwik held her face gently, "You're touching me."

"..." Damn it, she really should kick him where it hurts.

Seeing her anger, Ludwik's eyes dimmed, he tenderly fixed her hair, his voice hoarse, "No more jokes. I fear I might accidentally show my pain.

Whitney, I want to chase you, to love you anew, but I dare not, fearing I can't make you happy.

Listen to me, please, leave Bryce. Even if you find someone reliable, I can bear it.

I won't disturb you, but Bryce...he's not right for you!"

"Stop being ridiculous," Whitney frowned, puzzled by his insistence.

Why was he so intent on interfering with her and Bryce?

"Ludwik, marriage isn't like your engagements with Florence and Elaine, easily made and easily broken. I'm serious, okay?"

Ludwik's stern face flushed with embarrassment at her sarcasm, "Whitney, hear me out."

"I won't listen. You think I can just marry and divorce on a whim? After what you did, I'm already on my second marriage. Do you want me to divorce again, make it a third or fourth until you're happy? I'm still tarnished by the scandal of being taken from my wedding. Sure, you might not care since it's my reputation that's ruined. Thanks to you, I have no reputation left..."

Whitney's words trailed off as her eyes brimmed with resentment, her almond-shaped eyes glaring fiercely.

Seeing the tears streaming down Whitney's face, Ludwik felt an overwhelming urge to pull her into his arms and kiss her pain away. His heart ached as if it were breaking into pieces. "Please, Whitney, don't cry."

"It's all because of you."

"It's my fault," Ludwik admitted, his large hands reaching out slowly to grasp her slender ones.

Whitney dodged, having none of it. "Ludwik, I'm begging you, stop meddling in my life, okay? I've finally made up my mind to give it a real shot with Bryce."

Her voice was tired and filled with a sense of defeat.

She hated this tug of war, listening to Ludwik's attempts to sway her, making her conscience writhe in guilt.

Hearing her resolve only made Ludwik's heart sink further. "Whitney, have you forgotten what I warned you about last time? I told you Bryce is not as simple as he seems..."