Love beyond the mask (Whitney)



Whitney felt a wave of irritation, though she knew she might be overreacting a bit.

After all, what businessperson doesn't sweet-talk every now and then? It's just that she rarely did it herself.

But then... her thoughts drifted back to last night when Bryce offered to accompany her to the gala, expressing his concern over Ludwik.

Yet, throughout the event, it didn't seem like he paid much attention to that concern. Instead, was he there to rub shoulders with Ronan and other influential figures?

She couldn't shake off the feeling of being used.

"Is this the so-called loving husband you always defend? Seems to me he's pretty good at kissing up," Ludwik's icy voice suddenly appeared from behind, close enough to send shivers down her spine.

Whitney turned around sharply-

Meeting his gaze, filled with sarcasm, she felt a sting in her heart and retorted, "What's with the snide remarks? At least I'm living my life. Unlike you, trying to win over people who couldn't care less about you."

He was the one who started with the mockery.

"Right, I'm trying to win you over, but you won't even give me a chance."

Unexpectedly, the man didn't seem angered at all. Instead, his intense gaze softened, melting like ice to water, which only confused Whitney further. Before she could react, Ludwik grabbed her hand and led her to the study's adjacent pantry.

"Ludwik, what are you doing?"

Whitney whispered, trying to shake him off. Her eyes nervously flicked towards Bryce, afraid he would notice.

"Don't worry, his head's filled with impressing Ronan and the likes. He won't notice where you are."

Ludwik casually lifted an eyebrow, his long legs closing the door behind them, trapping her against the pantry wall in a tight space.noveldrama

Whitney could smell his sudden, overwhelming scent as he leaned over her, making her nearly lose her mind, pushing back in a low voice, "Let me go, I'm leaving... don't stir trouble..."

"Don't you want to know why Bryce specifically wanted to get close to Ronan?"

Ludwik leaned closer, continuing to speak.

Whitney paused, hearing his mocking tone, "Ronan is a hot candidate for Vice President next year, rumored to be already chosen. That's the real reason Bryce came tonight!"

Whitney was stunned.

She thought Bryce was justworking for business sake.

But Ronan as the next Vice President?

"And there's more, you might not have noticed, but Ronan and Phineas are tight. And Phineas has more influence than Ronan. By getting close to Ronan, Bryce naturally climbs up to Phineas."

Ludwik narrowed his eyes, "Do you really think Ronan would bother with Bryce otherwise?"

Whitney was thrown into turmoil, uncertain how to respond, "You're making assumptions. Maybe Bryce knew Ronan from before."

"Knew him from before? With what standing?"

Ludwik scoffed, his grip gentle yet firm, his gaze still tender, "Whitney, you're being used. Didn't you rush to Shane as soon as you arrived? Shane is Ronan's nephew. Bryce likely heard this and became overly attentive. Ronan, thinking you're all close to Shane, let his guard down. Plus, with Bryce's smooth talking, he managed to get on Ronan's good side."

Whitney was taken aback, gazing into Ludwik's prating eyes, suddenly recalling Bryce's words about inviting Shane over for dinner.

Perhaps that made Ronan believe Shane and Bryce were close.

"Even if what you're saying is true, that he's here towork with high-profile people, I still think he's just paving the way for his company. We're all in the business world, where flattery is sometimes necessary. Bryce wants to climb higher, so he needs to know people like Ronan. And you, aren't you here tonight hoping to secure a deal, trying to win over Phineas?"

"Not entirely."

Ludwik's gaze deepened, "Securing a deal is a task from the Lippert family. My real reason for being here was knowing you'd be invited. I just wanted to see you. I have no interest in sucking up to anyone."

"..." Are you kidding me?

His blatant look of desire almost burnt Whitney, who internally cursed him for his shamelessness, yet found her cheeks heating up uncontrollably, glaring back, "Do you think I'm stupid? How shameless can you be?"

"If even one word I said was a lie, may lightning strike me down." Ludwik advanced, his imposing figure looming closer.

Looking down at her flustered state, he suddenly smiled, "Whitney, thanks for getting Shane to save me. It proves I'm not the only one making an effort..."

"..." Would you just shut up?

Whitney's face turned beet red, denying vehemently, "I-I never asked Shane to save you. I wish they had thrown you out!"

"Oh? Now that you know I was framed, you're still arguing?" Ludwik's voice grew softer, laced with a hint of flirtation, "Is it so hard to admit you've got a kind heart?"

"Don't flatter yourself."

Overwhelmed by his suggestive gaze, Whitney protested, "Move, I'm leaving.'

She pushed against him, but he was like a wall, immovable and imposing, a reminder of how unfazed she was by his physical presence.

"Ludwik, what do you want?"

Whitney, fuelled by anger, her eyes blazing with a brilliant fire, pleaded in a hushed tone, "Look at the mess you're in. I don't want to be seen with you, risking misunderstandings. And with Bryce nearby..."

She lowered her voice, "Are you trying to ruin me?"

Ludwik's gaze softened, observing her flustered state.

It was as if he realized he truly was an unwelcome presence in her life.

Silently pursing his lips, his handsome features shadowed by the moonlight coming through the window, yet his striking profile remained irresistibly dangerous.

At thirty-something, he looked defeated and restrained, like a scolded puppy, pitifully silent and subdued.

Whitney's thoughts drifted to something Shane had once said.

Now, anyone could mock him, and he wouldn't bat an eye, bearing the aloofness of someone born to stand alone.

But whenever she threw a couple of teasing remarks his way, he seemed genuinely hurt.

After all, he was a man she had once loved. She couldn't help but empathize, unlike how most people would react.

Just like now... seeing him looking so wronged and bullied, she involuntarily softened towards him.

Whitney sighed, realizing she couldn't afford to be soft-hearted anymore. His shameless display of vulnerability was driving her insane.

Her face set into a stern expression, she quickly wriggled out from under his arm, "Stop bothering me."