Love beyond the mask (Whitney)



Despite his towering height that made her look absolutely tiny in comparison, Ludwik's doting demeanor resembled that of a giant Labrador hovering around her, a faint smile shimmering in the depths of his profound eyes.

Whitney couldn't help but roll her eyes at him, exasperated, "Have you no shame, Ludwik? Where's that aloof, domineering CEO vibe you used to have?"

"I've heard it said that when you're around someone you like, shame is the last thing you should hold onto. Pride, dignity - they're all just smoke in the wind. A true man knows when to be flexible."

Ludwik casually explained his relentless pursuit.

After some reflection, he had concluded that shamelessness was his best strategy to win Whitney back. Given her gentle heart and her repeated reluctance to push him away completely, he figured that persistence was key. Eventually, she'd have no choice but to let him stay.

A sly grin played on Ludwik's lips.

Watching his unwavering confidence, Whitney had no clue what he was plotting, only feeling more irritated, "How did that explosion not blast away that shameless face of yours?"

"To win back an ex-wife, one must shed all shame," he replied, his gaze deep and meaningful.

Was this man crossing the line?

Whitney found herself missing the cold, distant Ludwik of the past.

Frustrated, she walked into the emergency room lobby, needing to fill out the patient intake form.

Ludwik leaned against the reception desk, casting her a roguish glance while holding up his right hand, "Injured. Can't write."

"..." Once again, she found herself speechless.

She reluctantly took his temperature and filled out the form for him, then went to register.

Ludwik trailed behind her, his lips curved in a slight smile as he watched her busy herself, eventually heading to the gastroenterology department for a stomach wash, while his arm and chest wounds required antibiotic infusions.

After all the hustle, Ludwik glanced at his watch; it was nearly 1 a.m.

As much as he wanted her to stay, he couldn't bear to see her tired, "Whitney, call Ashton."

Believing he wanted Ashton to look after him, Whitney was taken aback when Ludwik spoke into the phone, "Ashton, please drive Whitney home." She frowned, "No need. I'm not close with him. I'd rather take a cab than have Ashton lecture me like he used to protect Elaine."

Ludwik's expression darkened as he apologized on his friend's behalf, "Whitney, he was blind."

"And you're not?" Whitney retorted.

As they revisited past grievances, Ludwik sighed helplessly, admitting his mistakes, "Let Ashton drive you. I'm worried about you, so beautiful, someone might rob you on the way. As for me, I'll just stay here overnight. Oh, and about the medical bills you paid for me, I'll pay you back tomorrow."

"..." Who would bother with him now?

With a cold glance, Whitney saw Ludwik, handsome and forlorn, sitting alone in the infusion room. The hospital was full, leaving him nowhere comfortable to rest his injured body on a cold bench all night.

Closing her eyes in irritation, she wondered when she had become so compassionate.

She stated firmly, "If you want to freeze here, that's your problem. And keep the money. Don't think I don't know you're just looking for another excuse to bother me tomorrow."

Ludwik's lips twitched, seeing through her, "No need to pay back means you don't consider me a stranger. Next time, dinner's on me."

"Who doesn't consider you a stranger?" Whitney realized his cunning persistence.

She glared at him coldly, "I'm just trying to avoid giving you a chance to get close. I'm leaving now, and Ashton doesn't need to come."

"Don't go, Whitney," Ludwik pleaded softly, holding her back, "I'm worried. I know you don't want Ashton involved because you're worried about me being here alone..."

"Have you no shame?" Despite her inner agreement, Whitney refused to admit it, her patience wearing thin, "Let go of me, or I'll really knock you out with a syringe."

Unyielding as ever.

"Fine, if you insist on going alone, just text Ashton when you get home. If you don't, I'll have to ask Bryce if you made it," his concerned gaze not faltering.

"Ludwik..." Whitney clenched her fist, finally relenting, "I'll text, okay? You don't need to bother Bryce. I'm staying at my uncle's place in Delight Mansion tonight, okay?"

Satisfied, Ludwik let her go, "Be careful on your way."

Whitney left in a huff, her heels echoing her frustration.

Ludwik's lips curled slightly; persistence seemed to be working. Unlike him, Whitney was free of schemes and malice.

He never imagined changing his cold demeanor for a woman, but if it meant winning back the love of his life, then so be it.

Upon arriving at Delight Mansion, Whitney sent a terse message to Ashton: I'm here.

An immediate response came back: Good, get some rest. By the way, Sammy spent the day with my mom, along with Danny. They're probably still there, so don't worry.

-Ludwik.

""

Clearly, Ashton had already reached the hospital, and Ludwik had hijacked his phone.

Speechless, Whitney tossed aside her phone, washed up, and lay in bed. Despite her exhaustion, thoughts of the evening's events and Ludwik's shameless face haunted her, preventing sleep.

Two hours earlier.

Bryce was at the Wilson family estate when Jarvis summoned him urgently.

Furious, Jarvis blasted him, "What kind of plan was that, Bryce? Not only did we fail to kill Ludwik, but he also managed to save Elodie by sheer luck, turning into the Liang family's hero. I just saw Ronan thanking Ludwik profusely!"

Bryce hadn't gone inside to see for himself, his face twisting in anger.

"How was I to know that not even an explosion could kill him? Not only does Ludwik survive, but he also manages to save Elodie?"

"You totally underestimated him!

Man, I'm screwed because of you. If you hadn't egged me on, I wouldn't have messed with the Wilsons.

Blowing up one guy would have been fine, but Elodie just had to wander into the greenhouse.

Now, the whole Wilson clan is gonna dig into this, and if they trace it back to me, I'm done for."noveldrama

Jarvis glared at him with a mix of resentment and fear, grabbed a call from Wade, and then angrily tossed his cigarette butt and stormed off.

In the pitch-dark night, Bryce watched Jarvis leave with a cold gaze. Slowly, a sinister smile crept onto his face.

Sure, not taking out Ludwik was a bummer.

But if this mess drags both the Patricks and Jarvis into the fray, it actually clears the way for him.

After all, who wants to be a lackey for life?