Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 314

"Shameless!" Whitney's eyes filled with tears, her voice quivering with outrage. How dare he demean her with physiological excuses after spending the night with her? He was beyond a jerk, utterly despicable.

Perhaps sensing he'd gone too far, Ludwik frowned, gently grasping her hand in his, seeking some form of reconciliation.

His face twisted uncomfortably as he explained, "Look, we're both consenting adults. The police wouldn't see it as assault, you know that, right?"

"I didn't enjoy it one bit. You're terrible in bed! It was like being bitten by a mangy dog. I had no choice but to let it happen and now I'm worried I've caught something. I'm heading to the hospital for a check-up!" Hearing the words "consenting adults" confirmed Whitney's suspicions that Ludwik was shirking responsibility.

Despite anticipating this, her heart still ached fiercely.

Of course, he was set on marrying his beloved Elaine, while she was merely a fleeting distraction.

Despicable.

A chill crept into her gaze.

Ludwik, faced with her biting sarcasm, saw his own face darken with anger.

What, she had the nerve to criticize his performance? And insinuate he was diseased? What did she take him for?

Rising abruptly, his frustration evident, Ludwik retorted bitterly, "Maybe I'm the one who should get checked. With your reputation, who knows how clean you are?"

Whitney froze, feeling as though her heart had been mercilessly torn apart.

She let out a hollow laugh, remembering just how venomous Ludwik's words could be.

With a cold smirk, she countered, "Disgusted by me yet you couldn't wait to get me into bed, over and over. Hypocrisy suits you perfectly, Mr. Lippert."

Silence fell as Ludwik's complexion turned stormy. "You provoked me first. Can't you speak without sarcasm?"

Was she always this intolerant of him? Aside from their night together, which admittedly shook him, she seemed perpetually armed with barbs.

He'd hoped last night might soften her stance, but clearly, he'd overestimated his charm.

"What's there to discuss with a man like you? I'll consider it a dog bite, but remember, this isn't over. Now, get out!"

As Whitney issued her command, Ludwik struggled to speak, his pride swallowing his words.

He wanted to make amends for last night, admitting his fault and open to any form of compensation she demanded.

Yet her disdain, as if she truly had been bitten by a dog, irked him deeply. Was his company that repulsive to her? "Whitney, I'm giving you one chance to name your price, to make up for last night," he stated arrogantly.

As if she was some cheap fling! The nerve of him!

Rising, her robe tightly wrapped around her, Whitney stood tall at the bedside, her gaze mocking, "It was just a fling. I'm not the one clinging, Mr. Lippert. I move on, just like kicking a dog aside after it's served its purpose. After all, there might be younger, more vigorous options next time."

"Speak like that in my bed again, and you'll regret it!" Ludwik's jealousy flared, his grip tightening around her neck.

Whitney always had a knack for dousing his heated thoughts with cold reality.

He had hoped, foolishly, that last night meant something more to her.

But looking into her eyes, he found only indifference, a stark contrast to the adoration she once held for him.

His heart sank, a silent, suffocating despair taking hold.

Ludwik glared at her, his words cutting deep, "If you want to play the field, fine by me. I only settled for you because Elaine wasn't an option. Your hoarse voice this morning said enough. Consider it a forgettable one-night stand, and don't you dare use this to upset Elaine." With that, Ludwik left, his departure as cold as his parting glance.

He knew exactly how to wound her.

Whitney should have seen it coming; she was nothing but a backup plan. Yet, for a fleeting moment last night, lost in the haze of his affection, she had dared to hope. How foolish!

But clarity had returned, along with a plan. Whitney would make them both pay, starting with ensuring Elaine's inevitable breakdown.

With a smirk, Whitney pushed aside any lingering sentiment, ready to plot her next move.

-

Ludwik's encounter with Parker outside was brief and telling.

Both men knew the score, the marks on Ludwik's neck leaving little to the imagination.

"What are you doing here?" Ludwik's tone was ice-cold.

"Keeping watch, obviously. You two were so loud the whole floor could hear. What if Elaine found out?"

Parker's sarcasm went unnoticed as Ludwik proposed they grab a drink, despite the early hour.

In a private bar, Ludwik drowned his sorrows, prompting Parker's curiosity.

"You got what you wanted. Why the long face?"

"She kicked me out, wanting nothing to do with me."

Ludwik's frustration was palpable, surprising even Parker.

"Sounds like you're almost disappointed you can't take responsibility for her," Parker teased, probing deeper into the unspoken tension between men.

Ludwik bristled at the suggestion, his thoughts a tumultuous mix of desire and doubt.

Was Whitney truly indifferent, or had last night meant something more to both of them?

The feeling was aggravating, yet inexplicably magnetic...

"It's the same old saying, Ludwik, if you truly despise a woman, it's hard to even pretend to be nice."

Ludwik thought back to last night, it wasn't just about pretending, he nearly devoured her whole.

Seeing Ludwik's silent contemplation, Parker suddenly chuckled and teased him, "Maybe, Ludwik, just maybe, deep down, you've got a soft spot for her? Is that why you can't help yourself?"