Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 358

gently releasing hers after a moment.

Whitney clumsily pressed her lips against his, a rush of inexperienced passion. Ludwik inhaled sharply, locking eyes with her for a full two seconds before pressing back, claiming her mouth with his own. The kiss was long, intense enough to arch her back, his lips only He caught her chin, her tongue still lingering... Ludwik cursed silently to himself.

Their eyes narrowed, breaths mingling. "Whitney. What's this about?"

His voice came out raspy, almost unrecognizable.

Whitney's cheeks flushed a deeper shade of red, a bashful glow spreading across her face.

She was at a loss for words, unsure of her own actions, resorting to this in desperation.

She raised an eyebrow playfully, a sly smile on her lips, feigning nonchalance. "Isn't Mr. Lippert getting married tomorrow? After all, we were once husband and wife, a proper goodbye is in order."

"Is this your idea of a goodbye? So bold?" Ludwik's tone was shaky, his emotions unreadable.

But it was clear; he was not pleased.

Whitney gently pushed against his towering form, teasing, "What, a goodbye kiss doesn't sit well with you?"

"Stop joking around."

Ludwik gazed down at her, his stare intense, lingering on her lips for a few seconds, his desire barely contained as he released her chin.

His expression turned cold, "Is there a contract for the Gemstone Exhibit Project I need to sign?"

With that, he moved to sit behind his large desk.

Whitney's heart raced!

The drawer was slightly ajar, and he was a man of detail; he would notice it.

She quickly blocked his path again, reaching for his tie, eyes closed in a bold move, "I'm not joking. Mr. Lippert, do you want another kiss? Or perhaps, something more?" Her eyes fluttered open, lashes trembling, a seductive gaze meeting his.

Ludwik paused, his eyes darkening, his voice a gruff whisper, "Whitney, are you playing me?"

"No."

"What are you here for, really?"

Ludwik turned, pulling her close, pushing her into the executive chair.

Her legs instinctively blocked the drawer, her body resisting his advance, knowing she had to keep him away from the desk!

She pushed against his chest, her touch softening, her tone suggestive, "Do you really not know why I'm here?"

"You came to sign a contract, right?" Ludwik frowned, glancing at her document bag.

Her lips curved, a hint of mischief as she slipped off her high heels, revealing perfectly painted red toenails, her delicate foot playfully tapping his knee through his trousers. "Playing hard to get." Her voice was airy, tempting.

Ludwik, caught in her spell, felt his restraint wavering.

He grabbed her foot, his gaze intense, "Enough!"

Whitney wished she could leave this charade behind, her eyes drifting towards the couch, "Shall we talk over there?"

"I'm getting married tomorrow. Whatever game you're playing, it ends now. Let's keep our dignity."

His patience wearing thin, he grabbed her hand, intending to pull her up, "Sign the contract, and leave."

But Whitney couldn't leave, not now, not with so much at stake!

She grasped for any strategy that might work, her desperation mounting.

"Do you want to talk, or do you want to do?"

Ludwik was stunned, speechless at her bold proposition.

"Do you even know what you're saying?" His voice was tight.

"I do." Whitney's flirtatious smile widened, her gaze sultry as she leaned closer, "I've heard that breakups have their rituals. If I give you a chance today..."

"Whitney, don't play with fire!" His eyes darkened.

Whitney's foot ventured higher up his leg, her inner turmoil masked by a daring smile, "Not even a little tempted after a drink? Saving yourself for Elaine? Once I'm gone, I'm gone for good. After tomorrow, we're strangers." Strangers...

That word seemed to strike a chord within him.

He had wanted to see her one last time before his wedding, but now that she was here, she only ignited his frustration.

His mind teetered on the edge of betrayal, yet his actions remained honorable. Ludwik wasn't without morals.

Marrying Elaine tomorrow, entangling with Whitney tonight would wrong them both, especially Whitney.

Yet her advances, her allure, broke through his restraint.

His grip tightened around her foot, his voice a hoarse whisper, "I don't want to sleep with you, not even if you're offering. Leave!" Whitney's face fell, a mix of emotions swirling within her.

Had the man she knew as indecisive suddenly found his backbone?

Was it a desire not to hurt Elaine, or was there a part of him that didn't want to hurt her either?

Her eyes flickered with unspoken pain as he lifted her, her arms wrapping around his neck.

Ludwik marveled at his own self-control, his voice cold, "Wait outside. I'll have Felix send you the contract..."

His words were cut off by Whitney's lips on his, a desperate attempt to keep him ensnared, to finish what she had started.

In the heat of passion, questions and doubts melted away, leaving only the raw, undeniable connection between them.

As the door to the rest area snapped shut, with the urgency of their embrace leaving no room for distance, Ludwik and Whitney found themselves at a crossroads of desire and decision, the consequences of which would unfold in the moments to come. Was it all just a performance for her?

Hesitation flickered in her eyes, but then, with the fervor of a final act of madness, he kissed her passionately.

"Ugh, ugh..."

Once he took the initiative, it was more than she could bear.

Ludwik pinned her hands against the door, taking complete control, and began unbuttoning her blouse, one button at a time. He was thoroughly intoxicated, his voice husky with a pained sort of tenderness, "I never wanted to hurt you. Today, of all days, shouldn't have happened. My refusal was me being responsible, but I don't know what you're thinking. Do you, perhaps, have some feelings for me? Whitney... not as heartless as you seem, watching me get ready to marry someone else? Whitney... Whitney..."

His calling out 'Whitney' was her undoing, whether it was the pain he brought or a sudden pang in her heart.

The silver needle in her hand fell...

Memories flooded back in torrents. When he was emotional, out of his senses, he would call her like that.

Whitney, Whitney...

He kept calling.

Tears quickly forced their way out, and she was eventually thrown into the bed, feeling his rage and displeasure, and the relentless struggle.

Let it be.

Tomorrow's worries are for tomorrow.

After all, this was to be their last entanglement; there would be no more chaos with him after tomorrow.

She laughed coldly, yet the tears were forced out more abundantly, until, in the end, she had no choice but to cling to him...

In the aftermath, Ludwik was like a fierce beast, showing his vulnerability and tenderness after his ferocity.

He caressed her flushed cheeks, unwilling to leave, and whispered drunken confessions by her ear, "I actually don't want to get married anymore... do you believe me?" Whitney paused, taken aback.