Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 415

Ludwik had never imagined that his business deal would morph into a marriage alliance. Indeed, Jason's proposal seemed only natural in the scheme of things. As far as Ludwik was concerned, his feelings were secondary; what mattered most was Florence's health since she was the 'donor' in question.

Evaluating the girl before him, he said, "How have you been feeling lately? I'm thinking of getting a nutritionist for you."

"Ludwik, is it time for your mom's transfusion?" she asked with genuine concern.

Ludwik nodded gravely, "It has to be done within a fortnight."

"I'm sorry! My health hasn't been the best lately, but I promise to eat more and get stronger," she said, her voice hurried and punctuated by coughs, her face pale.

Ludwik could see that her health was far from ideal. Frowning, he said, "I'm sorry to hear that, Florence. You might need to eat more, maybe have a few extra meals a day to boost your blood levels. The doctor mentioned it's important for you to stay as stress-free as possible."

"I understand, happiness is key. You know what would make me really happy? If you could spare some time to go on our first date today," she pleaded childishly.

Ludwik sighed internally, knowing he had to play the part. Asking a girl with a terminal illness to be a blood donor, he had to uphold his part of the deal. Besides, taking good care of Florence meant his mother would be well cared for too.

The man nodded coolly, "Alright. Let's start with a hearty lunch."

"Let's go!" she said, standing up slowly, "I've never dined out before. I'm so excited to pick a place."

---

As the private jet neared its descent, Hudson, seizing a moment while Danny slept, spoke to Whitney, "I've done some digging into your life, I hope you don't mind. I've grown quite fond of this little grandson of mine... You see, the reason I was so eager for you to come back to New York was to secure a marriage alliance with the Lippert family for you. Initially, Jason and I had agreed on Florence from the Sheldon family. But now that you've been acknowledged, I thought perhaps you could marry into the Lippert family instead." Whitney was taken aback by the revelation.

Hudson smiled, "The child's father, he's Ludwik, isn't he?"

Blushing, Whitney nodded.

"So, it's the same Ludwik now?" Hudson continued, seeing the realization dawn on Whitney's face.

Whitney, feeling a mix of emotions, was touched by Hudson's secret efforts and consideration for her marriage, possibly even at the cost of offending his current wife and daughter. It was a warm, familial feeling she hadn't experienced in a long time, perhaps signaling a newfound fatherly love upon her return to the Sheldon family.

"Dad, I... I didn't know," she managed, a blush of embarrassment on her cheeks.

Hudson chuckled, "I know these things. Your mother and I, we had our fair share of arguments, but it only made our love stronger, until fate decided otherwise..."

His mood darkened at the memory.

As the plane landed, Hudson arranged for a car to take them to the Sheldon Mansion in Brew Hill, about an hour and a half's drive away.

"Dad, I've booked a hotel. I'll take Danny there first," Whitney said, preferring not to bring her son into an unfamiliar family situation just yet.

Hudson sensed her hesitation and reluctantly agreed, "Rest up with Danny. At six, my car will come for you. It's your first time coming home, and your grandparents might be there. It should be a grand occasion."

Whitney agreed.

---

At a high-end restaurant, Florence, after excusing herself to the restroom, received a call from Holly Walker, her voice tight with anger, "Florence, your father has brought that wretch back home with a grand entrance on a private jet! And he's planning to bring her to the Sheldon family dinner tonight, to welcome her back officially."

"You mean the illegitimate daughter is back in New York? I know what to do," Florence said, a hint of bitterness in her voice as she hung up.

Returning to the table, she suddenly felt breathless, forcing Ludwik to rush to her aid, "You can't even walk back from the restroom without help?"

"It seems so," Florence said with a wry smile, then looked up at him, "Ludwik, would you come home with me today to meet my parents?"

Ludwik hesitated but knew he couldn't refuse.

"It's a special day, our first date, and I've never been healthy. My parents probably think I won't live much longer, and I want to give them some happiness by introducing you."

He had no choice but to agree, given their arrangement.

"Great, my sister will be home today too. I'm so excited... Let's go shopping for a gift for her," Florence said, brightening at the thought.

Ludwik's phone buzzed, but he ignored it to help Florence into the car. When he finally glanced at the screen, his heart skipped a beat - Whitney had sent him a message...

---

Back at the hotel, Whitney settled Danny down for a nap and ordered lunch. Looking out over the unfamiliar vistas of New York, she couldn't help but feel alienated, her heart craving something familiar. In this sprawling, unfamiliar city, the only person she longed for was Ludwik...

Natalie's words kept replaying in Whitney's mind, seemingly injecting her with a dose of courage. The question of whether to reach out to him first seemed to have been answered in her heart last night... Whitney bit her lip, sat down, and in a moment of impulse, her fingers slowly typed out a message to him: "I'm in New York."

Receiving this concise message, Ludwik's mind stalled, instantly churned by a tempest. Why is she in New York all of a sudden? His heartbeat fluctuated erratically, his breath deep and tense, his gaze darkening as he asked her: "What are you doing in New York?"

---

Whitney frowned at his reply. His question seemed so cold. Did he still misunderstand her relationship with Bryce and felt upset about it? She pouted, at a loss for words, and replied coldly: "New York isn't owned by your family; I have my own business here." "Ludwik, where are you?"

Where is he?

Ludwik stood on a charming, artsy street corner, where Florence was searching for a pottery workshop, looking utterly smitten as if she was in love. His heart sank suddenly. A shadow passed over Ludwik's eyes, his slender fingers hesitated over the keyboard more cautiously than ever: "Do you need something?"

Whitney: "I have some free time this afternoon... Maybe we can meet and talk."

"See if... you want to meet for a talk?"

After sending the message, Whitney pressed the phone against her chest, feeling her heart thumping loudly, vibrating the screen. Damn, why was she so nervous? After all, it wasn't her who was in the wrong in their argument. Perhaps it was her initiative giving him a chance, showing a willingness to reconcile, that made her feel annoyed, uncertain, and a bit awkward.

She thought about Natalie's advice, his concern for Sammy, and how those photos were all just misunderstandings according to Natalie. Even Hudson seemed to have noticed her feelings, trying to play matchmaker for them...

If he still loved her, and was heartbroken enough over their fight to end up in the hospital, then she decided to soften her heart one last time. Whitney bit her lip hard, waiting for his reply for what felt like ages. Just as she was about to put the phone down, it started vibrating slowly...