Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 469

"Your call," Ludwik said, softening his tone upon catching the mist in Whitney's eyes.

He felt a mix of frustration and resignation bubble within him. "Do you have any idea where I've been all day?"

"I don't want to know. Just leave," she replied, her voice firm.

Ludwik, visibly irked and not taking her dismissal lightly, stared at her defiant face for a moment before lighting up a cigarette, blowing the smoke directly at her. She coughed, her lungs protesting, anger rising.

But then, Ludwik gently lifted her chin, his voice softening. "I got news about Sammy. Been wanting to tell you since dawn, but you wouldn't listen. Kept lashing out at me!" "So now, I'm here, swallowing my pride to step into your hotel. Get it?"

Whitney paused, a mix of confusion and urgent concern flitting through her eyes. "What about Sammy? Did you replace a clue?"

He didn't reply, letting the smoke curl around him.

Whitney tugged at his sleeve, looking up at him with a vulnerability that seemed to smooth his ruffled feathers.

Ludwik moved closer, his voice low and commanding, "We'll talk later. Cook something first."

"You..."

Her protest was cut off by a suspicious grumble from a stomach - definitely not hers.

Looking up at him, she saw the discomfort on his face, the wound on his forehead adding to his weary look. "You haven't eaten, have you?"

Dropping his cigarette, he gave her a look that said, 'Isn't it obvious?' and started rummaging through the fridge for ingredients.

Why hadn't he been dining in blissful romance with Florence? Ah, right, he had met with Parker for Sammy's sake.

That thought soured Whitney's mood further, a hint of hesitation in her heart.

He could neglect a cozy evening with Florence for Sammy, yet couldn't spare a moment to eat.

Who was he really looking out for?

Trying to juggle both? Did he even realize how that made him look?

Biting her lip in annoyance, she couldn't help but steal glances at his sharp profile, his forehead bandaged, a reminder of his altercation. Their eyes met abruptly, causing Whitney to avert her gaze, her throat tightening. "Did you get that wound while searching for Sammy?" He nodded. "Yeah, was chasing someone when there was an explosion."

"An explosion?!" She was astounded by his casual dismissal.

Her worry for him was evident, which brought a slight smile to Ludwik's lips. "What, you're worried about me now, Whitney? Still care?"

Holding the ingredients, he inched closer, his usual stern demeanor softened by the domestic setting, momentarily charming.

It reminded Whitney of days back in Banyan City, when life was simpler, despite their constant bickering over Elaine, replaceing brief moments of sweetness amidst the strife.

Now, even though his heart seemed distant, his familiar presence, doing the usual chores, stirred something within her.

She pushed him away, refusing to let his proximity affect her. "As if I could still care about you! Dream on," she snapped, guarding her vulnerability.

Ludwik's expression darkened, a bitter smile crossing his thoughts. He had deluded himself, feeling a pull towards her, despite the walls he had built.

He intended to push her away, to make her leave for Banyan City, to avoid the turmoil of his feelings. But Whitney wasn't one to back down easily. His determination turned cold. She had this effect on him, yet she claimed to no longer care.

"Fine, next time I might as well just blow up," he muttered coldly, unpacking the groceries.

Whitney was taken aback, wanting to silence his morbid talk. After all he had done, how could she offer any comfort?

Her mood soured further, the silence between them turning stifling. She decided not to engage further, letting him cook on his own.

As she turned to leave, she noticed him leaning against the counter, motionless.

"What's wrong?" she asked, puzzled.

"Ludwik?"

"Stomach ache..." The strong man before her was reduced to grimacing in pain.

"How long have you been without food?"

"Skipped meals all day."

Despite her resolve to remain indifferent, Whitney couldn't. She snatched the knife from him, "Move over, you weakling!"

Quickly washing the vegetables, she began chopping them, her movements rapid due to her urgency. Ludwik, watching silently, couldn't help but warn her, "Careful. I might be in pain, but it'll be worse if you hurt yourself." "I'm not rushing because of you. It's for the kids, they need to eat!" she retorted, her cheeks flushing.

Ludwik remained silent, his grip on her hand not loosening, his gaze softening.

Finally, the meal was prepared, and they sat down to eat, the tension easing as Danny eagerly dug in. Ludwik ate with his usual grace, albeit sparingly due to his discomfort.

Whitney's dishes, devoid of even a hint of hot sauce, were quickly abandoned on the table.

Ludwik furrowed his brow, reaching into his suit jacket to pull out a smartphone, laying it flat on the table.

"What's this?" Danny asked, setting his fork down.

Whitney leaned in for a closer look.

Ludwik's gaze was intense. "Sammy's fingerprints, and a clue he left us," he said.

Whitney's heart skipped a beat, her face paling as she picked up the smartphone-