Love beyond the mask (Whitney)



Florence offered a gentle smile, "Do you think so too, Ludwik? It's my first attempt at pottery; it might look a bit rough. Growing up, my health kept me indoors, so I never really got the chance to take art classes. I'm sorry, sis. Next time, I'll pick a gift you'd like..."novelbin

"There's no need," Whitney suddenly interjected, taking the mug with a hint of a cold smile lighting up her otherwise stoic face under the dim light. It surprisingly made her look radiant.

She examined the mug, lips curling up, "It's ugly, but it's genuine. Just like when one betrays in a relationship, showing their true, ugly face, just like these cracks here, revealing everything there is."

Ludwik felt a sharp sting in his heart, her words hitting him hard, making his heart feel tight.

The sound of his knuckles cracking was overshadowed by Whitney suddenly letting go of the mug, letting it crash to the floor, shattering into pieces! "Sis..." Florence tried to mask the hurt on her face, looking up with a wounded expression.

Grandma and Sienna immediately shot disapproving glances at Whitney.

"What's the meaning of this, Whitney? Florence made that mug for you with all her heart, and you just smash it in front of her?!" Sienna's voice was sharp, stirring the pot.

"Whitney, your sister meant no harm..." Holly's tone conveyed disappointment, pushing Whitney further into the role of the villain in everyone's eyes. Hudson frowned, "Surely it was just a slip of the hand. Whitney wouldn't do that on purpose. Sienna, don't start trouble."

Whitney feigned innocence, "Dad's right, it just slipped. I was going to 'take care' of my sister's thoughtful gift. But now that it's broken, it hardly seems fair to accuse me of trying to upset her. Sienna, Holly, you're making too much of this."

She boldly called them out by name, sending their accusations right back.

Holly and Sienna were taken aback, and Hudson realized they might have been too quick to judge.

Florence smiled innocently, "Sienna is making a mountain out of a molehill, but it's a shame about the mug. Ludwik, shall we try making another one next time?"

Ludwik stood silent, lost in thought, his cold gaze still fixed on Whitney.

"Ludwik, why are you looking at my sister like that?" Florence asked naively, then turned to Whitney curiously. "Speaking of which, when you first met Ludwik, you said something I didn't quite catch..."

She coughed suddenly, clutching her chest, seemingly anxious for Ludwik's response.

The man hesitated, seeing her discomfort. Now, in front of the Sheldon family, he had to take control. The truth, neither Florence nor the Sheldons could know. It would cause chaos.

Ludwik's deep gaze slowly shifted away from Whitney, like a bridge snapping over a chasm, marking an insurmountable distance between them. So be it, he thought. She's moved on with Bryce, and there's no going back for us.

Better to end the pain now. After the pain, there's a new life.

Let us both give up hope.

With a self-mocking smile and a heart turned to ice, Ludwik coldly replied, "I don't know her. Why would I?"

His fists clenched tight.

Whitney, waiting for his answer, felt a pang of ridicule pierce her heart when he denied knowing her.

She bore him two children, and yet, this was her fate.

To appease his new lover, she wasn't even allowed to have existed in his world.

The man's deceitful nature was now crystal clear to her.

"I knew it. I've never met my sister before, so how could Ludwik have..." Florence sighed in relief, her smile towards Whitney hiding a deep triumph.

If Florence knew about her past with Ludwik, this victory would mean everything to her.

Whitney's lips curled into a cold smile as she walked in, "Seems like you're tired, sis. No need to trouble yourself. This will be my home too, no need for a tour."

Her words were a direct hit, hiding barbs.

Florence's face stiffened.

Hudson also chimed in, "Florence, you should rest. Whitney's right, she can make herself at home."

"Father's right, cough, cough..." Florence tried to hide her discomfort, breathing heavily.

Holly looked to Ludwik for help, "Florence can't walk much today. You'll have to carry her inside."

Ludwik knew she had overexerted herself that afternoon. He frowned, picking up Florence, and as he passed Whitney, his profile was tense, entering the house without another word.

Whitney watched his retreating figure, remembering a time when his embrace was hers alone.

Now, seeing him with another woman, all those cherished memories turned to disgust.

A wave of nausea hit her as she stood in the living room, leaning on a pillar for support, struggling to keep upright.

Florence was gently laid on the

et

couch, her delicate features and pale lips making her seem frail and vulnerable, like a character from a classic novel, always smiling but with a hint of sadness in her eyes, eliciting sympathy and a protective instinct.

Whitney watched, her eyes narrowing slightly.

And there, Emma showed her concern, taking her granddaughter's hand, "Florence, you need to take care of yourself. Don't go running off; you might catch a cold."

"I'm sorry, Grandma, but missing my first date with Ludwik? That was never an option. He's been so sweet to me all day, you don't have to worry."

The old lady was pleasantly surprised, "Thank you, Ludwik. It looks like our Florence is going to be in good hands with you."

Ludwik's eyes were deep and thoughtful, his attention subtly on Whitney, who seemed to be feeling a bit left out. His feelings, however, were hidden too well beneath the surface.

His lips pressed together firmly, "Of course, I'll take good care of her."

Whitney could barely hold onto the railing; her defenses could fend off anyone but his words cut deep.

She couldn't understand how a man could change so swiftly, turning into the epitome of heartlessness.

Perhaps, he never had a heart.

Women seemed to flock around him

...After Elaine, it took him

effortlessly...

no time to start seeing Florence, especially after Sammy vanished for three days. And now, here in Empire City, he's already meeting the parents.

Whitney, you're only humiliating yourself by holding onto any hope for such a man.

Noticing Ludvik's fleeting glances,

Florence also looked over, with a kind and understanding smile, "Grandma, let's not dwell on my little affairs Today's about our sister coming home. That's the big news.

UMS

Sister, don't just stand there. Today, you're the star. We all want to get to know you."

"Pfft, why invite her over? We have nothing in common. Does she even understand the first thing about Empire City's high society?" Sienna scoffed disdainfully.

"Oh, and you do?" The man lounging on the sofa with his legs crossed spoke up coldly.