Love Beyond the Mask novel Chapter 552

The Lippert family's hospital was bustling as usual, but Ludwik's stride towards his mother's room carried an urgency that cut through the everyday hum. He scanned the room, his heart sinking when he found no trace of Whitney.

Natalie, fully awake and in good spirits with her grandson Danny by her side, lifted her head slightly. "Ludwik, what brings you back so soon?" she asked, a soft smile playing on her lips.

Ludwik's gaze briefly touched his son before returning to his mother, his voice rough with concern. "Mom, where's Whitney?"

"Oh, she was here just an hour ago," Natalie replied.

Danny piped up, "Mom said she wasn't feeling well and needed to head home for a bit."

Ludwik's heart plummeted. Whitney's absence wasn't due to illness. The news of Florence's pregnancy must have reached her... She must be devastated, he thought, to leave Danny and vanish without a word.

Turning to Danny, Ludwik fought to keep his voice steady. "Stay here with grandma, alright? The nurses will look after you. Daddy needs to find your mommy."

Danny waved a small hand as Ludwik hurried out, the weight of the world on his shoulders.

Ludwik arrived at Delight Mansion to find it ominously quiet. The door was closed, the only sign of life the faint glow of the porch light against the gloomy sky. Whitney wasn't home; she hadn't come back at all.

After scanning the house and finding no sign of Whitney or Tiana, Ludwik's worst fears seemed confirmed. Whitney was avoiding him, disappearing on purpose.

Frantic and hollow with panic, Ludwik knew he was out of options. She was gone, and he hadn't even had the chance to explain.

He lingered on the doorstep, dialing her number again and again to no avail, before finally shouting towards the house in a desperate plea, "Whitney! Whitney, please, don't hide from me! I'm begging you, just talk to me. Even if you want to yell, just... Whitney!"