Love Beyond the Mask novel Chapter 664

"It's no problem at all, I'll crash in the guest room," Bryce offered with a considerate tone, making sure not to trouble her.

Whitney instantly felt a wave of relief wash over her, nodding gratefully. "Thank you for being so understanding, Bryce…"

"But as much as I understand, Whitney, you can't just spend all your time with the kids and leave me hanging," Bryce joked with a low chuckle, wrapping his arms around her in an affectionate embrace, winking playfully. "You know, I'm just a regular guy too. Don't make me wait too long, okay?"

"I... Bryce... okay," Whitney stammered, her cheeks flushing a deeper shade of red.

Bryce mistook her blush for shyness, leaning in to whisper, "Whitney…" as he kissed her hair gently.

Whitney froze up even more, instinctively ducking her head to avoid further contact. Despite trying to relax, she tensed up as the scent of Bryce's cologne filled her senses—a stark contrast to Ludwik’s subtle, clean fragrance that seemed to linger with warmth and strength.

Her heart felt tight, confused at her own reactions. Why was she thinking of Ludwik while in Bryce's arms? Was it because she hadn't been close enough to Bryce before their marriage? Or had the past month with Ludwik, with his constant affection and kisses, left her too accustomed to his presence?

Shaking off the intrusive thoughts, Whitney realized she needed to focus.

"Whitney, holding you like this feels so right," Bryce said, feeling her stiffness but refraining from pushing further. He gently let go, changing the subject. "So, when do you plan to go to the police station? The case about Ludwik kidnapping you is still open. I even got a call from the cops yesterday."

Whitney hesitated, troubled, but she couldn't deny the truth in Felix's words. She didn't want to hurt her children too deeply.

Now remarried, with children to consider and facing Bryce, she felt overwhelmed. After composing herself, Whitney looked up, "Bryce, I'm sorry. I can't agree to press charges. Danny and Lily are now part of the Lippert family. If Ludwik goes to prison, it could really affect them. They might not say it, but deep down, they still have feelings for Ludwik. If I go too far, I could hurt their innocent hearts, and I can't bear the thought of them being ridiculed for having a father who's a kidnapper…"

Listening to her reasons, Bryce's warm face turned stormy. His tone suddenly changed, "Whitney, all you think about are your sons. Have you thought about me? If you don't press charges, what will people say? They'll think you were willing, that during our marriage, you let Ludwik have his way with you. They'll call you names, and say you were unfaithful, making me a laughingstock. How can I hold my head high? No matter how successful I am, I’ll always be mocked. Have you ever considered my feelings?"

Hearing his angry voice and sensing his barely concealed frustration, Whitney felt a deep fear, lost for words. "I didn't mean to ignore your feelings. I agreed before without thinking about the kids. Bryce, I'm sorry. Can't we think of the children?"

"Bryce, could it be that you haven't moved past Ludwik?" his anger turning into hurt.

"You know what I'm most afraid of? Not what happened between you two in the past month, but that he's recaptured your heart. Is it some kind of twisted love you can't let go? No matter what I do, how much I love you, I'm always last in your heart. Am I really that unimportant to you?"

"I... I didn't..." Whitney tried to explain, but Bryce, with a cold look and a bitter laugh, left the house in anger.