Love Beyond the Mask novel Chapter 81

As Whitney spotted L lingering in the hallway, her heart quivered, and a glimmer of hope lit up in her eyes. She wondered if he was just being tough with his words but soft-hearted inside. But then she saw him draping his jacket over Elaine’s shoulders with such care, and realization hit her hard.

It wasn't about her at all.

L hadn't left because he was taking care of Elaine, who was soaked to the bone, probably needing to see a doctor.

Meanwhile, there she was, having been roughed up, aching all over in her hospital room, with not even a glass of water to drink because he'd refused to hire a nurse for her.

And from where she stood, it almost looked like L was pulling Elaine into an embrace.

What kind of sister was Elaine to deserve such intimacy?

A chill settled in Whitney's gaze.

Pushing the IV stand, she slowly made her way out of the room.

Elaine, quick to notice, warned the man while taking a step back, putting some distance between them. It was a clear attempt to show innocence, but it only made her look more suspicious.

Whitney's gaze turned icy. Suddenly, the cup in her hand felt too heavy, and as it slipped, it crashed onto her foot, eliciting a sharp cry of pain.

Ludwik's cold hand reached out to steady her as he scolded, "Can't you be more careful?"

He picked up the cup, and seeing her parched lips, a pang of regret hit him.

Did she need some water?

But Whitney heard only his irritation, a stark contrast to the tenderness he'd shown Elaine just moments before. Her displeasure surged, and she coldly shook off his hand.

His displeasure was immediate. He'd already set aside his pride with the gesture of a peace offering, and now she was pushing him away?

He wanted to spank her for her insolence.

Pressing down on the IV stand, he glared at her with a chilling look, "What's your problem, Whitney?"

Her voice laced with self-derision, Whitney retorted, "No problem at all. I wouldn't want to keep you from playing dress-up with your sister."

Her words were like ice, and Ludwik's face turned stormy. "What's with the attitude?"

Elaine rushed over, her eyes brimming with feigned concern, trying to explain, "Whitney, it was because I was wet, so he kindly offered me his jacket. He didn't mean anything by it. Please don't misunderstand."

Whitney scrutinized Elaine, unable to hide her distaste. From the moment Elaine had clung to L's wrist, to the subtle provocation in her voice, Whitney recognized the games she played.

She sneered, "I'm not misunderstanding anything, Elaine. You don't have to emphasize that he put his jacket on you. I couldn't care less."

Whitney acknowledged feeling somewhat out of control. She knew she shouldn't have said that, but what did it matter now?

The man, seemingly indifferent to her, had left her stranded in the hospital room while tending to other women.

The thought of her helpless situation in the hospital room stirred a mixture of resentment and anger within her.

Ludwik's expression darkened at her 'I couldn't care less' remark. In any argument, she'd retreat like a turtle into its shell, absolving herself of all blame.

He scoffed at Elaine, "Why bother explaining to her? Did she appreciate your efforts to get a lawyer for her? She clearly doesn't care, and if I want to put my jacket on you, I will!"

Elaine was eager to express something, but a flicker of darkness passed through her eyes.

“Whitney, you really don’t know how to appreciate things.” Ludwik remarked.

He must have lost his mind, choosing to stay here. Just moments ago, he had hoped that if Whitney showed any sign of softening, he would smoothly reconcile with her. She shared a room with her ex, mistook Simon for her savior, blamed him for not rescuing her, and misunderstood his relationship with Elaine.

Was she deliberately picking a fight?

He then declared, "Since you don't care, Elaine, I’ll take you home!"