Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 765

"Awesome! Mom, we're gonna hit the hot springs later!" Danny cheered with excitement plastered all over his face. Whitney wished she could just take the boys out for a meal instead, as she wasn't exactly thrilled about the hot springs idea.

She bit her lip, "Danny, Sammy, you guys are boys, why bother with hot springs? We could just head back home, run a nice bath with some Epsom salts-much more refreshing. Plus, you know how these public pools can be...bacteria breeding grounds, easy to catch something."

Sammy stayed quiet, understanding what his mom was actually worried about it wasn't about the hot springs per se, but more about not wanting to be seen with Ludwik in such a setting.

But Danny wasn't having any of it, his face falling in disappointment, "But Dad said he booked a private hot spring resort, really big, just for us. I've always been sickly when I was little, never got to go places like this, I wanna check it out, Mom. I don't care, I wanna go." Whitney struggled with her son's discontent.

"It's a private resort, Whitney... just like three years ago when I first confessed my feelings for you at the Alpine Springs Resort, in that secluded spring," Ludwik said, his voice deep and reminiscent, moving closer to her with a look that brought back a flood of memories. "..." Whitney was instantly transported back to those days.

Not just overwhelmed by emotions, but also the playful teasing and the flirtation in the secluded waters.

Her cheeks blushed instantly, at a loss for words.

Danny immediately caught on, his interest piqued. What kid wouldn't want to know about their parents' romantic past, especially when he was rooting for a reunion, "Dad! You confessed to Mom back then? In a hot spring, no less, wow, how did you do it?" "..." Whitney.

Sammy facepalmed, "Danny... you're a boy, stop acting like you're into this gossip like a little girl. Besides, some memories are better left unvisited."

After his piece, Sammy shot Ludwik a sharp look.

Making Ludwik feel utterly exposed under his son's discerning gaze, he turned to Whitney, his apology tinged with a deep resonance, "Whitney, it wasn't my intention to bring it up, just got caught up in the nostalgia."

Yeah, nostalgia my foot, Whitney thought sarcastically, her mind a tangled mess.

But with that, any further protests to the hot springs were futile; Danny was set on going.

"So, it's settled then. The hot spring will be just for our family of four, no outsiders," Ludwik declared, looking at her decisively.

Whitney had no choice but to reluctantly agree.

Ludwik, taking the boys to change, whispered to Danny with a wink, "Did you notice? I said 'family of four,' and your mom didn't object."

Danny grinned, "Teamwork, Dad. There's no 'Mom' we can't win back. Keep it up!"

Sammy watched their victorious scheming, a subtle warmth bubbling inside him.

It seemed Ludwik hadn't given up on Mom, putting all his effort into it.

Sammy couldn't help but suspect, Ludwik was still in love with Mom.

But, he doubted if Ludwik was still worthy... Sammy's feelings were complicated.

-

They arrived at a private dining courtyard for an outdoor barbecue dinner.

The chef, hailing from a region known for its authentic Korean cuisine, promised a genuine taste experience.

Ludwik took charge of the charcoal, cutting the meat, and grilling, his attire of a half apron over a white shirt and black trousers strikingly out of place.

Yet, Whitney found an unconventional allure in his focused side profile.

It seemed no matter what he wore or did, Ludwik had a charm all his own.

His handsome features made everything seem right.

Suddenly, a plate with perfectly grilled meat, wrapped in lettuce and perilla leaves, was offered to her by those long, dexterous hands. His voice, low and indulgent, broke the moment, "Stop staring at me, eat up before the boys polish everything off." "Who's staring at you," Whitney retorted, a flicker of embarrassment crossing her face as she looked away.

"Alright, you weren't staring," Ludwik teased with a low chuckle, "What else do you want? Pork belly or shoulder? Don't hold back, you're perfect just the way you are."

Whitney puffed her cheeks, not in the mood to discuss her figure, and said irritably, "Just look after the boys, I can manage."

"Your wish is my command," he replied seriously, his movements with the barbecue tongs as graceful as if he were playing the piano.

Whitney couldn't help thinking, even if Ludwik fell on hard times and ended up as a waiter in a fancy restaurant, he'd probably charm the socks off every young lady and socialite in town.

She decided to give up on talking and just focus on the food.

By the end of the meal, she and the boys were thoroughly stuffed.

After resting at the restaurant for half an hour, Ludwik drove them to the private hot spring resort.

As they approached the foothills in the early winter, the chill in the air made Whitney actually look forward to soaking in the warm springs, dispelling the cold.

The resort was as Ludwik promised, cleared of other guests.

A manager quickly led them to a family pool, with swimwear and towels all ready.

Whitney opened her swimwear package and was taken aback.

Her resistance to the hot springs was partly fearing Ludwik might have chosen something overly revealing to stir up unnecessary intimacy.

To her surprise, it was the complete opposite; a plain, black, almost matronly one-piece swimwear awaited her.

In contrast, the boys' swim trunks were vibrant and fun.

She was at a loss for words.

"Mom, your swimsuit looks like something a champion swimmer from the TV wears, super ugly!" Danny bluntly stated.

A vein popped on Whitney's forehead, "It's not that bad, it's all about who wears it. With your mom's looks, how can it not be beautiful?"

Sammy immediately jumped to her defense, "Right, mom looks stunning in anything. Danny, do you even know how to talk?"

"But I'm just stating the obvious here. How could Dad pick such an outdated style?"

Ludwik approached, his gaze settling on Whitney's beautiful face, "Your mom is too stunning to need any embellishment from a swimsuit, so I chose something simple."

Whitney just stared at him, unsure if it was a compliment or not.

Moments later, she changed into her swimsuit.

Ludwik, along with the boys, emerged in their swim trunks, ready for a memorable family time at the hot springs.

Two kids splashing around in the pool weren't much to look at, but a fully grown, mature man? That was a whole different story. With his chiseled upper body on full display, broad shoulders tapering down to a narrow waist, and long legs, his muscles were sharply defined -both perfect and intimidating. And was he doing it on purpose? His swim trunks were pulled so low that his V-line was blatantly visible.

He exuded a raw, undeniable sex appeal.

Whitney glanced over, her cheeks instantly aflame.

This was definitely more revealing than any football jersey.

What was he up to, changing outfits three times in a single day? It was like he was going out of his way to seduce her.

She cleared her throat, feeling a bit overwhelmed, and quickly suggested, "Why don't you guys enjoy the hot tub? I'll be over on the other side."

At that moment, Ludwik's dark gaze drifted over her almost imperceptibly.

Despite the unflattering swimsuit, her graceful figure was unmistakably visible, her long hair casually tied up in a bun, highlighting her delicate features and fair skin. Amidst the chill, there was a hint of aloofness that didn't diminish her allure. Below the swimsuit, her slender, pale legs were striking.

It reminded Ludwik of the sensation of lifting her by the ankles, a thought that caused a subtle shift in his throat.