Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 803

"Let's have them stay with the Lippert family for now. I'll make sure someone keeps an eye on the place. As long as the kids don't leave the house, they'll be safe," Ludwik said, glancing at her with a concerned look. "What I'm really worried about, Whitney, is you! Leave him, Whitney. I'm afraid staying married to him is dangerous. Bryce's intentions for getting close to you are far from simple."

"I had a hunch. He's trying to get back at me for running off with you, for us spending our honeymoon on that island, making him wear the metaphorical green hat," Whitney replied with a bitter, cold laugh.

"It's probably more than just that," Ludwik knew Bryce well enough to know that he wouldn't go to such lengths just for revenge.

After all, Whitney's status as the heiress to the Sheldon family was not something to be overlooked...

But for now, it was just speculation. Without solid proof of Bryce's schemes against Whitney, all he could do was insist, "Listen to me, leave him. If he refuses to divorce, I know plenty of top lawyers who can file for you and get things moving." Whitney looked away, indifferent, "If I wanted a divorce, I could handle it myself. But now's not the time."

Seeing her stubbornness, Ludwik's eyes darkened with anger.

If she didn't trust his word, that was one thing, but she clearly had her doubts too. Why wouldn't she leave Bryce?

Did she not realize the danger she was in?

"Whitney, why won't you listen to me? Why put your life on the line?"

"Just because you say something doesn't mean I have to do it," Whitney replied, feigning indifference. "Just take care of the kids. I don't need you meddling in my affairs."

"You're the woman I love, how could I possibly stand by and watch you walk into a trap?

If you don't see the error of your ways, I'll have no choice but to intervene."

Ludwik, fueled by a surge of anger, cornered her in the car, his large hand gently forcing her face towards him, his eyes filled with a domineering concern, "You have no idea how dangerous Bryce can be, how well he can hide his true self. Do you think just because he says he loves you, he won't hurt you? Don't overestimate yourself. He even wants to kill our kids, do you think he's a man of principles?"

Whitney felt a pang in her heart.

She knew everything he said. But still.

"I just can't leave yet," her eyes dodged his fiery gaze, and Ludwik's already low patience dropped further. Whitney turned her head away.

Ludwik wouldn't have it. Seeing her stubbornness enraged him further, "Are you trying to infuriate me?

Whitney, let me tell you, if you don't value your own life, I won't spend mine in loneliness mourning you. Instead, I'd find the meanest stepmother for Danny and Sammy, and when they mistreat the kids, let's see if you regret it then." "..." Whitney glared at him.

She knew he wouldn't really do that, but it still irked and concerned her, "You wouldn't dare treat the kids like that."

Ludwik's laugh was cold but then his expression softened, "Even if you never come back to me, I still wish for your safety. Do you understand what I'm saying?"

He sighed deeply, his gaze tender as he leaned closer, his chin resting on her hair, "I didn't want to threaten you like this, but I can't bear the thought of our son growing up motherless, nor can I bear losing you."

The masculine scent of him enveloped Whitney, mature and reassuring, yet intensely warm.

Whitney felt the air in the car become stifling, perhaps because the windows were closed. She instinctively wanted to push away from his solid chest, her eyes avoiding his deep gaze.

"Are you even listening to me?" Ludwik saw her head moving about, and firmly held her chin, his voice deep, "I'm serious. If you don't listen, I will do what I said!"

"Alright... you can talk without being so close, can't you?" Whitney felt his breath hot on her skin, even if they were inches apart, it felt suffocating.

Her face felt hot, flushed with a rosy hue.

Ludwik fell silent for a moment, observing her lightly fluttering eyelashes, which seemed to dance upon his heart.

He noticed her cheeks growing redder.

Feeling moved, he held her chin, his voice teasing as he leaned in, "Looks like you did listen, because I distracted you by being so close?"

"I didn't," Whitney pushed him away, irritated, catching a glimpse of the heat in his eyes, leaving her somewhat speechless, "It's stuffy in here, and you keep talking right in my face... Ludwik! Is this really the time for this, with Danny and Sammy at home scared, and you're thinking about..." "I can't help it if you're too beautiful," he shrugged, a hint of red gracing his face, charmed by her, "I was just trying to comfort you a bit."

"I didn't get into a car accident; I don't need comforting!"

Ludwik tried to lighten her mood, winking, "Then when do you? Just let me know, I'm always willing."

"..." He emphasized the word 'willing.'

Whitney was at a loss for words. When did this man become so shameless?

Thrown off by his antics, she didn't know what else to say, scoffing, "Stop pestering me. If it wasn't for your relentless pursuit, Danny and Sammy wouldn't be in this mess."

Ludwik's eyes turned icy, "Are you saying this isn't Bryce's fault for being utterly ruthless?

I'm telling you, it's a good thing I kept on. If you were living a supposedly blissful life with Bryce, you'd end up being deceived even more cruelly."

His gaze was icy, "With a man like that, so duplicitous, probably filled with schemes and self-interest, he might have never truly loved you. All those tender moments could just be a lie."

"..." Was his persistence actually a form of help?

Whitney was speechless, watching him dissect Bryce so accurately, despite knowing the man had issues. But for Ludwik to see through Bryce with such clarity was sharp.

"Why couldn't you see through Elaine and Florence like that?" Whitney shot back, matching his intensity.

Ludwik winced, his eyebrow twitching in annoyance, but he pretended not to hear the jibe. "Look, I'm not the scoundrel that Bryce is. When I play dirty, I do it with some semblance of honor, certainly not stooping to the level of vindictively targeting a woman." "Oh, yeah, you were quite the generous gentleman with Elaine and Florence, weren't you?"

Whitney... I admit I was misled in the past." Ultimately, Ludwik could only offer a resigned admission of guilt before swiftly changing the subject. "We've been here wasting time. They've caught the driver responsible for the accident. Let's head over to the precinct." Whitney no longer had the energy for their usual banter. Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, too many issues demanding her attention. She exited the car, trailing behind him as they made their way into the bustling police station.