Love beyond the mask1-100

Novel Catalog

Chapter_66

Whitney peeked through the parted curtains, her eyes taking in the opulence of the private courtyard, complete with a shimmering pond that sparkled under the dim lighting. It was clear that he had booked the entire venue—this man was loaded.

Ludwik watched her closely, his eyes never leaving her as he tried to take her hand. She resisted, tucking her hands away awkwardly while leading the way.

A soft chuckle escaped his lips as he followed her, his tall figure radiating charm and grace. He closed the distance between them and whispered, “What about what I said back in the room? Have you thought it over?”

Whitney bit her lip, feeling a twinge of nervousness. “I don’t quite understand what you mean by ‘a real shot.’”

He stopped, grasping her shoulder with a firm yet gentle grip, his expression serious. “I meant, let’s give this a real try. How about we see if this one-year trial marriage can transition into something more lasting?”

Her heart skipped a beat, her mind suddenly swirling with confusion and something else—something that felt like excitement. She stood there, frozen for a moment, her expression dazed and lost in thought.

Ludwik, observing her, could tell that despite knowing about her past relationship, she was still clueless when it came to matters of the heart. She was pure, like an untouched canvas, and couldn’t seem to handle his flirtations. Her constant blush and wide, nervous eyes only made her more tempting to him.

He reached out and tickled her neck gently, his voice taking on a hoarse, urgent tone. “Well? What’s your answer?”

Panicking, Whitney pushed his hand away. Her mind was already a whirlwind from their earlier intimate moment in the suite, and now he was talking about a serious relationship? Oh God, that was a mess she wasn’t ready for.

She quickly moved toward the hot spring pool, her heartbeat erratic. On a stone bench, she noticed a table set for dinner, complete with a sumptuous spread of fine cuisine and pastries. Had he planned a romantic dinner in the hot spring too? Was this his idea of a date?

She shook her head in annoyance, frustrated with her own confusion. What was she even thinking?

Noticing her gaze fixed on the cake, Ludwik assumed she was just hungry. With a helpless chuckle, he pushed a slice of cake into her mouth. “Eat. Then give me your answer.”

Whitney glared at him, her cheeks flushed with irritation. Did she really look like a hungry kitten to him?

“Stop forcing me into this,” she muttered under her breath.

He seemed unfazed by her annoyance and suggested casually, “How about we soak in the spa first?”

He pointed to the robes laid out on the floor. “There’s your swimsuit.”

Whitney looked down and saw matching men’s and women’s robes waiting for them. She looked around, searching for a changing room, but before she could make her move, Ludwik began peeling off his shirt, revealing his well-defined chest.

“Ah! What are you doing, L?” she exclaimed, her voice filled with shock.

He looked at her, unbothered, as he continued to undress. “Getting changed for a bath. What, should I go in naked?”

“I meant, where’s your pool? Get to your own pool,” she snapped.

He raised an eyebrow, his expression mischievous. “My dear lady, must you be so proper with me? I am your husband, after all.”

“A fake one!” she shot back, her face turning redder by the second.

Ludwik paused, looking at her with an unreadable expression. “I just suggested we get serious, and you’re still talking about ‘fake’?”

Whitney pouted. “I didn’t agree to anything.”

His expression grew more intense, and he stepped closer. “Then I’ll wait for your answer. Just one second. Make it quick, or else I’ll—”

With a smooth motion, he unbuckled his belt, letting his trousers fall to the floor with a swoosh.

“Ah!” Whitney shrieked again, covering her eyes. “Just put on your swim trunks! Why are you being such a rogue?”

Ludwik chuckled lowly, enjoying her reaction.

Her face turned an even deeper shade of red as she kept her hands over her eyes, trying to block out the sight of his body. Even with just a brief glimpse, she couldn’t help but notice his sculpted legs and narrow, powerful waist. His body was dangerously enticing.

“Are you done yet?” she asked, her voice full of exasperation.

“Open your eyes,” Ludwik commanded softly, his voice laced with a teasing edge. He pried her hands away, stepping into the pool with a graceful ease.

Whitney sat down on the edge, trembling. There was no way she would change with him here. Her heart raced as he returned to the edge of the pool and casually placed a cigarette in his mouth, exuding an effortless charm. He reached for her delicate ankle, his fingers warm against her skin.

“Your feet are cold,” he said with a playful glint in his eyes.

She tried to pull away, but he gently eased her foot into the warm water, his touch tender and careful. “This is good for a pregnant woman,” he added, his voice low and serious.

Whitney looked down at her ankle, where his large hand wrapped around it. His touch burned against her skin, and his calm demeanor only intensified the heat building within her. She felt embarrassed by how close they were, their bodies inches apart, their intimacy undeniable.

“Let… let go,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

“Doesn’t it feel good?” Ludwik asked, his words carrying a hidden meaning.

Whitney shot him a furtive glance. Her mind was too overheated to think straight, and she couldn’t bring herself to look at his face. “I’ll answer your question. Just stop torturing me like this.”

He smirked, a gleam of satisfaction in his eyes. “You could have just given in earlier.”

He released her foot reluctantly, pinching her little toe as if savoring the moment. His Adam’s apple bobbed with suppressed desire.

Whitney retracted her foot, biting her lip. “So, are you serious about giving this a try with me?”

Leaning in, he breathed softly against her ear. “Sweetheart, do you have any idea how precious even a second is to me?”

She raised an eyebrow, trying to maintain some composure. “I used to earn tens of thousands in a second too,” she replied, her voice tinged with a touch of pride.

He scoffed lightly, then tilted her chin up so that she had no choice but to look at him. “I don’t have time to play games with little girls. I need a real wife, not a roommate who won’t even let me in the door. You’re the mother of my child, and there’s no one better suited to be the mom. I don’t want to find my child a stepmother. We can get along, nurture some affection, and build a complete family if we want. I have no desire to waste energy on a second romantic relationship.”

Whitney laughed, her tension easing for a moment. “A second romantic relationship? Was I your first one?”

As if reading her mind, he leaned closer, his lips brushing against her earlobe as he whispered, “Indeed, you are. Remember what I said that night at the hotel? You were my first, and so far, the only one I’m interested in. Remember my words and don’t doubt me so easily, little kitten.”

Her pulse quickened as his large hand found its way to her belly. His touch was electrifying, sending shivers down her spine. The warmth of the pool only seemed to intensify the moment. His eyes narrowed with desire, and it felt like everything in the world had slowed down.

She tried to pull away, her heart racing. “What… What are you doing?” she asked, her voice breathless.

Ludwik leaned in, his lips hovering near her neck. “I’m just showing you how much I care,” he whispered, his voice thick with desire.

Whitney closed her eyes, overwhelmed by the heat of the moment. She didn’t know what to think, what to say. She could feel the weight of his desire and her own emotions swirling together.

But then, with a soft sigh, she pushed him away gently. “You can’t just touch and kiss me whenever you want,” she said, her voice full of quiet authority. “If I agree to date you, you need to respect me. Marriage is about equality, you know?”

Ludwik’s expression faltered for a moment, a flicker of discomfort crossing his face. But then, he gave a small, reluctant nod. His eyes darkened, and he leaned back, clearly trying to regain his composure.

Whitney’s face flushed, but she held her ground. “You ate Elaine’s lychee, remember?” she added, raising an eyebrow.

He let out a laugh, a deep rumble in his chest. “Still jealous?” he teased, his eyes dancing with amusement. “I told you about Elaine’s role. Besides, I didn’t even touch that lychee. She’s just a friend, Whitney. And you’re the only one I’m interested in.”

Her cheeks flushed again as she bit back a smile. “Smooth talker.”

His expression turned serious once more as his hand gently captured her chin, his voice a low growl. “I don’t like other women getting close to me. You’re the exception, though I can’t quite put my finger on why.”

Whitney stayed silent, her heart racing as she met his gaze. Could he be telling the truth? Could she really trust him?

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