Love beyond the mask1-100

Novel Catalog

Chapter_78

Ludwik’s heart raced as he pushed past Elaine, a sense of urgency clouding his thoughts. The door to the hospital room creaked open, and he stepped inside, his gaze sweeping across the sterile room. There, lying on the bed, was Whitney—her skin pale, her face marked with bruises. A sense of dread washed over him.

Whitney’s eyes fluttered open at the sound of the door, and for a moment, her confused gaze met his. Her breath came in shallow gasps as she slowly tried to sit up, only to wince in pain.

“Ludwik…” she whispered weakly, her voice trembling.

His heart clenched. The sight of her so vulnerable, so broken, hit him harder than he expected. He rushed to her side, kneeling beside the bed.

“Don’t try to move,” he urged softly, placing a hand on her shoulder. “You’re hurt.”

Whitney turned her head away, refusing to meet his gaze. “Why… why did you come?”

He paused, the question sinking into him. The answer was clear, but the words felt stuck in his throat. “Because I care,” he said quietly, his hand reaching to gently lift her chin so she would look at him.

She pulled away weakly, shaking her head. “No… you should’ve stayed away. I’m not the person you think I am. I’ve made too many mistakes, Ludwik.”

He frowned, not understanding. “You’re not the one to blame here. Someone did this to you, Whitney. Who were they? What happened?”

Whitney’s eyes filled with tears again, and she struggled to sit up, the pain too much for her to endure. “They… they hurt me. And the baby…”

Ludwik’s expression hardened. He could feel his anger simmering beneath the surface, but he forced himself to stay calm. “Who did this to you?” he demanded again.

Whitney closed her eyes, the pain from her ordeal still evident in the way she winced at the smallest movement. “I don’t know who they were… two women… they…” She paused, her breath hitching, trying to gather the strength to speak. “They attacked me. They were after something… I don’t know what. They knew about the baby, Ludwik. They knew about us.”

Ludwik’s mind raced, his heart pounding in his chest. His voice was low and dangerous as he spoke, his words barely contained. “Who did this? Who was behind it?”

Whitney’s eyes closed, and a tear slid down her cheek. “I don’t know… it’s all a blur…”

Ludwik’s fury flared. He knew this couldn’t have been a coincidence. Someone had orchestrated this. But the question was, who, and why?

Before he could say anything further, Elaine entered the room, her expression wary. She glanced at Ludwik, then at Whitney, sensing the tension in the air.

“She needs rest,” Elaine said quietly, as if trying to diffuse the situation. “Let her be for now.”

Ludwik’s eyes never left Whitney’s frail form. He wanted answers. He needed to know who was behind this attack on her. But more than that, he needed to make sure she was safe.

He stood, his voice unwavering. “I’m not leaving you, Whitney. Not again.”

With that, he turned to Elaine. “Get the best doctor you can find. She needs proper care. I don’t care what it costs.”

Elaine nodded and hurried out of the room, her footsteps echoing down the hall. Ludwik returned to Whitney’s side, sitting on the edge of her bed, his hand gently holding hers.

“Ludwik…” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “I’m sorry. I’ve dragged you into this mess. You don’t deserve this.”

He shook his head, his expression softening. “No. You don’t need to apologize. I should’ve known something was wrong. I should’ve been there for you.”

Whitney’s eyes flickered, confusion mingled with sorrow. “But… you don’t even know me. You never did.”

Ludwik’s eyes darkened, but he remained composed. “I’m getting to know you now. And nothing will stop me from being here for you… and for our child.”

She closed her eyes, a faint, reluctant smile crossing her lips. “Our child…”

“Yes,” he whispered, squeezing her hand gently. “Our child.”

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