Love beyond the mask (Whitney)



Parker glared at the shattered mouse on the floor, his mischief-filled face turning dark as night. "Damn it, Ludwik. Was that really necessary? Trying to stab me in the lung or what? You aiming for murder?"noveldrama

"Shut your trap," Ludwik retorted, his face darker than a burnt pan, his icy glare cutting through the air.

But considering his own 'condition,' he clenched his jaw, unable to come back with anything.

"Ooh," Parker taunted, walking over, oblivious to danger. "Got a bit touchy, did we? Or did Whitney finally give you the boot?"

"You asking for it?"

Another file flew through the air with chilling force.

Parker, barely holding back his laughter, nimbly dodged it, his lean chest vibrating with suppressed chuckles.

He eyed Ludwik's muscular frame always the cream of the crop, a real masterpiece from the heavens.

Older by a few years, but physically, Ludwik was in a league of his own.

Just look at those perfect legs, fierce abs, and that mesmerizing body ratio.

And beneath that crisp white shirt, a chest tight with tension. And Whitney's not into this?

Must be blind, that woman. Doesn't know what she's missing.

But speaking of being blind, Tiana's no better.

Ignoring his own superior physique and strength... sigh.

Parker got back to the point, trying to give some brotherly advice, "If you wanna get rid of Bryce and Florence quickly, don't shoulder all the pressure yourself.

The mess in Emperor City, including my uncle's troubles, it's not your fault.

Without your early actions against Bryce, that guy would've gotten greedy and targeted Inko Group sooner or later anyway.

Don't overburden yourself with responsibility, Ludwik. It'll wear you out.

And after hearing so much from you, I just found out you actually went to Eurovoria to snatch back your own kid.

Whitney's still in the dark about this...

You've been back for two days, running around non-stop, probably haven't even seen Whitney, let alone find time to chat with her, get a feel for how she might react to this unknown kid."

Ludwik's lips tightened into a thin line, falling silent as his slender fingers paused on the keyboard.

Parker continued, "Even with all the work, don't forget to show some tenderness to your lady. You haven't even won back your ex-wife yet.

Like me, no matter how busy, I always call Tiana every day, try to cheer her up regardless of how much she can't stand me.

Don't forget, after you wrap up Inko Group's stuff tonight, take some time tomorrow morning to go back, take a shower, and see Whitney. Otherwise, she'll think you don't care about her. And with your daughter's situation as it is, if you don't show Whitney any consideration, how's she supposed to accept it?"

"Got it," Ludwik replied, his voice low and tight, his expression unreadable.

He glanced at his phone. Whitney hadn't called him since that one call the day before yesterday.

She must've wanted to ask something, but he had deliberately hung up.

She must be angry.

He lifted his rugged fingers, coldly pressing against his temples, his sharp facial features suddenly shadowed.

Ludwik had disappeared again these past few days, and the Lippert family was nowhere to be seen.

Although Whitney guessed he was

probably helping Parker with that Phineas situation, she couldn't quell the anger that had been simmering since that bizarre call he made bombarding her with questions before deliberately hanging up.

Not calling back wasn't just about being busy; when he was, she didn't exist in his world.

With that attitude, how could Whitney believe he was sincere about reconciling?

She feared she'd been brainwashed by Camilla's constant nagging about 'getting back together"!

Feeling sulky yet composed, Whitney hadn't had the bandwidth to deal with him over the past few days. Her focus was on her sons, trying to figure out what Ludwik and the boys had been hiding from her.

At the Lippert family's quaint townhouse, after dinner -

Jason went upstairs to his study to finish up work for the Lippert Group.

Riley and his family returned to their own place.

The grandmother, assisted by a maid, went out for a walk.

Whitney wiped Danny's hands clean and was unfastening his child seat when both her sons jumped down from their chairs, taking advantage of Whitney helping the maid clear the table to exchange a look.

Danny said, looking up, "Mommy, Sammy and I are gonna go upstairs to watch cartoons. If you wanna go for a walk later, just call us, okay?" Whitney, focusing on the dishes in her hands, noticed her sons hadn't eaten much.

She frowned, stopping them, "Hold on, you both barely touched your food!"

Danny looked at the leftovers, normally a food lover, but now devoid of appetite.

Ever since they saw their little sister in the hospital, looking so pitiful, they'd lost their appetite, feeling guilty for even wanting to eat.

Their sister was still suffering in the hospital, so small and vulnerable.

Sammy felt the same, hardly able to eat, but he tried not to show it to avoid worrying Whitney. Yet, she noticed their unusual mood since yesterday - less lively, more somber, a stark contrast to their usual cheerfulness.

Today, she even caught Danny zoning out, a rarity for the usually carefree boy who lived in the moment with hardly a worry.

"What's wrong? Are you guys sick?" Whitney reached out to touch Danny's forehead.

Danny dodged, scrunching his brows, "No, Mommy. Sammy and I aren't sick."

"Then why aren't you eating much? You both seem down, like something's bothering you," Whitney probed, her eyes sharp with concern. Danny hesitated, struggling for words.

Sammy nudged him and stepped forward, trying to lighten the mood with a smile, "Mommy, don't worry It's just that we haven't been feeling the recent meals, that's all. We're not avoiding food, and Danny's just eager to watch cartoons upstairs."

"We're just fine, really. No need to worry so much. Let's just watch some cartoons, and Danny will cheer up in no time," one of them suggested, trying

to lighten the mood with a distraction.

To make amends for his earlier disinterest in dinner, he added, "I

might not be up for dinner, but I

could definitely go for some dessert. I think there's still some ice cream in

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the freezer. Could you ask the housekeeper to thaw it for me? I'll come down to have some in a bit!"

"Oh! Count me in! Desserts are the real deal," Danny chimed in, quick to jump on the bandwagon.

Whitney gave them a disapproving look and countered, "Eating too much sugar will give you cavities, and your front teeth might just fall out. Imagine

how 'handsome' you two would look with gaping holes in your smiles.

Smart kids don't eat too much sugar. Do you two consider yourselves smart?"

There was a moment of silence. It seemed she was the one who had issues with them not eating, yet now she was also the one making it

complicated.