Love beyond the mask (Whitney) novel Chapter 449

In the quaint powder room nestled within the Sheldon family's sprawling estate, not far from the dining hall, Whitney leaned heavily against the ornate vanity, splashing cool water on her face before looking up into the mirror, her eyes tinged with discomfort and the faintest hint of red.

Ding-dong—

A text from Bryce interrupted her solitude, "Whitney, are you okay? I'm just outside."

With a wry smile, Whitney replied, "I just need a moment to myself, Bryce. Why don't you head out to the garden for a smoke..."

Crash!

Her phone plummeted into the sink as a sudden, stormy presence enveloped her from behind, pinning her slender hands against the vanity.

Ludwik, having caught a glimpse of the message, seethed with rage. “Exchanging sweet nothings in the bathroom now, are we?” His voice was a dark, menacing whisper, his breath hot against her ear. “Are you deliberately flaunting your little romance with Bryce in front of me?”

Whitney, startled by his sudden appearance, turned pale and whirled around, her gaze darting to the door, which was firmly shut, with Bryce standing just outside.

But how did Ludwik get in?

Then she saw the open window...

Was this man out of his mind?

His accusations, his angry breaths close to her ear, filled her with an indescribable discomfort, morphing into unreasonableness. Hadn't he humiliated her and Bryce enough for one evening?

And now he had the audacity to corner her here?

"So, it's fine for you to parade around with Florence at Sheldon family functions, but I can't have someone?" Whitney retorted, her eyes flashing with defiance. "I'm also a Sheldon, Ludwik. Who I bring home is none of your business. What right do you have to police me?"

Bryce was just pretending to be her fiancé to keep Emma from thinking she was reckless with men, making things even harder to explain.

Besides, she hadn't known Ludwik would be here today. And why should she be afraid of him?

"You dare admit it?" Ludwik's laugh was cold, filled with scorn and a terrifying fury. "You think I have no say over you? Try me!"

In a swift, violent move, he pushed her against the wall, his grip on her face fierce as he forced a kiss on her, her lips instantly giving way under the assault. His dark eyes burned with a ferocious anger, as if the very flames could consume Whitney whole.

For the first time, she realized how truly frightening he could be.