Love beyond the mask (Whitney) novel Chapter 890

In the quiet hours of the clinic's closing time, the presence of Ludwik, a figure of imposing stature and undeniable grace, immediately captivated the attention of the reception nurses. His appearance was so striking, his features so perfectly chiseled, that for a moment, they were all entranced, their gazes fixed upon him.

Yet, the air of authority and slight intimidation that he carried with him caused a momentary pause in their steps. Dressed in a tailor-fit suit that accentuated his commanding presence, Ludwik was not someone to be taken lightly.

The nurses exchanged unsure glances, deciding it was best to fetch the clinic's leading plastic surgeon for assistance.

Suddenly, a child's voice broke through the tension. "Daddy!"

All eyes turned toward the source – a child of cherubic beauty was descending the clinic's spiral staircase, his school backpack slung over his shoulder. Accompanying him was Dr. Jones, the clinic's renowned specialist in facial aesthetics for women.

Dr. Jones, with the child in tow, approached Ludwik. "Sweetheart, I've been helping you look for your parent. Have you found him?"

"Yes, Dr. Jones, he's right there," the child replied, pointing toward Ludwik.

At this moment, a nurse called out to Dr. Jones, her voice uncertain as she indicated Ludwik's direction. "Dr. Jones, it seems we have a visitor..."

The reason for her uncertainty wasn't Ludwik's gender – the clinic saw its fair share of male clients – but rather the extraordinary beauty of his features, which seemed beyond the need for any cosmetic enhancement.

Dr. Jones's gaze turned toward Ludwik, and even she, accustomed to scrutinizing beauty through a professional lens, paused in admiration before regaining her composure. Confirming the child’s relation to Ludwik, she led them towards her office.

Upon reaching her office, Ludwik, in a gesture of gratitude, seemed to offer Dr. Jones an envelope, a common Western gesture of appreciation. The nurses, understanding the gesture, couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy. Here was a man of evident wealth and single parenthood, possibly a catch of the highest order.

"Would it be convenient to talk in your office?" Ludwik inquired, his tone both respectful and slightly flirtatious, stirring an excitement within Dr. Jones that she struggled to conceal.

The icy gleam from his wristwatch sent shivers down the doctor's spine, a clear warning sign she had chosen to ignore until now.

It was only at this moment, under the weight of Ludwik's intimidating presence, that she fully grasped the trap she had walked into. There was no enchanted encounter with a successful man, just a carefully laid snare.

She had landed herself in hot water, all because of that one customer—Florence.

Florence, who had come to her under the veil of secrecy, had paid a small fortune to ensure her silence. She had made it crystal clear that the details of her consultation were never to be shared with anyone, threatening severe consequences if her demands were not met.

Now, caught in a web of her own making, she found herself voiceless, unable to share her plight.