Love beyond the mask (Whitney)



Over the past week, Parker had stopped visiting Delight Mansion to see Tiana. They had suddenly lost touch with Ludwik, and Whitney's life had quieted down in his absence, something she thought she had wanted. Immersed in her work at Skye Gem Ltd., she found herself slipping back into the familiar hustle and bustle of her old life, albeit with a lingering thought of Ludwik's absence.

Perhaps it was the harsh words exchanged in their last encounter that made her worry about him, despite wishing otherwise. They could have been strangers who once loved, sharing nothing but their children now.

"Whitney?" Tiana's voice pulled her back from her reverie, cautioning her about her tight grip on Danny's hand, which she promptly loosened, laying him gently on the bed.

"You seem tense," Tiana observed, sensing Whitney's concealed worry for Ludwik, which Whitney flatly denied. Her concern lay more with Natalie and her critical surgery-there was no room for error.

"Ludwik is well aware of the stakes," Tiana reassured her, planning to reach out to Mr. Doonan for any news on Ludwik and Natalie's situation. Whitney shared her concern but kept her distance from Parker.

The next day, Whitney, busy with a new jewelry exhibition for Skye Gem Ltd. in Emperor City, was informed by Tiana about Parker's plans to transport Natalie to Emperor City for her surgery, under the care of the prestigious Lippert family hospital-a plan seemingly orchestrated by Ludwik in advance.

Parker had gone to great lengths to ensure Florence, the donor, couldn't back out, safeguarding Natalie's surgery. This strategic move by Ludwik and Parker reassured Whitney, dispelling her fears about Ludwik's whereabouts.

Despite their attempts to stay connected, Danny's restlessness and unanswered calls to his father painted a picture of worry that kept both Whitney and her son up all night. By morning, Whitney, understanding her son's anxiety, took him to the hospital, hoping for Ludwik's return.

As they approached Natalie's

surgical ward, a familiar, imposing figure caught Whitney's eye-Ludwik had returned, weathered yet

unwavering, standing before his et

veľ

mother's surgery room. Their reunion was bittersweet, with Danny's emotional dash to his father marking a moment of relief and unspoken words between Whitney and Ludwik.

Ludwik's presence, despite his ragged appearance and the trials he had evidently faced, brought a sense of closure and hope. Whitney, though hesitant, couldn't deny the bond that still tethered her to Ludwik, their shared concern for Natalie and their family drawing

v

them together once more amidst the

uncertainty.

Natalie needed that surgery to go well. And Danny, he cared about his grandma so much. What she meant was, she was here for herself, for Danny. But not for him.

Ludwik's icy gaze reflected her no longer gaunt face, wondering if the space he gave her for the past few weeks did anything to remove the thorn in her side. He scanned her from head to toe, realizing Parker hadnt managed to trick her into going for a check-up. He had no clue how the baby was doing it had been a month, time for an ultrasound.

"Danny, take your mom over there to sit." He didn't want her standing too long.novelbin

"Ludwik!" Parker rushed over, his voice going from tense to elated, "When did you get here? You went off the grid yesterday, I was about to send someone to Beloria Country to look for you, worried you wouldn't make it back!"

Tiana paused, so Ludwik was still entangled in something yesterday. How did he manage to return so early today?

Danny clutched his daddy's hand tightly. Ludwik, with his straightforward manner, responded to Parker, "It was nothing major. I got held up by customs when I was leaving the country, had to throw a few punches before I could board the plane."

Parker was shocked, Beloria Country, what a place!