Love beyond the mask (Whitney)



Felix,

She said that Florence threatened her life with Sammy's, forcing her to marry Bryce.

I want you on this immediately!

I suspect Bryce has a hand in this.

Ludwik's lips, cold as ice, were pressed against his phone, while his slender fingers twirled a small blue velvet box in his palm.

Felix was known for his efficiency.

Minutes later, Felix called back, "Mr. Lippert!

I've done some digging.

Mid-last month, right after Florence announced her pregnancy, she had a meeting with Ms. Valentine!

Ms. Valentine went straight from her own company, so it was off our radar.

And interestingly, before their meeting, Bryce had a one-on-one with Florence..."

Ludwik's knuckles whitened as he crushed the end of his cigarette, clarity dawning in his eyes.

Yes, if Florence used Sammy to coerce Whitney into marriage, she could've forced her to marry anyone.

Why specifically Bryce?

Bryce must've been meddling, playing a pivotal role in tearing him apart from Whitney.

Bryce... The thought of the child he lost, with Bryce's taunts echoing in his ears, suggesting Whitney get an abortion.

Ludwik's eyes darkened with a blood-red fury, a storm brewing within.

"Mr. Lippert... where exactly are you at the moment?" Felix's voice was still careful, persistent, "The entire Lippert family is anxious for updates on you, I..."

Click-

Ludwik decisively ended the call.

In the sacred church beside the manor, Ludwik returned.

Whitney gasped as she saw him dressed in a pristine white suit, radiating a blend of distinction and tenderness, the white accentuating his sharp features. Yet, a chill ran through her as she noticed the small blue velvet box in his hand.

The man approached her, forcefully took her hand, and turned to the priest, "Begin our wedding ceremony."

"I won't." Tears welled up in Whitney's eyes as she tried to retreat, desperate to escape the church.

But Ludwik held her tightly in his embrace.

She cried out in despair, "I was already married to Bryce at noon, Ludwik!"

"That doesn't count, forget it. Whitney, our real wedding starts now," he said, as if talking to himself.

"Priest, proceed with the ceremony."noveldrama

The Western-faced priest smiled and nodded.

He gently looked at Ludwik, "Mr. Lippert, do you take Whitney to be your lawfully wedded wife, to live together in the holy estate of matrimony, to love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, as long as you both shall live?"

Ludwik's eyes flickered, a husky laugh in his voice, "I do!"

The priest's gaze then shifted towards Whitney, who looked like a still pond of despair.

"Ms. Valentine, do you take Ludwik to be your lawfully wedded husband, to live together in God's grace, to love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, as long as you both shall live?"

Whitney's expression crumbled, shaking her head defiantly, "I do not..."

"Of course, she does!" Before she could finish, Ludwik answered for her, tightening his grip on her shoulders.

She gasped in pain, unable to speak.

Furious, Whitney lashed out, pounding on him, "This forced ceremony is ludicrous.

You're indulging your fantasies, I don't care, but I've already had a ceremony with Bryce!

I will always be his wife, stop this farce... mmph."

Ludwik covered her mouth, his eyes cold and wild, suppressing her relentlessly.

Taking her right hand, he noticed a valuable diamond ring. His eyes deepened with cold, removing it and tossing it aside.

Then, he tenderly slipped the pink diamond ring from the velvet box onto her finger.

"Whitney, do you like it?" he smirked.

Whitney tried to remove it, but it wouldn't budge.

The priest cheerfully announced, "With this, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Whitney's eyes widened in shock, but before she could react, Ludwik leaned in, sealing her lips with his own.

Her body's warmth receded in an instant, the irony of Bryce's recent kiss not lost on her.

Her conscience tormented, she bit him, yet she couldn't escape his grasp. His lips pressed firmly against hers, clinging tightly.

Not until blood trickled from his mouth did Ludwik release her, casually wiping away the blood, even smirking, "Biting me? Blood only drives a man wild."

Whitney was beyond recognition of him now.

This was a church, with a priest and dozens of servants witnessing their exchange.

Regardless of Whitney's turmoil, she still had her pride. Blushing furiously, she stomped hard on his white leather shoes, venting her anger.

"Keep stomping, darling, whatever helps you cool off," he responded nonchalantly, catching her in his arms.

"I can never cool off, this wedding can never be real, let me go!"

Whitney violently tugged at the pink ring, cursing and tearing up as she ran out.

The priest's voice echoed behind them, "Mr. Lippert, Ms. Valentine, congratulations on your union."

Ridiculous!

As night fell, Ludwik wasn't worried about where she could run.

With a few long strides, he caught up to her on the beach, scooping her up in a bridal carry.

"Easy, let's enjoy our wedding dinner."

"Ludwik, when will this end? Have you lost your mind?" Whitney screamed hysterically, "I said I want to go home! What is this place, why can't I leave?"

He remained silent.

Carrying her straight into the lavish

restaurant, the butler had already

instructed the staff to prepare a

sumptuous dinner, "Mr. Lippert, I wish you and your wife a pleasant meal.

The bridal suite is also ready."

"Good, pour wine for the lady."

A smile played on his lips, his eyes dark as night under the warm glow of the chandelier, giving him the aura of a regal prince. He sat across from Whitney, gracefully unfolding a napkin onto his lap.

Whitney felt like a puppet, being fussed over by the maid who carefully placed a napkin for her.

Another servant, a white-gloved butler, poured her a full glass of red wine.

She watched Ludwik skillfully slice into his steak and gently slide the plate towards her. "Flown in from Italy. Give it a try, it pairs well with the wine."

Drained of energy, Whitney chose silent rebellion.

Her delicate hand pushed the steak to the floor.

Crash- The sharp sound of shattering made the servants pale.

The butler looked towards Ludwik, terrified. "Mr. Lippert, this..."

Ludwik, unmoved, took a bite of his steak, his gaze unyielding, the shadows under his eyes darkening. "The lady doesn't fancy this steak. Why not bring another?"

Wiping sweat from his brow, the butler quickly agreed and hurried to the kitchen.

Soon, the chef presented another plate to Ludwik.

With equal care and tenderness, he cut it into small pieces. This time, he stood up, gracefully placing the steak in front of her.

Just as Whitney reached out, emotionless, to overturn the plate again.

His warm, large hand pressed down on her delicate one, his presence enveloping her. He didn't seem angry but rather, seemed intrigued as he gently played with a lock of her hair.

As goosebumps formed on her skin,

Ludwik leaned in, kissing her earlobe, his voice a sensual rumble

against her spine, "Don't like the steak? Whatever my wife desires, I'll have it made."

"Who's your wife!" Whitney snapped back, her eyes icy with rage.