Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

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Chapter 125
She was floored the had speculated that Land Elaine were probably chums, given their deep professional ties and then families
being old money allies
But engaged? That was beyond her wildest guess.
So where did that leave her?
Lipon hearing her words, Ludwik’s handsome face froze, his features turning rigid.
grip tightened around her delicate hand, his gaze fierce. “Who told you that?”
“Ashton) So, it’s true? Whitney’s laugh was hollow, tinged with sorrow, “You and her, childhood sweethearts with a wedding on
the horizon Once our child is born, you’re set to marry her. Then why be serious with me? Now get it. I’m just a fling, but now I’ve
been cast as the mistress. L, are you amused by playing me?”
Her soft eyes drilled into him.
Ludwik’s face went cold, “He’s talking nonsense. It’s not like that at all!”
“Did you lie to me?”
“wouldn’t call it lying” His frown deepened, and an oppressive oura surrounded him.
Releasing Whitney’s hand, Ludwik shoved his hands in his pockets, blocking her path, his tone detached as he explained,
“Elaine was my fiancée, but only for three months. The family dumped a failing business on me, with everyone waiting to see me
fall. I was a self–made man, and the Bartels family put her by my side. I needed her status and used her to ward off some
women later. I made it clear to the Bartels that she was like a sister to me. The marriage was their one–sided attempt to promote
her. If I liked her that much, you would not have stood a chance!”
His mockery was evident, pride etched in his features.
“So, he truly believes he did not deceive me?” Whitney thought.
As long as he did not admit to having a fiancée, there was not one, right? Elaine adored him, and Ashton’s certainty indicated
she had been by his side for years as his fiancée..

Whitney wondered if he ever realized that Elaine’s harassment these past days might all stem from his secrecy. The hurt inside
her had no outlet, and she offered a self–deprecating smile, “I never wanted to be a mistress, and I doubt any woman does. If
you’re serious about someone, you should clear up your relationships first. L. if you’d told me at Alpine Springs Resort that you
had a fiancée, especially her, I would’ve never agreed to date. you...
“So, you’re having second thoughts again, huh?” His face darkened abruptly, cutting her off.
This woman was always so uncertain about their relationship.
Anger surged through him as he spoke coldly, I’ve explained myself. She’s not my fiancée now, was only in name for three

months. Why can’t you let it go? Do I strike you as the type to lie? You believe the gossip but not me?”
The truth was, he had lied to her, whether out of a desire to avoid trouble or a subconscious reluctance to share his personal life.
Whitney shook her head, her eyes dimming. “You haven’t grasped my point. I may have fallen on hard times, but I still have my
pride. A transaction forcing me to bear your child is one thing. But to do so with feelings for a man engaged to another, I can’t.”
“What are you saying?”
“We need to cool off.” Whitney turned away, shutting the door behind her.
Thus tom, the detimeeting man did not stop het
But the moment the door chord, a loud thump erupted from the adjacent wall.
Tiana, trembling steamed herself against the wall “Why on earth is this guy a CEO? He should be hauling bricks on a
construction site with that strength”

Whitney could not focus on her friend’s attempt at humor, sinking into the couch, her eyes weary.
She realized i never saw her as an equal, adept at controlling her, demanding her compliance, yet stingy with explanations.
This relationship was exhausting
Tiana asked. “When you say cool off, do you mean to break up, Whitney?
Whitney paused, then said. can’t stand the scom of being the mistress. He doesn’t understand. I’m angry because he lied and
did not respect me.”
Tiana knew her dilemma, sighed deeply, and reached for her phone. “You’re so upset. Should I call Valerie to keep you
company?”
But when she dialed, Valerie did not pick up.
At the Fuller Mansion, dinner had just ended when Valerie grabbed her phone, ready to leave.
Ashton’s mother, Matilda, sat in her wheelchair, eyeing her like she was some kind of streetwalker.
Ever since the car accident left her legs disabled, Matilda harbored a deep–seated resentment towards Valerie.
Today, with Beckford Fuller, Ashton’s father, present, she restrained herself.
Beckford looked at Valerie with kindness. “Don’t go just yet. I’ve called that rascal Ashton home.”
Sure enough, headlights appeared outside the villa–a Range Rover, befitting the ruggedly handsome man with an air of danger
about him.

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Had Ashton really come back?
A flicker of joy crossed Valerie’s somber, elongated eyes.
Ever since their yearlong marriage, he had avoided the Fuller Mansion, all because she had schemed her way into his bed here,
with Beckford forcing him into marriage.
He loathed her.
But today, he had returned. Could it be....

“Young Master likes sweet pudding. Come with me, ma’am, and serve him a bowl,” a servant suggested cheerfully.
Somehow, Valerie found herself rising to fetch the pudding from the kitchen for him.
As she returned, she collided with the dashing man entering the house.
Ashton greeted softly. “Mom.”
Matilda finally smiled.
Then, Ashton faced his father with a cold, stern expression. “Why did you call me back?”
“We have family dinners every week. Valerie has finally come back to the country. Why aren’t you here?” Beckford said,
displeased. “Sit down and eat.”
As Ashton’s gaze shifted, he saw Valerie approaching with the bowl, heading towards his seat.
The kitchen’s soft lighting caressed her slender, unique face, her cool silhouette seeming more alluring.
For a moment, Ashton was caught off guard, the memory of her unclothed body abroad flashing in his mind.
A strange dryness caught in his throat, followed quickly by the memory of Elaine’s aggrieved face.
Excellent!
He had yet to confront this woman for her trouble, and now she was throwing herself in his path.
Valerie looked to assert her presence before him again, and Ashton’s eyes grew icy.

Just as Valerie set the bowl down for him, her gentle expression was met with his abrupt action, flipping the bowl and utensils,
and her face set into a hard mask.
Ashton rose to his feet and yanked her up, his volco a whisper only they could hear, “I should’ve known that with your vicious
streak, you’d be in cahoots with Whitney, picking on Elaine. Get upstairs now.”
The flicker of warmth in Valerie’s heart plummeted into an abyss.
What was she thinking? That he would bury the hatchet and come home for a cozy family dinner? Oh, no, he was here to
champion Elaine.
Because Whitney had asked her a few questions, he was holding her accountable.
“Since I’m so vile, just put me out of my misery, or else your precious Elaine better watch out.” Valerie sneered.
As she mocked him, her delicate features shone with a captivating luster.
Her slender, cold eyes were striking.
Something tightened in Ashton’s throat, his voice icy. “You think I wouldn’t dare?”
He hauled her up the stairs by her waist.
“What are you doing. Ashton?” At that moment, Nolan burst in from outside, ready to rush to Valerie’s rescue.
Ashton caught his brother’s protective gaze on Valerie, growing even more icily resolute, and suddenly bent. down to kiss her
cheek, “What’s wrong? Can’t I show a little affection to my wife without you playing the hero?” Beckford was about to flare up but
instead managed a subtle cough.
Nolan’s handsome face flushed with concern, his eyes darting to Valerie.
She gave him a bitter ‘mind your own business‘ look.
Seeing this exchange from the corner of his eye, Ashton felt a surge of irritation pulsing through him. With a defiant heave, he
shouldered Valerie and tossed her onto the bed in their bedroom.