Book TRK
Chapter 199
Chapter 199
Chapter 199
In the opulent grandeur of the silver screen’s embrace, Elaine nestled snugly beside Ludwik in the
plush velvet cinema seats. Her heart fluttered like a caged bird as she stole glances at his chiseled
features, a heady mix of sweetness and triumph bubbling within her.
Just hours earlier, her temper had flared over the photo Whitney sent, prompting a frantic call to her
mother for counsel.
Her mother had told her to feign hospital stay to throw Whitney off balance, and cautioned, “You can’t
let Natalie kick the bucket just yet, darling. Bear with it. You’re at the cusp of getting engaged to
Ludwik; if she stirs trouble now, his heart will be elsewhere. You need to ensnare his affections fast.
Once the engagement is official, you’ll find the right moment to deal with her. Then, with the title of Mrs.
Lippert securely yours, what’s there to fear?”
Her mother was spot on, which is why Elaine was basking in today’s triumph of setting an engagement
date with Ludwik.
She had relished publicly humiliating Whitney, a sweet release at last.
Now, she needed to expedite matters with Ludwik, to cement their relationship beyond doubt.
As the movie screen flickered to a kissing scene, Elaine feigned coyness, her head inching involuntarily
towards his broad chest. But Ludwik’s mind was miles away from the on–screen romance, his gaze
shifting to his phone more often than the film warranted.
Elaine’s lips had barely grazed his jawline when Ludwik abruptly came to, instinctively turning away as
he rose with grace, “Elaine, I’ll be right back. Need to use the restroom.”
Elaine drew a sharp breath, watching his retreating back with a mix of desire and frustration.
Outside, Ludwik, unable to concentrate inside the stifling cinema, stepped out for a smoke.
After pacing around without finding her, his brows furrowed deeply in irritation.
“Felix, I thought I told you to keep an eye on her. Who let her leave?”
Felix emerged, internally sighing at his boss’s distracted state, and pointed discreetly towards the street
opposite the cinema, “Ms. Valentine said she needed some fresh air. I kept a watch; she’s just
over there.”
Following Felix’s indication, Ludwik finished his cigarette and strode purposefully out into the night. As
he reached the vibrant strip of eateries, his steps faltered.
There she stood, Whitney, frail and thinly clad in front of a bustling barbecue stand. Like a statue, she
gazed on, her raven hair whipping across her pale face in the chilly night breeze.
Memories flooded Ludwik’s mind, constricting his chest with a sudden ache. It was the spot where they
had reconciled, their first date after patching things up.
“I’d really go for barbecue right now, L!”
“The place is called ‘Destiny Barbecue‘, and there’s ‘Romance Inn‘ too.”
He teased the petite woman beside him, “Romance Inn? Maybe we can stop by afterward.”
The unexpected sweetness pierced his heart like a warm needle, sinking deep into his core.
14:49
Ludwik’s gaze followed hers, landing on the very spot they had once shared a meal. She had been so
adorable, directing him to order her favorite toppings.
When she pouted about the other boyfriends being more attentive, he, filled with tender affection, had
chased after her with a napkin, dabbing at her lips. Later, she had coyly sought a kiss, wanting to taste
something sweeter from his lips.
His throat tightened, eyes clouding with a distant longing, his fists clenched at his side.
Was she thinking the same? Did she wonder why everything had fallen apart?
“Miss, I remember you! You were here with a very handsome boyfriend last time. Oh, he’s not with you
today? Don’t stand out here; come in and eat.”
The owner of Destiny Barbecue approached Whitney with concern after seeing her linger for so long.
Caught like a thief, she hastily wiped her eyes and shook her head, “No, thanks. I’m good.”
“But your baby might be craving something. Pregnant ladies shouldn’t miss out on their cravings. I’ll
have a word with your boyfriend when he comes to pick you up; he shouldn’t be too hard on you!” The
owner joked.
Whitney managed a wistful smile, “He won’t be coming.”
The owner’s expression faltered. As Whitney turned to leave, she couldn’t resist one more glance back.
Her eyes, glistening under the moonlight, seemed to seep into Ludwik’s heart, softening it inexplicably.
He watched her small figure recede, rubbing his brow, and sighed, “Felix, get a barbecue to go.”
Felix couldn’t help but smirk, knowing well that Mr. Lippert was buying it for Whitney. Mr. Lippert was
softening; his mood always swayed by her.
Ludwik lit another cigarette as he saw her disappear around the corner onto another street lined with
late–night food stalls. Compelled, he followed from a distance, stopping just short of a planter as he
dropped his cigarette butt.
His heart lurched as he saw Whitney pause by a car, a man stepping out to greet her.
Whitney glanced at her watch and smiled, “Mr. Lutz, punctual as always.”
“A rare occasion for you to reach out to me,” Bryce, spotting a narrow spot by the curb, gently
supported her waist, careful of her condition, “It’s crowded here; let’s find somewhere to sit.”
Whitney’s gaze, perhaps still lured by the scent of Destiny Barbecue, lingered on it once more.
“Craving a barbecue? Then let’s go,” Bryce suggested, noticing the pallor of her lips.
Whitney hesitated, the taste of those flavors a distant but poignant memory.
No, it wasn’t the same place as before.
Quietly, they entered the stand, Whitney politely inquiring, “Mr. Lutz, you’re adjusting okay here, right?”
“Don’t think of me as delicate. I’ve lived abroad for years; I’ve experienced all sorts of living conditions.”
Chapter 199
Bryce chuckled lightly, deftly prepping a simple plate for her and glanced at her belly, “Everything’s
been alright since you left my place that night? I’ve been concerned for you.”
Whitney stiffened slightly, unable to divulge what had transpired when she returned to Ludwik’s place.
She forced a smile, “The baby and I are doing fine.”
“But you don’t look well. You even visited the hospital today,” he noted with furrowed brows.
Was he following her? She dared not dwell on the concern in his gaze, instead pulling out a vial from
her pocket and cutting to the chase, “Mr. Lutz, I need a favor. Could you have this blood sample
analyzed for me? It must be kept strictly confidential and accurate. After considering my options, I
believe only someone with your resources can help me.”
“For such a small favor, I only wish you’d ask more of me.”
grasp. The
Bryce reached over, his hand subtly covering hers as he took the test tube from her warmth of his palm
was reassuring, and the slight smile on his lips told her not to worry.
A flicker of warmth crossed Whitney’s heart.
“Mr. Lippert! The barbecue for Madam is ready. Will you be delivering it to her personally?” Felix
bounded over, his face lit up with excitement as he clutched the neatly packed takeout box. But he
found Ludwik standing motionless on the street, his presence as still as a statue.
The cigarette hanging from his lips had burned down to the filter, the glowing ember casting a sinister
light into his icy gaze. Ludwik slowly took the food, glanced at it, and let out a chuckle.
With a turn, he tossed the food straight into the trash can!
Felix, confused by his actions, followed Ludwik’s scornful gaze and took a sharp breath.
How could the young madam be sitting in this eatery with Bryce??
Bryce’s hand was still hesitantly pulling away from Madam’s delicate hand. Owned by NôvelDrama.Org.
Damn it.
Did Mr. Lippert see it all?
Before he could gather his thoughts, the man beside him, radiating a chilling aura, strode into the
eatery.