Love beyond the mask (Whitney)

 All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

The faint bluish tinge of the needle mark on Natalie's back suggested recent injections, a detail that puzzled Whitney. Furrowing her brow, she snapped a photo with her smartphone and gently inquired, "Natalie, have you been feeling any different lately? Had any major health checks?"

"I'm fine," Natalie responded, slightly taken aback but smiling. "Though, I did have quite a few tests done today..."

Outside the room, Ludwik's expression shifted upon hearing Whitney's questioning, calling out, "Whitney!"

Whitney turned to see Ludwik approaching with a frown, seemingly displeased by her intrusion into the hospital room. She paused, her lips parting slightly.

She had come at Tiana's behest, hearing that Natalie might be in trouble and wanted to see for herself.

But Ludwik's wary look made Whitney hold back further questions.

"Could you step outside for a moment?" Ludwik asked, his voice low.

Stepping out, Whitney faced Ludwik, her cheeks flushed from a slight fever, her gaze somewhat weary.

Ludwik stepped closer, touching her forehead with a tenderness that belied his concern. "You're ill yourself; why come visit your mother?"

"Danny was here for a drip, I just came along," Whitney replied, turning her face away slightly.

Ludwik's hand fell as he asked, "What were you discussing with her?"

Whitney paused, then chuckled lightly. "You're still wary about me treating your mom?"

"I didn't mean it that way..." Ludwik started, but Whitney cut him off, showing him the photo of Natalie's back. "I found this needle mark on Natalie. Has she been having spinal issues, needing injections or spinal taps? It doesn't seem related to her current condition."

Ludwik, taken aback by the image, hadn't been aware of any recent procedures on his mother's spine. But the mention of spinal concerns hit a sensitive nerve; he feared Whitney discovering Natalie's leukemia.

"It might have been a routine spinal check by Dr. Ford. I'll ask him later," Ludwik deflected. "You shouldn't worry about it. Her treatment is primarily in the hands of Western medicine specialists now."

Whitney, sensing his underlying message of keeping her out of it, replied with a hint of resignation, "I get it. I won't interfere anymore. I'm leaving, and Danny wants to come back to the apartment with me."

Ludwik's attempt to offer a ride home was briskly refused, the tension between them palpable as Danny watched, concerned.

Despite Whitney's cold refusal, Ludwik followed, attempting to reach out, "Whitney, can we not do this? Please, don't be stubborn..."

"You're overthinking, Mr. Lippert. What else is there to say? Your caution is understandable," Whitney retorted, her voice laced with frustration.

At that moment, Felix approached with an elderly man in a formal suit, introducing him as Jason's aide from Emperor City, there to visit Natalie on Jason's behalf.

As Ludwik stayed to meet the aide, Whitney left with Danny, her heart heavy with misunderstood intentions and unspoken fears.

Inside Natalie's room, the

conversation turned to family

secrets and past grievances, revealing a tapestry of sacrifice,

hidden love, and the complex ties et

binding them to Jason and the Lippert family. Ludwik's resolve to protect his mother from the harsh trath of her illness clashed with his desire to mend the fractures within his family, leaving him caught between duty and compassion.

Unexpectedly, after many years, Jason discovered it on his own.

et

Natalie took a deep breath, and for the first time, a glimmer of resolve shone through her weary eyes. "Son, I've lived under Kaden's cold shoulder, dragging you down with me, depriving you of fatherly love and leaving scars on your psyche. After all these years, maybe it's time for

you to break free from the past

and reclaim your rightful place in the

spotlight.

As your mother, my greatest wish is for you to achieve unparalleled success. When you're powerful, you'll naturally be able to protect me, Whitney, and the kids. Leaving Banyan City, this vortex of humiliation, is indeed my wish!"

She clenched her fists, and Ludwik understood her message.

Having endured a lifetime of indignity, it was time for him to redeem their honor.

Thinking of her illness, perhaps moving back to Emperor City was also her dying wish...

A touch of sorrow crossed Ludwik's heart as he gently stroked his mother's hair, whispering, "Mom, you have to stay with me for a long, long time."

"It's just organ failure. I refuse to believe I won't recover, especially with Whitney's medicine-it even cured my forgetfulness. You have to win her back, Ludwik. She's the only daughter-in-law I acknowledge. Hurry up and find Sammy. Don't make Whitney upset. If you do, I'll stay alive to see Whitney bear you another child or two."

Natalie's face was a mix of worry and hope, yet her smile was full.

Ludwik's deep gaze faltered with a bittersweet smile, nodding, "Sammy is the key to unlocking her heart, I understand... And you, you've got to put in

a good word for me, double the effort. I know I've been dreadful to her these past three years."

"Realizing the truth and seeing through Elaine, it's not too late. Make amends, and Whitney will forgive you," Natalie chuckled warmly.

Really?

Ludwik blinked away the depth of his thoughts and sighed as he stepped outside.

Parker was waiting in the hallway. Seeing Ludwik emerge, he immediately said, "Ludwik, I've stumbled upon some new information about Sammy!"