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Chapter_276
Ludwik froze, watching Whitney lean over, her stomach finally rebelling against the champagne she had consumed. The sickening sound echoed in the silence of the parking lot. His eyes narrowed as she wretched violently, her small frame heaving.
“Great,” he muttered under his breath, irritated but unable to look away from her struggling form. He had no idea what compelled him to stay, to even come back, but there she was—humiliating herself in front of him once again.
After what felt like an eternity, Whitney managed to sit up, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. Her head hung low, and her breathing was shallow. She still seemed to be swaying on her feet, barely able to keep herself steady.
Ludwik was silent for a moment, his gaze hardening as he took in the state she was in. He had always prided himself on being the calm, controlled one, but now? He could feel the tangle of conflicting emotions rise within him. There was anger, frustration, and even a trace of pity. Yet, a part of him, the one he refused to acknowledge, couldn’t completely deny the twinge of concern.
He ran a hand through his hair, clearly frustrated. “You’re a mess,” he muttered.
Whitney turned her head sharply, trying to meet his eyes despite the alcohol clouding her vision. “You don’t care. You never did,” she said, her voice slurred but sharp. She took a step back, almost stumbling but managing to right herself.
“You’re right,” Ludwik responded coldly, his expression unreadable. “I don’t. You were always trouble, Whitney. And this?” He gestured to the mess she had made of herself. “Just more of the same.”
Her cheeks burned, whether from the alcohol or his words, she wasn’t sure. “You think you’re so high and mighty, don’t you?” Whitney shot back, her defiance still burning despite her state. “Well, here’s the truth, Ludwik. You’ve got nothing on me. Nothing.”
For a moment, the tension hung in the air like thick fog. Their gazes locked, but this time there was something different—something raw and honest that neither of them wanted to confront.
Ludwik’s jaw tightened. “I don’t have time for your theatrics,” he finally said, turning to walk away. “Get yourself together.”
“Don’t you dare walk away from me!” Whitney’s voice was a mix of anger and desperation as she reached out, clutching his sleeve.
Ludwik stopped in his tracks, his back to her. The silence stretched, and he could feel her hand gripping him tightly. He could feel her breath, shaky against his arm.
“Please,” she whispered, her voice breaking. “Just… don’t leave me here.”
He closed his eyes for a moment, his shoulders stiff. Despite everything, he could hear the vulnerability in her voice, and it pissed him off that it still affected him. He let out a slow breath before turning around, pushing her hand off his sleeve.
“Get in the car,” he muttered.
Whitney’s eyes fluttered in disbelief. “You… you’re really offering to help me?”
“I’m not offering,” Ludwik replied, his voice low and firm. “Get in the damn car before I leave you here.”
Without waiting for her response, he turned to walk toward his Bentley, his steps long and purposeful. Whitney hesitated for a moment, the weight of everything pulling at her. But with no other choice, she stumbled after him, determined not to let her pride get in the way.
As she climbed into the car, she couldn’t help but feel a strange mix of emotions swirling inside her—relief, frustration, anger, and something far deeper that she wasn’t ready to face.
Ludwik didn’t say a word as he drove, his grip tight on the wheel, his gaze focused on the road. The silence between them was oppressive, but neither of them knew how to break it.
Whitney wanted to say something—anything—but the words caught in her throat. She knew it wouldn’t change anything. Not with him. Not with the way things had been left between them. But she couldn’t help it. She had to ask.
“You still care, don’t you?” The question slipped out before she could stop it.
Ludwik’s eyes flicked to her briefly, his expression unreadable. “No,” he said firmly. “I don’t.”
Whitney’s heart sank at his response, but she didn’t argue. Instead, she looked out the window, trying to hold back the tears that were threatening to spill.
This wasn’t over. And no matter how much they both tried to deny it, they would always be tied together by the past.
