Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 182

Ludwik’s gaze was steady, revealing nothing as he accepted the clothes from Elaine, his voice low with

concern. “I worry about you overexerting yourself.”

“It’ll get better with time, the doctor said positivity aids recovery. Just thinking about our future together

brings me joy,” Elaine responded, her smile timid as if afraid to fully express her happiness.

Unable to say anything that might dampen her spirits, Ludwik knew the harsh truth–Elaine would have

to live with just one kidney, reliant on others for care.

He felt responsible. “Let’s go downstairs.”

“Okay!” Elaine brightened instantly, latching onto his arm.

Wrapped in a crisp white button–down that accentuated his muscular forearms, Ludwik’s broad

shoulders and straight back exuded an air of undeniable nobility.

As they approached the staircase, the tantalizing aroma of breakfast wafted from the kitchen.

Ludwik caught a glimpse through the kitchen window of Whitney bustling about. Stray locks framed her

fair complexion as she donned an apron, looking every bit like a radiant home chef.

He was transfixed by the domestic scene before him, reminiscent of a wife preparing breakfast for her

husband. But their past was irrevocable.

In the next moment, his eyes turned icy. “Why is she in the house? Taryn!”

His roar startled Whitney, who emerged from the kitchen, trying to appear unfazed with a tray of

breakfast in hand.

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Her first sight was Elaine, clinging intimately to Ludwik’s arm–it was clear they had come out of the

guest room together.

Elaine’s glance was sharp, but before she could explain herself, Elaine interjected with a cold smirk,

“Ludwik, I woke up in pain last night and saw Taryn sneaking her in. I’m sorry, I felt sorry for her, out in

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the rain and all, and didn’t tell you. I didn’t expect her to stay overnight.”

Her words were a masterful mix of self–praise for her kindness and an implication of Taryn as the

culprit.

“It’s not your fault,” Ludwik scoffed, his disdain for the situation clear.

Whitney felt a chill as she realized his mockery was directed at her.

At that moment, Taryn entered from the back garden, surprised to see Whitney still there.

Ludwik interrogated with a steely voice, “Taryn, did you let her in? Do you not want your job anymore?”

1. L… Taryn stammered, feeling like she was being thrown under the bus by Elaine.

Whitney, with a calm exterior, placed the breakfast on the table and quickly stood in front of Taryn,

giving her hand a reassuring squeeze.

She looked directly at Elaine but spoke to Ludwik, “Taryn was just being kind, offering me an umbrella

last night. I threatened her with her kids to let me stay. It’s not her fault; I was the one being

shamelessly persistent.”

Ludwik’s chest heaved with anger..

Elaine’s eyes darkened with frustration–was Whitney using a scorched earth tactic?

Taryn looked at Whitney, surprised by her attempt to clear her name.

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“Come on down, breakfast is ready.” Whitney offered warmly.

Ludwik’s face was taut, his emotions unreadable as he strode toward the table.

Whey do no his expression, her voice soft. “You prefer light meals, so I prepared a few options for

Tushuk suddenly reached out, his gaze menacing. “Your health is most important. The servant has

Brand breakfast, se eat

Etaine hesitated, then quickly took his hand her eyes gleaming with triumph as she relished Whitney’s

Whitney watched as the breakfast she had carefully prepared for him was pushed aside for Elaine His

care for Elaine was evident, but for Whitney, who refused to leave, he had given her a new role–a

servant

The word servant echoed in Whitney’s mind each repetition like a needle piercing her throat.

She braced herself for the humiliation and hardship to come–his anger was palpable

Whitney forced a numb expression, not moving an inch,

But Baine wouldn’t miss this opportunity to taunt her

Facing a perfectly soft boiled egg. Elaine suddenly gagged, her face turning pale.

What’s wrong? Ludwik asked, alarmed

Blaine played the victim Ludwik, the egg smells too strong for me. Whitney I don’t mean to criticize, but

I can’t stomach it. Sorry, my stomach feels so upset”

Ludwik immediately took the plate away, his glare icy as he turned to Whitney. “You wanted to stay and

care, didn’t you?”

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“Didn’t you hear her? She doesn’t like it. Make something else”

Taryn watched, timid and uncomfortable, as Ludwik gave her a final warning. “Keep an eye on her.

She’s not to enter any rooms or come near Natalie’s villa.”

Whitney felt numb to his accusations and suspicion, her lips pressed tightly together.

“Ludwik, remember to take your pill this afternoon!” she reminded him.

“To take your poison? Ludwik sneered, utterly disbelieving.

Elaine’s expression tightened, Tm managing Ludwik’s condition, Ms. Valentine. Your concern is

unnecessary? Whitney didn’t bother to respond, she had already dissolved a pill in his water glass

earlier.

“Elaine, I’ll wait for you outside. Dress warmly,” Ludwik said, grabbing his coat and leaving without

another glance at Whitney

Whitney watched him go, realizing he had no intention of speaking another word to her.

She felt a tinge of sadness as he walked away.

Elaine watched Ludwik step outside, her irritation boiling over. With a huff, she swept the array of

breakfast items–the freshly baked croissants, the sun–kissed strawberries, and the golden scrambled

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eggs–off the table, sending them crashing onto the pristine hardwood floor.

The vinegar bottle followed, its contents splattering across the tiles.

“What on earth are you doing?” Whitney’s voice was ice, her eyes dark with disapproval.

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Elaine sidled up to her with a sneer. “Weren’t you all high and mighty just a moment ago? Here, I’m

giving you. something to do. You’re the help now, aren’t you? Isn’t this part of your job? You are trying

to win him over, right? You saw us come out of the same room, didn’t you? Does it sting, knowing I was

with Ludwik last night?”

Whitney couldn’t help but laugh.

“What’s so funny?*

Whitney fixed her with a look. “Are you seriously trying to convince me that he would be up for that to

someone who just donated a kidney? I’ve been around for five months, Elaine. I know his tastes, and

they’re not that animalistic.”

Elaine’s face twisted with anger. Whitney continued, “Maybe you’re just desperate, but making up

stories int

oing to work, Elaine.”

“Your Elaine forced out a cold laugh. This morning in the bathroom, I’ve seen more of him than you’ll

ever see Lodwik indulges me! We’re going to be engaged, and it’s only a matter of time before we’re

truly husband and wife. A man can’t live without a woman, right?”

Whitney’s hand tightened imperceptibly, her heart aching with a sharp pang.

She had to maintain her composure. “Seeing him naked doesn’t mean you have him, Elaine. What

exactly are you bragging about?”

Baine was seething. “We’ll just see how tough you are! You think you can bear all this with dignity? The

real torment has only just begun!”

Chapter 183

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