Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 167

“At first, I kept it from you because I didn’t want you to feel obliged to marry me out of some debt for saving your life. I have my pride. Then Whitney suddenly turned up, pregnant with your child, and I felt even less able to reveal the truth… I decided to let go of our connection, and out of jealousy. I wasn’t kind to Whitney. I deeply regret it now” she confessed, her voice a mix of remorse and vulnerability.

“I never planned to tell you, even as I left Banyan City. But today, I’m scared that if I don’t come clean about this secret, I might die without ever having the chance.”

Elaine edged closer to him, her eyes clear and pitifully earnest. Tve always loved you deeply. Four years ago, I rescued you without a second thought, and four years later, I donated a kidney to save Natalie. I did it all willingly, Ludwik. You don’t owe me anything I just hope you can feel the sincerity of my feelings, that would be enough for me to die without regrets.”

Ludwik looked at her, his insides churning with emotion.

He had searched the world for a girl who, it turned out, had always been by his side, silent and unnoticed.

His eyes, swirling with deep emotion, landed on Elaine. It seemed she had always been sacrificing for him,

always.

Elaine watched him, touched and torn, her gaze softening at the memory of her life–saving act four years prior.

She knew she had succeeded in her ruse. To present this half–truth, to masquerade as Whitney, she had rehearsed countless justifications.

Perfect. He would believe her, especially now in his vulnerable state, and especially after she had donated a kidney to his mother

This was the perfect timing her mother had spoken of!

Elaine’s internal laughter was carefully concealed.

“Mom?” Suddenly, a breathless, pale voice came from the doorway.

Whitney, barely hanging on, had made her way here, and upon entering, she saw Ludwik embracing Elaine.

Her brows furrowed in unease, her gaze involuntarily drifting to the other hospital bed–Natalie!

the word “Mom,” Ludwik turned his icy, chiseled features

and shattered her with its merciless

as she entered, the cold stares

had come straight to Banyan City after being rescued from the mountains. A visit to the police station revealed her uncle’s

told by the security staff that

hospital.

here? Why was it so quiet?

thinking Ludwik

take his anger. She reassured

heavy steps approached, and with one swift move, he pulled Whitney away,

whitening as she clutched her stomach, narrowly avoiding hitting

Whitney?” Elaine’s voice trembled with feigned weakness. “Do you realize

Whitney’s head, a sharp pain stirring her thoughts into a blur. Tears welled up and fell unbidden as she scrambled up,

when I helped her escape, her breathing was steady, her pulse normal. It was you… Elainel You took her away by force, I knew you meant

harm Ludwik. That’s why you kidnapped Natalie! When I heard, I rushed to find her, but I arrived to see you holding her hostage,

her phone, handing it to

was cold as ice as

needles into her stomach. Her mother suddenly vomited a mouthful of black blood, her expression one of intense

stopped abruptly!

like ice as he turned his chilling gaze on

in wait before her appearance, secretly recording the

edited out of context!

explain to Ludwik, “It’s a setup by Elaine. She only recorded a part on purpose. I was just giving Mom acupuncture; she said she

hand struck Whitney’s face with a

face swelled red from the impact, and she stumbled

shadowy cage, the chill

a bitter laugh, “You know acupuncture, so you claim to know medicine? Didn’t I ask you once before?

mother, seeking what? The Imperial Gem Corporation? If you couldn’t have it, you’d rather see

her, so frail and pitiful, you give her acupuncture, and she just spits blood and