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.

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 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.

chill as she realized his mockery was directed at

from the back garden, surprised to

voice, “Taryn, did you let her in?

1. Taryn stammered, feeling like she was being thrown under the bus

table and quickly stood in front of Taryn, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze.

just being kind, offering me an umbrella last night. I threatened her with her kids to let me stay. It’s not her

chest heaved with

Whitney using a

by her attempt to clear

breakfast is ready.” Whitney offered warmly.

taut, his emotions unreadable as he strode toward

expression, her voice soft. “You prefer light meals, so

“Your health is most

her eyes gleaming with triumph as

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

echoed in Whitney’s mind each repetition like a

humiliation and hardship to come–his anger was palpable

forced a numb expression, not

Baine wouldn’t miss this opportunity to taunt

boiled egg. Elaine suddenly gagged, her face

Ludwik asked, alarmed

Whitney I don’t mean

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

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

a final warning. “Keep an eye on her. She’s not to enter

numb to his accusations and suspicion, her lips pressed

pill

take your poison? Ludwik

Valentine. Your concern is unnecessary? Whitney didn’t bother to respond, she