Love beyond the mask (Whitney) novel Chapter 179

Chapter 179 

“It’s no trouble at all, taking care of you is my duty.” Ludwik was a man of few words. Elaine gave him a soft smile, her heart swelling with happiness. “Thank you, Ludwik!” He opened the car door and helped her in like a true gentleman. 

Under the cloak of night, the Bentley glided smoothly towards their suburban mansion. 

Throughout the ride, Ludwik was silent, his presence aloof and weary, yet undeniably charismatic. 

Elaine stole a glance at the taut muscles beneath his crisp shirt, her eyes alight with fervor and triumph. Clenching her fists, she thought to herself, “Whitney, you’ve been utterly vanquished. This man now belongs to 

me!” 

Just as she was basking in her smug thoughts, the Bentley came to a halt outside the villa. 

The darkness of the night was pierced by the pale glow of streetlights, illuminating the ornate, wrought–iron gates. 

As Ludwik assisted Elaine out of the car, her peripheral vision caught sight of a figure standing beneath the gates–it was Whitney! 

She was bundled up in a thick parka, a visible bump in her midsection, with a small suitcase at her feet. Elaine’s eyes narrowed with venom as she glared at Whitney. 

She appeared stiff from standing too long, her head bowed and body shivering from the cold. 

Elaine quickly snuggled closer into Ludwik’s embrace. 

Feeling her move, Ludwik looked down with a frown. “Are you cold?” 

“I’m freezing, Ludwik,” Elaine said with a feigned frailty, shivering for effect. 

Ludwik removed his coat and draped it over her with careful attention, then took her by the wrist. “We forgot your wheelchair; take it slow.” 

“Thank you, Ludwik.” Elaine’s voice was tender and sweet. 

Her saccharine tone, filled with joy, caught Whitney’s attention, causing her to look up. 

She saw the approaching pair, almost entwined in each other’s arms. 

Ludwik was holding Elaine’s hand, their posture intimate and caring. 

Elaine caught Whitney’s shattered gaze and, with malicious delight, asked, “Ludwik, were you serious about what you told my parents? That we’re getting engaged?” 

Whitney overheard.. 

Ludwik was engaged to Elaine? A crushing force seemed to weigh down on Whitney, her gaze transfixed on the man she once knew. 

How would he respond? His answer was curt, a harsh edge in his voice. “Yes.” 

A hollow smile cracked Whitney’s lips. So his urgency to divorce her was to promptly engage with Elainel 

It was like the bitterest of tonics, the cruelest of poisons, forced into her mouth. 

The venom robbed her of breath, the pain unbearable. 

Yet she had to endure. Back at the Ether Cafe, when she had tampered with the divorce papers, she had made a decision. 

“Ludwik!” Whitney called out. 

18:24 1 

Only now, across the distance, did Ludwik notice her. 

Her frail silhouette stood in the biting wind, almost merging with the nearby shadows. 

Ludwik paused for a split second, his eyes brooding as he regarded her. 

He also noted the suitcase by her feet, “What are you doing here?” 

“This is my home. I’m moving back in, Whitney stated with forced composure. 

He raised an eyebrow, a cold smirk on his lips. “New lady of the house have moved in.” 

Whitney’s heart sank. 

Was he referring to new occupants in the house, or had someone new moved into his heart? 

Elaine, sensing an opportunity, clung tighter to Ludwik’s arm, her gaze defiantly fixed on Whitney. 

Losing patience, Ludwik turned to open the door. “We’re divorced. Forget about any inheritance, and your belongings will be thrown out.” 

*Sorry to disappoint, but we’re not divorced. I only signed “Valentine, which invalidates the paper,” Whitney stated firmly. 

Ludwik spun around, his eyes narrowing. 

Elaine’s gaze darkened as she feigned concern, “Ms. Valentine, why are you playing games with Ludwik?” 

Whitney ignored her. 

She met Ludwik’s icy stare without fear. “Check the papers if you don’t believe me.” 

He did, his expression unreadable, his brow clouded with loathing as he confirmed the single scrawled Valentine‘ on the document. 

“What’s your 

“What’s your angle now?” he demanded. 

“You got everything–Imperial Gem Corporation, the billions, my bankruptcy, my mother’s condition. Isn’t that enough?” 

His mocking sneer was like a blade, repeatedly piercing Whitney’s heart. She endured numbly, letting him scorn her. 

If only it brought him solace. 

Her sole focus was Natalie’s last wish, which she vowed to fulfill, no matter what. 

“Ludwik, let me live here. You still suffer from your condition, and I want to take care of you until you recover. 

I Then I’ll consider signing the divorce papers. Besides, with Elaine moving in, I’m even more worried about Natalie.” 

“You have no right to speak of her! Your presence here is the biggest threat to her! Don’t you dare come near her again!” 

Ludwik’s fury was palpable, his tone icy. “Leave now. Security!” 

Whitney knew Natalie was his Achilles‘ heel. 

“I promised her I’d look after you, and I will. I’m not leaving.” 

Ludwik clenched his jaw. When had she made such promises? Or was this yet another play?