Love beyond the mask (Whitney) novel Chapter 182

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. 

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. 

“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?” 

“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.