Love beyond the mask (Whitney) novel Chapter 361

As the person in question, Whitney politely declined the requests for her Facebook details and stood calmly by Orion's side, fiddling with her phone. The privacy filter on her screen meant Orion couldn't see what message she was crafting. Mysterious, much?

"Look over there, Jason, that's my uncle," Orion suddenly pointed out.

Whitney looked in the direction Orion indicated and saw Ludwik standing with Jason. In that moment, something flickered through Whitney's heart.

“They look alike, don’t they?” Orion seemed to read her mind and smirked, “Definitely more than he looks like my dad. Seems like Jason's laying his cards on the table now…”

Even though Whitney wasn't familiar with the ins and outs of Emperor City, she knew Jason was a high-ranking military official, a patriarch from the most influential family in Harmonia Country. Then she remembered Zane's smug expression earlier. Three years ago, Elaine had hinted that Ludwik's background was no simple affair. Turns out, she was right…

“That must be Jarvis over there,” Orion nodded slightly, “Rumor has it he’s my uncle’s adopted son?”

Squinting, Whitney indeed saw Jarvis approaching Jason, nodding respectfully, yet his sly eyes remained defiant.

“What a day,” Orion clicked his tongue, “Banyan City's so tiny, and yet, because of Ludwik, it's drawing in all these big shots from Emperor City…”

“I didn’t invite you, pest.” A cold male voice came from nearby.

Ludwik, having mingled with a few businessmen and elegantly holding a wine glass, cast a cold glance towards Orion. His gaze deepened upon catching sight of Whitney.

He lightly parted his lips, “I didn’t invite you either. What are you doing here?”

The question was directed at Whitney. Recalling their intense encounter just the night before, a fleeting expression crossed Whitney's face.

She brushed a strand of hair aside, her expression indifferent, and showed him two invitations, “You didn’t invite me, so someone else must have. You didn’t expect your ex-wife to come witness your blissful union, but I couldn’t refuse such a gracious invitation.”

Ludwik’s handsome face stiffened momentarily. He hadn’t intended to put her in such an awkward situation. He hadn’t even handled the wedding invitations himself. That was Elaine’s domain…

His pupils narrowed slightly, about to speak, but Whitney didn’t give him the chance, calmly linking arms with Orion and walking away. Ludwik’s gaze lingered on the ribbon around her neck; her slender, swan-like neck was probably covered because of his passionate bites the night before.

“Ludwik, if you keep looking at her, I'll start to wonder who you're really marrying today!”

Nolan came over, reminding him, “The auspicious time is nearly upon us. Elaine must be getting anxious inside. You’ve decided to marry today, so focus on your bride. There’s no turning back now. Today, your vows must be made.”

Ludwik pressed his lips tightly, a bitter smile flashing through his eyes. Rubbing his temples, he responded coldly, “I never intended to marry Whitney. It’s impossible. I know I’m getting married today, and my bride is Elaine.”

Relieved, Nolan sighed, glad to see Ludwik was still in his senses, “Let’s go. It's time to meet Elaine.”

At 12:08, the chime of the wedding bells rang out, filling the air with melodious music. Among the wedding march and a shower of petals, Elaine, in a diamond-studded dress and a tiara, gracefully walked across the lawn towards Ludwik under the envious gazes of the female guests.

The man, in a sharp black suit, looked stunning from every angle, a gift from the gods. His imposing figure was mature and muscular. Marrying someone like Ludwik, future ruler of Emperor City and heir to the Lippert family, was Elaine's lifelong dream.

After years of planning and scheming, today, she was finally marrying Ludwik. She was becoming Mrs. Lippert!

Elaine’s glance quickly swept over Whitney. A sense of triumph flashed in her eyes. After all their battles, she was the ultimate winner. She knew Ludwik had spent another night with that woman, evident from his husky voice over the phone.

But it didn’t matter. From now on, Ludwik would be hers entirely, bearing children and sharing everything with her! Whitney would have nothing. Not just nothing. Elaine had laid her plans carefully, and today would mark Whitney’s downfall.