Skip to content
Novel Catalog
Chapter_178
Ludwik’s lips tightened as he observed Elaine, her delicate concern almost too perfect, masking the satisfaction that danced in her eyes. He knew exactly what game she was playing, but for reasons he couldn’t quite explain, he found himself compelled to indulge her request. Perhaps it was because, despite everything, he couldn’t quite shake the acknowledgment of the sacrifices she had made for him, even if her actions felt calculated.
“You won’t be a bother,” he replied coolly, his tone as indifferent as ever, though still steady. His words lacked any genuine affection, but he didn’t let his true feelings show. “Just focus on getting better.”
Elaine’s eyes sparkled in response, her lips curling ever so slightly in triumph. Yet, she masked the joy behind a veil of feigned modesty, as though to appear humble in her victory. She knew she had won. She had secured her place in Ludwik’s life—at least for now—in a way that would ensure Whitney’s role would be replaced. The woman who had once held his heart had been cast aside, her time over. Now, it was Elaine’s turn to step into the role of his caretaker, his confidante, and perhaps, even more than that.
For a moment, Whitney’s image flickered in the back of Elaine’s mind—a bitter, jealous woman who had once stood beside Ludwik, if only briefly. Elaine knew how easily love could be shifted, and she was determined to ensure that Ludwik would never look back. She would make sure he never returned to his estranged wife, not when she could offer him everything that Whitney never had. But the key to her success was patience—and subtlety.
After Ludwik left the room to finalize some arrangements, Elaine turned her attention to her mother, who had been silently observing the scene. Delphine’s smile was knowing, her eyes filled with quiet pride.
“You’ve done well, my dear,” Delphine whispered, her fingers running gently through Elaine’s hair. “You’ve secured your future.”
Elaine couldn’t help but smile in return. The plan, set in motion months ago, was finally coming to fruition. “I’ve only just begun, Mom. Ludwik may be stubborn, but with time, he’ll see that I’m exactly what he needs.”
Delphine nodded approvingly. “Remember, Elaine, love is a powerful weapon, but control is everything. Ludwik’s heart will be yours, but don’t let him get too comfortable. Keep him on his toes.”
Elaine’s lips curled into a confident smile. “I know exactly how to handle him. And once I do, there’ll be no turning back.”
The quiet tension in the room was broken by a soft knock on the door. Ludwik re-entered, his face as impassive as ever. His gaze flickered briefly to Elaine, but his attention was clearly focused on the matter at hand.
“I’ve arranged everything,” he said, his voice detached, betraying no emotion. “We’ll leave for the manor tomorrow.”
Elaine sat up straighter, her excitement barely contained. “Thank you, Ludwik. I won’t be a burden, I promise.”
Ludwik gave a noncommittal nod, his expression unreadable. “We’ll see. Just take care of yourself.”
As soon as he left the room again, Elaine allowed herself a small, victorious smile. She had won this round. Whitney was out of the picture, and Ludwik’s heart would soon follow. All she needed was the right moment to claim him entirely.
Meanwhile, far away, Whitney was still reeling from the divorce. Every day, the weight of Ludwik’s rejection pressed heavier on her chest. She tried her best to stay strong—for the baby growing inside her—but the loneliness and pain were almost unbearable. The thought that everything had slipped through her fingers consumed her, the realization that Ludwik, the man she had once loved with everything she had, had so easily cast her aside in favor of Elaine.
It was a cruel twist of fate, one she had never seen coming.
