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Chapter_202
Ludwik gently lifted Elaine’s injured leg, carefully applying ointment to the scrape. His calloused hands brushed against her skin, and she shivered, not from pain—but from something far more complicated. His touch carried a warmth that settled deep within her, igniting emotions she struggled to contain.
He moved with an air of relaxed confidence, that disarming charm he always wore after an intense day—a devil-may-care attitude that made him impossible to ignore.
Elaine, aching for his affection, couldn’t keep her jealousy at bay. Her voice, delicate but insistent, broke the silence.
“Ludwik… what happened earlier? You left me at the party—with Whitney. Then you came back alone, and so late. Were you with her?”
He wrapped the bandage with practiced ease, refusing to meet her eyes. “Elaine, don’t overthink things.”
But his silence was louder than any answer.
She let out a soft scoff, masking her fury with a pout. His deflection said enough. They’d been together—again.
Fighting down her anger, she slipped into a fragile persona, her arms clinging to him like ivy. Her voice trembled as she pleaded,
“Ludwik, remember your promise? You said we’d be engaged by the end of this month. My birthday’s just ten days away… You’re still entangled with Whitney. I’m scared. Please, finalize the divorce. I don’t want our engagement to be shadowed by her.”
Ludwik’s jaw tightened. The promise had been impulsive—a reaction to Whitney’s coldness more than a real commitment. He hadn’t even remembered Elaine’s birthday until now.
A wave of irritation washed over him. Rubbing his forehead, he muttered,
“I’ll handle it.”
Then, distancing himself slightly, he added, “You shouldn’t bathe tonight. Just take your medicine and get some rest.”
Elaine, however, heard more in his tone than he intended. He was avoiding the topic—and her. Suspicion flickered in her gaze. Whitney still haunted his thoughts. The divorce remained unfinished. Ludwik’s heart hadn’t let go.
But she wasn’t ready to give up.
She reached out just as he turned, stumbling delicately into his arms. Her voice was soft, almost childlike.
“Ludwik… I can’t sleep like this. I feel dirty. Could you help me to the bathroom for a quick wipe down?”
He hesitated. Cleanliness mattered to women—he knew that—and she was injured. Suppressing a sigh, he scooped her up, carrying her toward the bathroom.
As they passed Lyra, Elaine cast her a subtle glance. Lyra understood instantly, smirking as she ushered the nurse away, closing the door behind them.
Inside the bathroom, Ludwik was about to call for the maid when he felt Elaine’s arm snake around his waist.
“Ludwik…” she breathed, pressing herself gently against him. Her hands slid over his shirt, her touch light and suggestive. “Stay with me tonight… won’t you?”
He froze. Her meaning was unmistakable. A frown crept across his face.
“You’re injured,” he said curtly. “You need to rest.”
But she stepped in front of him, her expression soft and pleading. Her breath tickled his collarbone as she murmured,
“One day… this will be normal, right? I’ve never been with anyone. I don’t know how it’s supposed to go. But I’ll learn. I can make you love me…”
The innocence in her words clashed with the mature desire in her gaze. It was a stark contrast to Whitney’s boldness. Elaine trembled as her lips grazed his skin, her need both vulnerable and determined.
Ludwik stiffened, then abruptly pushed her away. His heart betrayed him—flooded with thoughts of Whitney, not Elaine.
Frustrated and confused, he gripped her wrist firmly. “Elaine… I’ve always seen you more like a sister,” he said, voice tight.
Her expression faltered. Color drained from her face, but she quickly masked her shock with a wounded pout.
“Is it because of my body?” she whispered. “I only have one kidney. I know I’m not like other women…”
Her words hit him hard. She had given a part of herself to save Natalie. That sacrifice was why he had agreed to the engagement. But this—this physical intimacy—he had never truly considered.
He exhaled, letting go of her wrist, and gently held her shoulders.
“How could I ever despise you?” he said softly. “To me, you’re just as beautiful as anyone.”
Elaine smiled faintly. Her arms encircled his neck, voice a breathy whisper.
“Then let me prove it. We’re going to be married soon. Let me give myself to you… completely.”
Ludwik flinched as if burned. He stepped back, shaking his head.
“No. You’re not well. Your body can’t handle this. Don’t do this to yourself.”
Before she could respond, his phone rang—an unexpected escape. He seized the moment.
“Parker? Yeah… I’ll be there.”
He turned to Elaine, his tone brisk.
“There’s a lead on my mother’s kidnapping. I need to get to the station. Don’t wait up.”
Elaine stood motionless as he left. Her eyes, once glimmering with resentment, shifted—calculating.
The investigation had been a dead end for weeks. She had made sure of that. Ludwik’s pursuit of the truth had gone in circles. But Parker wasn’t like the others. He wasn’t someone she could easily control.
Why would he call now?
A faint unease settled in her chest.
She shut the door and picked up her phone.
“Jaxon,” she said coldly. “Track Parker. Find out what he’s been doing these past few days. Follow Ludwik discreetly. Be careful.”
Downstairs, Ludwik found Felix standing near a closed door, holding a small bag of medications from the hospital.
“She won’t come out?” Ludwik asked, voice low but sharp.
Felix looked uneasy. “No. Madam locked herself in. She’s not speaking to anyone.”
Ludwik’s eyes narrowed.
Felix hesitated, then added, “She said not to disturb her unless it’s about her cousin—Yael Tennyson. Her voice sounded hoarse. I’m worried. She hasn’t eaten since you left.”
Ludwik’s tone turned biting.
“You’re worried about her?”
Felix backpedaled quickly. “Only because she’s pregnant, sir. Untreated injuries and fasting… it’s not good for the baby.”
Ludwik exhaled harshly, irritation flaring.
“If she wants to starve herself and get sick, that’s her choice.” His voice was clipped, devoid of concern. “Tell the maid to leave food. If she’s hungry, she’ll eat.”
Felix nodded, his sigh barely audible over the growing silence.
