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Chapter_244
Elaine stood in the corner, a silent observer as Ludwik shared a tender moment with his son, Danny. The boy’s infectious laughter filled the room, and it was clear to Elaine that Danny held an undeniable sway over his father. The bond between them was powerful, unbreakable, and Elaine found herself seething with frustration. Despite all her attempts to win Ludwik’s affection, to rekindle the love they had once shared, it was becoming increasingly evident that his attention had shifted—entirely and irrevocably—toward his son. Danny, with his innocent charm and youthful energy, had become the center of Ludwik’s world, and Elaine was gradually fading into the background.
Every time Ludwik smiled at his son, a stab of resentment pierced through Elaine. She had tried everything—flirting, seducing, appealing to his emotions, even promising a future together—but it was all in vain. The man who had once been so in love with her now seemed distant and cold, lost in the world of fatherhood. His focus, his care, and his love were all directed toward Danny, the child who seemed to have a stronger hold on his heart than she ever could.
Elaine’s lips tightened as she watched them. Ludwik, grinning widely, effortlessly carried Danny to the bathroom, a playful energy in his movements. The sight twisted something inside her—how could she compete with this? How could she possibly measure up to the innocent, untainted love between father and son? The answer was simple: she couldn’t. Danny, oblivious to the battle being waged for his father’s affections, was winning. And the more she watched, the more her frustration grew.
She had given so much—her body, her time, her heart—and yet it was not enough. In the end, it wasn’t her love that mattered. It was Danny’s. The realization hit Elaine with brutal clarity: Ludwik’s heart was no longer hers to claim. It had been stolen long ago by his son.
The sounds of Ludwik and Danny laughing in the next room only deepened the ache in Elaine’s chest. She clenched her fists, trying to hold back the tide of anger and bitterness that threatened to overwhelm her. She couldn’t be weak—not now. Not when she was so close to getting everything she had ever wanted. She had to do something. She had to take control.
Turning away from the door, Elaine took a deep breath, her mind already racing with possibilities. She had prepared for this moment. The doctor she had arranged for Ludwik—one who promised to solve his issues—was her ace in the hole. But even with that, Elaine knew that winning Ludwik’s heart was no longer the goal. The battle had changed. Now, it was about claiming the life she envisioned, even if it meant taking it from someone else. If Ludwik wanted a family, she would give him one—on her terms.
Her hand brushed across her cheek, wiping away the tears she hadn’t even realized had formed. She couldn’t afford to be vulnerable—not anymore. If there was one thing she had learned over the years, it was that weakness had no place in her world. She had been patient, but now was the time to act. The game had shifted, and Elaine Bartels was ready to play it.
She was no longer a woman vying for love. She was a woman on a mission, and nothing, not even Ludwik’s son, would stand in her way. As she walked out of the room, her resolve solidified. The past three years had been a slow burn, but now, she was prepared to ignite the fire. She had waited long enough, and the time had come to take back control. Ludwik, his son, and even the ghosts of her past wouldn’t stop her. Elaine had a plan—and she would see it through, no matter the cost.
