Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 225

Jason watched as Ludwik methodically crushed his cigarette, his expression stoic.

Without prying further, Jason’s gaze darkened, “The help you need, consider it done.”

Ludwik, a man of few words, stood and bowed slightly. “I’m grateful, take some rest.”

With that, he walked out, his presence cool and detached.

Jason slightly furrowed his brows as he watched Ludwik’s retreating figure.

The door swung open, and Zane and Delphine entered, accompanied by Elaine, all wearing bright

smiles.

“Good to see you, Jason,” Elaine said, her voice laced with restrained excitement.

“Sooner or later, you’ll have to change how you address him, silly girl,” Zane chuckled deeply,

approaching Jason with a lower voice. “Are you happy to see Ludwik? Actually, he’s had a fallout with

Kaden. The timing seems right; maybe you could…”

Jason’s eyes dimmed, a man of his stature feeling a rare twinge of uncertainty. He sighed. “The kid had

a tough time with his mother when he was young, and I didn’t help. He’s too proud and aloof; now isn’t

the right time; he won’t accept…”

Zane carefully interjected, “Don’t blame yourself. You didn’t know back then.”

“Let’s discuss this another time. He turned out quite well, I’m impressed.” Jason’s eyes showed

a hint of approval, and he kept it low–key, “Mr. Bartels, I appreciate the invitation.”

“A young one’s engagement is indeed an occasion to have you,” Zane replied with utmost respect as

he saw Jason off.

Back in the lounge, Delphine could barely contain her excitement, “Jason’s been in the military for so

long, it’s rare to catch a glimpse of such an influential figure. It’s because of our Elaine. She’s really

held onto Ludwik’s heart. He has unlimited potential. Congratulations, my daughter. You have cut

through the thorns, driven away that wretch Whitney, and today, you’ll become the future Mrs. Lippert!”

“Thanks to you, Mom and Dad, for introducing me to Ludwik early and helping me deal with that

wretch. Tonight, I will become Ludwik’s woman, and Whitney will never have a chance to come back.

We need to find a way to get rid of her for good!”

Delphine’s eyes narrowed. “The die is cast. It should be easy for you to deal with her. Just make it

clean! Our family and the Tennyson affairs should never see the light of day. So, no survivors from the

Tennyson family. As for Whitney’s uncle, find a chance to seal his lips in prison.”

Zane nodded heavily. “Leave it to you, Elaine. Tonight, you must secure Ludwik to avoid any further

complications.”

Elaine blushed demurely and nodded.

At the wedding banquet, Nolan noticed Ludwik drinking heavily.

It was unusual for a groom to be pouring his own drinks.

It was clear to their group of friends that Ludwik was distracted, and far from happy, his brow furrowed

with a heavy heart.

His aloofness made it difficult to approach him.

“Ludwik!” Elaine fluttered over like a graceful butterfly.

The media relished capturing the moment.

Ludwik forced a smile and embraced her affectionately, announcing to his friends, “The party’s over.

Elaine’s not feeling well; I’ll take her home.”

Nolan and Parker did not jest about hurrying to the bridal chamber as they usually would at weddings.

They simply nodded.

Ludwik and Elaine left by car.

At the Everwood Villa Estate, Elaine was attended to by two maids, her long gown trailing behind her

as she stepped into the bath for a soak.

In the deep silence of the night, Ludwik sat elegantly on the sofa, his handsome face reflected in the

vast windows.

His eyes, like deep pools, held secrets and a detached coolness.

He lit cigarette after cigarette, pressing his brow as if to ease some inner tension.

An hour later, Elaine emerged, the maids nowhere in sight.

She approached, her allure heightened by the red flush on her cheeks. Dressed in a black see–through

gown with a high slit, her fair upper body wrapped in a plunging neckline, her long hair dripping with

misty droplets, her eyes hazy with desire.

Elaine gently leaned on Ludwik’s long legs, mermaid–like, looking up coquettishly. “It’s getting late,

Ludwik.”

He looked at her deeply, her cleavage in plain view, but his eyes struggled to ignite any passion, as

calm as the deep sea.

Suddenly, he averted his gaze, speaking softly, “Elaine, there’s some water on the table. You’re hardly

dressed; have a sip to warm up.”

Elaine, touched by his care, hurriedly drank the water,

Gulping it down, she deliberately let a drop linger on her lips, glistening as it slid down to her

collarbone.

Then, she climbed up his legs to the sofa, her heart pounding as she admired the slight openness of

his shirt, the alluring collarbones, his chest exuding warmth. She reached out a finger.

“Let’s not rush.” Ludwik gently held her hand, frowning slightly.

“What’s wrong, Ludwik? You don’t like it here? I sent the maids away, and there’s no one to disturb us.

Or shall we go upstairs?”

Her voice was full of shy anticipation as she clung to his shoulders, swaying gently.

Ludwik’s response was evasive, and he stood up abruptly, pushing her aside, “What I meant by not

rushing was during the engagement period.”

“Ludwik?” Elaine’s eyes flashed with uncertainty and unease. “We’re engaged now, just a marriage

certificate away. What’s stopping us? I’ve waited for you for years, and tonight was supposed to be our

perfect night.”

“Your health isn’t ready for this,” Ludwik found an excuse, his tall frame commanding.

He was irritable and annoyed with himself for not being drawn to Elaine’s stunning figure. What was

wrong with him wanting to take Elaine? Whitney had cheated on him long ago.

Yet, every time he opened and closed his eyes, all he saw was that damn woman’s image, as if cursed,

making him feel absolutely nothing for Elaine.

Elaine wrapped her arms around his waist, pressing close.

Startled, Ludwik turned around swiftly, his brow knit as he pushed her away.

“I’m ready, Ludwik! I’ve even had a kidney check–up recently; my health has improved, and I can be

intimate with you…”

“But I’m afraid of hurting you,” Ludwik could not bring himself to reveal the real reason, not wanting to

crush her self–esteem.

“Ludwik! Any man would be unable to resist a woman like this, and you’re a normal man, especially

since I’m beautiful…”

Her fingers slid downward from the firm grip around his muscular waist.

Ludwik tensed, his jaw set tight, his large hands catching hers. He looked at her for a moment, then

with a decisive move, he scooped her up sideways. “Let’s head upstairs.”

A thrill of anticipation quivered through Elaine. Ludwik finally wanted her. Were they going to the

bedroom?

He was a man of virtue, almost puritanical in his restraint. The thought of his abstinence was

intoxicating to her.

Yet, as they approached the bed in the bedroom, a sudden pang of pain clutched at Elaine’s

abdomen, making her wince.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, his tone casual.

Struck by a sudden realization, Elaine’s face paled, and she quickly stood up. “I need to use the

bathroom, Ludwik. Wait for me, don’t go!”

“Alright, I’ll stay,” he said, his voice indifferent as he turned to light up a cigarette, his

expression unreadable.

After Elaine dashed to the bathroom, she looked down, and her face turned ashen. “Damn it, now?”

She could not believe it; it had been just two weeks since her last period. Her cycle was always regular,

but the pain was undeniable.

And it was not light. There was no way she could hide it and go through with intimacy.

Frustrated and deflated, she applied a sanitary pad with a pale face. When she emerged, she found the

tall figure of Ludwik standing by the bathroom door.

“Is it your time of the month?” Ludwik asked, his voice even, his dark eyes briefly scanning the contents

of the trash can as if he had expected it.