Love beyond the mask201-300

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Chapter_245

Daniel’s anxiety was palpable, his chest tightening as Elaine’s words hung in the air like a heavy cloud. The idea of going to the regular class, where his tormentor awaited, filled him with dread. Panic clawed at him, but when his eyes met Elaine’s calculating gaze, he realized protesting would only make things worse. The cold smile she wore was a clear signal—she wasn’t concerned about him. She was using him, manipulating every situation to get closer to Ludwik and gain more control.

Ludwik, noticing his son’s distress, looked between Elaine and Daniel, sensing the tension in the room. But his mind was still tangled in his own worries. The complex relationship between his son and Elaine, and the increasing strain between them, weighed on him heavily. He couldn’t fully understand all the dynamics at play, but he knew something wasn’t right.

“Elaine, what exactly are you suggesting?” Ludwik asked, his voice betraying his uncertainty.

Elaine, ever the strategist, seized the opportunity to take control of the conversation. She softened her tone, offering Ludwik a look of feigned sympathy. “Ludwik, darling, I’m only thinking of what’s best for Danny. If he’s struggling at preschool, perhaps a change of scenery would help. A fresh start in the regular class could provide him with a new environment—less complicated, more suited to his needs.”

Ludwik frowned, his gaze flickering to Daniel, who was now visibly sulking in his seat. He could tell his son wasn’t enthusiastic about the idea of switching classes. But the truth was, Daniel had been acting out more than usual lately, and Ludwik couldn’t ignore the mounting concerns.

“I don’t know, Elaine,” Ludwik replied, his voice laced with hesitation. “He’s been through a lot already. Another change might make him feel more unsettled. Maybe we should focus on helping him work through his issues with the kids at his current preschool first.”

Elaine’s smile never faltered, but inside, her frustration boiled. She had expected this reluctance, and she was ready with her counterargument. “But, Ludwik, sometimes drastic measures are necessary. If Danny feels comfortable and secure in a new environment, it could make all the difference. I’ve done my research, and studies show that children often thrive in simpler, more straightforward settings. This could be just what he needs.”

She turned her gaze back to Daniel, who had grown visibly more uncomfortable. He was beginning to grasp that this wasn’t just about him; it was part of a much larger game he couldn’t yet understand. His fear was evident, and Elaine relished the power she held over the situation. Her patience was running thin, but now that she had Ludwik’s attention, she wouldn’t let go.

Daniel, aware that rejecting his mother’s plan could lead to more consequences, reluctantly nodded. “I don’t want to go to the regular class,” he muttered, his voice barely audible. “There’s a kid there who… he’s mean.”

Elaine’s eyes sparkled with malicious delight. This was the opening she had been waiting for. “Don’t worry, darling. The kids in the regular class will be just fine. They’ll be more down-to-earth, like I said. You’ll make new friends. And Ludwik and I will be right here, supporting you every step of the way.”

Ludwik fell silent, clearly torn between his desire to protect his son and his growing confusion over Elaine’s intentions. Despite his nagging doubts, he looked at Daniel with a resigned expression. “Alright, we’ll give it a try,” he said, the words slipping from his mouth with reluctance.

Daniel’s eyes filled with tears, the weight of the decision pressing down on him. He didn’t understand the complexities of the situation, but he knew this wasn’t just about a new class. It was part of something bigger, a game he was too young to play. All he wanted was to feel safe and loved, but as his father remained torn between him and Elaine, he felt more isolated than ever.

Elaine, sensing victory, leaned over and whispered, “See, Danny? Everything will be just fine. We’ll take care of you.”

As she turned to leave, her heart remained cold. Her thoughts were already racing ahead, plotting her next move. She would get what she wanted, no matter the cost. If that meant playing the long game with Ludwik and his son, so be it.

In her mind, Daniel’s struggles were nothing more than obstacles to be overcome. A little manipulation here, a gentle push there, and she would have her family exactly the way she wanted it.

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