Love beyond the mask201-300

Novel Catalog

Chapter_286

Elaine made her way into the private room of the bar, the night air biting at her skin. Delphine was already there, sitting with her usual air of impatience. As soon as Elaine sat down, her mother wasted no time, her voice laced with frustration.

“Elaine, you’re moving too slow,” Delphine said, her sharp gaze meeting Elaine’s. “You’ve been at this for three years now, and you still haven’t managed to secure Ludwik. And now Whitney—she’s back. That little witch, I can’t believe she’s still alive and kicking.”

Elaine clenched her fists, feeling the anger rise within her. Just the thought of Whitney’s smug face these past few days made her blood boil. “How was I supposed to know?” Elaine muttered. “I thought I had her burned to ashes three years ago.”

Delphine’s expression darkened as she flicked the ash from her cigarette. “I found out it was a fake body Orion used, a sleight of hand. You were careless not to verify the DNA.”

Elaine’s eyes narrowed in frustration, but she didn’t argue. Delphine handed her a small vial filled with a fine powder, lowering her voice to a whisper. “The strongest kind,” she said, her tone almost sinister. “Just a touch, and Ludwik will be with a woman that very night. Make sure you get pregnant with his child as soon as possible. That way, he’ll have no choice but to marry you, and Daniel and Whitney—those two pests—won’t be a problem anymore.”

Elaine’s fingers tightened around the vial, the plan already forming in her mind. “Don’t worry, Mom. If I could make Ludwik despise Whitney for losing a child three years ago, I can make him loathe her even more now.”

Delphine nodded, pleased with her daughter’s determination. “Speaking of which,” she continued, “isn’t Keegan Tennyson about to be executed? Before Whitney catches wind of it, have your father expedite the process. If necessary, take care of him in prison.”

Elaine hesitated. “It’s probably too late for that,” she admitted. “Suddenly, a civil rights lawyer has taken up Keegan’s appeal, drawing unwanted attention to his case. It’s now harder to deal with him quietly. My husband checked the lawyer’s background, and it turns out Bryce hired him.” She paused, a cold shiver running down her spine. “But it can’t be a coincidence that Whitney returns now, especially since she and Bryce are so close.”

Delphine’s face darkened, her lips tightening. “You’re right to be wary. But it’s not a big deal. Use Ludwik’s influence to isolate the prison. Whitney won’t be able to see Keegan, and with his lips sealed, there’s no chance of an appeal.”

Elaine nodded, her mind already racing with ways to make sure the plan went smoothly. “The incident a month ago has been wiped clean of evidence,” she added, her voice low but confident. “I made sure Jaxon took care of Lyle’s family. Dead men tell no tales.”

Delphine gave a slow, approving nod. “Good. You’re doing fine, Elaine. But remember, don’t get distracted. You need to play the devoted wife and mother. That’s how you’ll win Ludwik’s heart.”

Elaine’s face tightened, her frustration bubbling to the surface. “I’ve been doing that for three years, and he’s still as cold and distant as ever. What more does he want from me?” she muttered under her breath, her gaze turning bitter.

Delphine didn’t respond, instead standing up with a deliberate grace. “I should go,” she said, her voice dismissive. “Don’t linger here. Go home and pretend to be the perfect wife. That’s the only way you’ll get him.”

Elaine nodded stiffly, her frustration growing. She had been pretending for years, playing the role of the devoted wife and mother, but Ludwik remained unyielding, a stone wall that she couldn’t crack.

As her mother left, Elaine’s thoughts turned dark. The once-glamorous woman who had been the center of attention at every high society gathering now felt like a shadow of her former self. The life she had once reveled in now seemed suffocating, overshadowed by endless schemes and frustrations.

Grabbing a bottle of wine, Elaine poured herself a drink, the liquid burning as it slid down her throat. The familiar warmth spread through her chest, but it did little to soothe the restlessness gnawing at her. The pulsating lights from the dance floor seemed to mock her, drawing attention to the emptiness that had become her life. Every night, she returned home to find Ludwik locked away in his study, retreating from her, refusing to share their bed. The bitterness she felt was suffocating, a weight she couldn’t shake off.

With a sharp sigh, she grabbed her phone and called Ashton Fuller. He had been her loyal lapdog for years, always ready to heed her call. He would be her escape tonight, the distraction she needed to dull the pain.

Within half an hour, Ashton appeared through the crowd, his tall figure unmistakable. His military bearing and rugged charm stood in stark contrast to Ludwik’s cold, detached beauty. Elaine, already tipsy, smiled seductively as she watched him approach.

“Ashton,” she cooed, her voice dripping with faux sweetness.

Ashton raised an eyebrow, concern evident on his face. “What are you doing out drinking like this, Elaine? And you’re this drunk? Where’s Ludwik?”

Elaine leaned into him, swaying deliberately. “Ludwik’s at home, buried in his work as usual. I was feeling down and thought, who better to brighten my mood than you?”

Ashton’s eyes softened, and he reached out to steady her. “Ludwik really doesn’t know how to treat a lady. You used to be so high-maintenance, and now you’re stuck taking care of his kid, making all these sacrifices.”

Elaine let out a soft laugh, a hint of sadness in her eyes. “Ashton, you always understand me. After three years as a housewife, I feel like I’ve lost everything. The only person I can trust now… is you.”

Ashton smiled gently, though there was a flicker of something darker in his expression. “You’re not just a housewife. To me, you’ve always been beautiful and kind. You deserve happiness, Elaine.”

Elaine’s lips trembled, and her voice dropped to a whisper. “Do I? Who knows my suffering? I haven’t even shared a bed with Ludwik in months. I feel so alone…”

She leaned in closer to Ashton, her breath warm against his ear. “Can you comfort me?” Her words were laced with a mixture of drunken sorrow and unspoken desire.

Ashton hesitated, his resolve faltering as she looked up at him with tear-filled eyes. He opened his mouth to speak, but before he could respond, her hands subtly lowered her neckline, revealing a hint of her curves. The invitation was clear.

Elaine watched as Ashton’s Adam’s apple bobbed nervously, his gaze flickering between her lips and her eyes. She could see the conflict in his expression, the desire battling with his loyalty. Just as their lips were about to meet, Ashton’s phone rang, breaking the tension.

With a curse under his breath, Ashton pulled away, answering the call. “The boss. The lady of the house suddenly fainted with a stomach bleed,” he muttered, his tone laced with concern.

Elaine’s heart sank. “Valerie?” she asked, trying to hide her jealousy.

Without sparing her another glance, Ashton grabbed his coat and hurried toward the exit. “I have to go. Valerie’s in trouble. I’ll have my bodyguard take you home.”

Elaine watched, her face twisted in frustration. She was left standing alone, the remnants of her plans shattered. “It’s Valerie, isn’t it?” she muttered under her breath, her anger building. “Just like Whitney, always ruining my plans.” She clenched her wine glass so tightly that it almost shattered in her hand.

The bar’s noise seemed to mock her, as if the world was turning against her. Once the queen of Emperor City, she now found herself alone, forgotten, and rejected by the very man she had given everything to.

As she stood there, simmering with frustration, she suddenly felt a man’s arm snake around her neck from behind. His fingers traced down her body suggestively, his breath hot against her ear. “Don’t move, Elaine,” he whispered.

Elaine froze, her mind racing. Who was this? How did he know her name?

She turned, her heart pounding in her chest, to face a stranger with a cold, dangerous smile.

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