Chapter 182


    Ludwik’s gaze was steady, revealing nothing as he epted the clothes from ine, his voice low with


    concern. “I worry about you overexerting yourself.”


    “It’ll get better with time, the doctor said positivity aids recovery. Just thinking about our future together


    brings me joy,” ine responded, her smile timid as if afraid to fully express her happiness.


    Unable to say anything that might dampen her spirits, Ludwik knew the harsh truth–ine would have


    to live with just one kidney, reliant on others for care.


    He felt responsible. “Let’s go downstairs.”


    “Okay!” ine brightened instantly,tching onto his arm.


    Wrapped in a crisp white button–down that entuated his muscr forearms, Ludwik’s broad


    shoulders and straight back exuded an air of undeniable nobility.


    As they approached the staircase, the tantalizing aroma of breakfast wafted from the kitchen.


    Ludwik caught a glimpse through the kitchen window of Whitney bustling about. Stray locks framed her


    fairplexion as she donned an apron, looking every bit like a radiant home chef.


    He was transfixed by the domestic scene before him, reminiscent of a wife preparing breakfast for her


    husband. But their past was irrevocable.


    In the next moment, his eyes turned icy. “Why is she in the house? Taryn!”


    His roar startled Whitney, who emerged from the kitchen, trying to appear unfazed with a tray of


    breakfast in hand.


    Her first sight was ine, clinging intimately to Ludwik’s arm–it was clear they hade out of the


    guest room together.


    ine’s nce was sharp, but before she could exin herself, ine interjected with a cold smirk,


    “Ludwik, I woke up in painst night and saw Taryn sneaking her in. I’m sorry, I felt sorry for her, out in


    the rain and all, and didn’t tell you. I didn’t expect her to stay overnight.”


    Her words were a masterful mix of self–praise for her kindness and an implication of Taryn as the


    culprit.


    “It’s not your fault,” Ludwik scoffed, his disdain for the situation clear.


    Whitney felt a chill as she realized his mockery was directed at her.


    At that moment, Taryn entered from the back garden, surprised to see Whitney still there.


    Ludwik interrogated with a steely voice, “Taryn, did you let her in? Do you not want your job anymore?”


    1. L… Taryn stammered, feeling like she was being thrown under the bus by ine.


    Whitney, with a calm exterior, ced the breakfast on the table and quickly stood in front of Taryn,


    giving her hand a reassuring squeeze.


    She looked directly at ine but spoke to Ludwik, “Taryn was just being kind, offering me an umbre


    shamelessly persistent.”


    Ludwik’s chest heaved with anger..


    ine’s eyes darkened with frustration–was Whitney using a scorched earth tactic?


    Taryn looked at Whitney, surprised by her attempt to clear her name.


    “Come on down, breakfast is ready.” Whitney offered warmly.


    Ludwik’s face was taut, his emotions unreadable as he strode toward the table.


    Whey do no his expression, her voice soft. “You prefer light meals, so I prepared a few options for


    Tushuk suddenly reached out, his gaze menacing. “Your health is most important. The servant has


    Brand breakfast, se eat


    Etaine hesitated, then quickly took his hand her eyes gleaming with triumph as she relished Whitney’s


    Whitney watched as the breakfast she had carefully prepared for him was pushed aside for ine His


    care for ine was evident, but for Whitney, who refused to leave, he had given her a new role–a


    servant


    The word servant echoed in Whitney’s mind each repetition like a needle piercing her throat.


    She braced herself for the humiliation and hardship toe–his anger was palpable


    Whitney forced a numb expression, not moving an inch,


    But Baine wouldn’t miss this opportunity to taunt her


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    Facing a perfectly soft boiled egg. ine suddenly gagged, her face turning pale.


    What’s wrong? Ludwik asked, rmed


    ine yed the victim Ludwik, the egg smells too strong for me. Whitney I don’t mean to criticize, but


    I can’t stomach it. Sorry, my stomach feels so upset”


    Ludwik immediately took the te away, his re icy as he turned to Whitney. “You wanted to stay and


    care, didn’t you?”


    “Didn’t you hear her? She doesn’t like it. Make something else”


    Taryn watched, timid and ufortable, as Ludwik gave her a final warning. “Keep an eye on her.


    She’s not to enter any rooms ore near Natalie’s vi.”


    Whitney felt numb to his usations and suspicion, her lips pressed tightly together.


    “Ludwik, remember to take your pill this afternoon!” she reminded him.


    “To take your poison? Ludwik sneered, utterly disbelieving.


    ine’s expression tightened, Tm managing Ludwik’s condition, Ms. Valentine. Your concern is


    unnecessary? Whitney didn’t bother to respond, she had already dissolved a pill in his water ss


    earlier.


    “ine, I’ll wait for you outside. Dress warmly,” Ludwik said, grabbing his coat and leaving without


    another nce at Whitney


    Whitney watched him go, realizing he had no intention of speaking another word to her.


    She felt a tinge of sadness as he walked away.


    ine watched Ludwik step outside, her irritation boiling over. With a huff, she swept the array of


    breakfast items–the freshly baked croissants, the sun–kissed strawberries, and the golden scrambled


    eggs–off the table, sending them crashing onto the pristine hardwood floor.


    The vinegar bottle followed, its contents sttering across the tiles.


    “What on earth are you doing?” Whitney’s voice was ice, her eyes dark with disapproval.


    ine sidled up to her with a sneer. “Weren’t you all high and mighty just a moment ago? Here, I’m


    giving you. something to do. You’re the help now, aren’t you? Isn’t this part of your job? You are trying


    to win him over, right? You saw use out of the same room, didn’t you? Does it sting, knowing I was


    with Ludwikst night?”


    Whitney couldn’t help butugh.


    “What’s so funny?*


    Whitney fixed her with a look. “Are you seriously trying to convince me that he would be up for that to


    someone who just donated a kidney? I’ve been around for five months, ine. I know his tastes, and


    they’re not that animalistic.”


    ine’s face twisted with anger. Whitney continued, “Maybe you’re just desperate, but making up


    stories int


    oing to work, ine.”


    “Your ine forced out a coldugh. This morning in the bathroom, I’ve seen more of him than you’ll


    ever see Lodwik indulges me! We’re going to be engaged, and it’s only a matter of time before we’re


    truly husband and wife. A man can’t live without a woman, right?”


    Whitney’s hand tightened imperceptibly, her heart aching with a sharp pang.


    She had to maintain herposure. “Seeing him naked doesn’t mean you have him, ine. What


    exactly are you bragging about?”


    Baine was seething. “We’ll just see how tough you are! You think you can bear all this with dignity? The


    real torment has only just begun!”