Love’s Cunning Ruse

Chapter 74

Ivan was such an intelligent kid. Julie figured parent–teacher meetings would be a breeze. She was expecting praises about his extraordinary Intelligence or, at worst, a heads–up about him being a bit naughty at school. But she never saw this coming

“Are you Ivan’s mom?” the teacher asked, looking rather helpless. I mean, he doesn’t seem dumb or anything Grades aren’t everything. Sure, he’s never scored more than 10 out of 100, but that’s not the issue here. The problem is his attitude. He’s always on his phone or sleeping during class. It’s not good.”

As she spoke, she handed Julie a test paper. Look at this. He can’t even get the simplest questions right. Even 1 plus 1 equals 20

Julie awkwardly took the paper, noticing the meager score of 2. Those points must have come from guessing correctly on multiple–choice questions.

She couldn’t believe her little boy, who seemed so bright and teachable, had scored poorly.

The paper clearly read “Ivan Hernandez.” In all of Whispering Pines, there were only a handful of Hernandezes. The only one she knew was Kieran.

Just last night, Ivan had sworn his name was Ivan Kennedy. Why the sudden change to Ivan Hernandez? Could it be?

“Has his father ever visited the school?” Julie asked, eager for answers.

Upon hearing this, the teacher’s gaze hardened. “We understand that parents can be busy, but a child’s growth is crucial. His father has never visited, and this is your first time here. That’s why we need to discuss Ivan’s situation at school.”

“Andie! Mr. Farrell is here!” a colleague suddenly called out.

Upon hearing Mr Farrell’s name, Andie quickly got up, looking a bit nervous. I’m sorry, I have to step out for a moment. Could you wait in Ivan’s classroom?”

Seeing Andie’s reaction, Julie knew Mr. Farrell must be a big deal. She nodded her agreement and headed off to find Ivan.

She hadn’t gotten far from the office when she spotted Ivan waiting for her.

“Mama Julie, the teacher must have said bad things about me, but don’t believe her. I’m a good boy, Ivan said before she could even speak.

test paper and asked, “Ivan, is your last name,

no. Upon seeing the paper, Ivan knew the teacher must have let the cat out of the bag. He should have just let Karl handle the meeting. Remembering what Kerry had told him, Ivan answered without hesitation, Tm Ivan Kennedy!”

says

added, “It must be another student in my class. His name is Ivan Hernandez, and he’s so dumb. He doesn’t even know that 1

does 1 plus 1 equal?”

point, he pointed to other questions and gave the correct answers. This one is three,

She tousled his hair, saying, “Ivan, you’re so clever. Let’s go to your classroom

knew about his embarrassing score. If they went, his secret would be exposed. Kerry had said that

mind, Ivan quickly grabbed Julie’s wheelchair, saying, “Mama Julie, wait

agreed cheerfully.

thought of asking for help from his own

Karl’s voice came

without telling Kerry. But the teacher has met mom and wants to visit my classroom. Karl, I love you Please get mom to leave.

like Ivan, bold and audacious. Unsurprisingly, he could pull off something like sneaking Julie into school for a parent–teacher

“When you get home tonight, you’re writing Dad, I love you‘ 300 times as punishment.”

Kerry’s voice coming from the other end? In Ivan’s world, there was only one explanation: Karl had stabbed

1 love you, Dad three hundred times?

instead! Three hundred times is too much, and I’m

found!! Had Kerry managed to steal his mom while

cat? Did your dad come to school?” Amora Farrell, dressed in a pink princess dress

baring her cute little fangs at him, “T’ll let you in on a secret: my dad’s here for a parent–teacher

had fallen asleep during a test and didn’t answer a single question, earning him a big fat zero. Ivan didn’t think much of it until MoMo, who scored a

gave MoMo a cold look, “You’re late. My

worries, I’ll take you to meet my dad!” MoMo grabbed Ivan’s hand and dragged him towards the

not

with me!” MoMo