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.

simply handed him the test paper and asked, “Ivan, is your

the bag. He should

paper says

my class. His name is Ivan Hernandez, and he’s so dumb. He doesn’t even know that 1 plus 1 equals 2.”

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two fingers. To prove his point, he pointed to other questions and gave the correct answers. This one is three, this one is six, this one is eight. I got a perfect score on

correct answers, Julie started to believe him. She tousled his hair, saying, “Ivan,

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

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

agreed

on his phone. But the thought of asking for help from his own

came

wants to visit my classroom. Karl,

bold and audacious. Unsurprisingly, he could pull off something like sneaking Julie into

Karl and said, “When you get home tonight, you’re writing

phone, and the caller ID clearly read Karl, so why was Kerry’s voice coming from the other end? In Ivan’s world, there was only

love you, Dad three hundred

Three hundred times is too much, and I’m

found!! Had Kerry managed to

why are you grinning like a Cheshire cat? Did your dad come to school?” Amora Farrell, dressed in a pink princess dress and face

him, “T’ll let you in on a secret: my dad’s here for a parent–teacher meeting!”

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 measly five,

a cold look, “You’re late. My beautiful

take you to meet my dad!” MoMo grabbed

not as cool as me, I’m

come with me!” MoMo pleaded with Ivan.