Love’s Cunning Ruse

Chapter 202

Daphne, on her rare day off, finally had the chance to sleep in. But her beauty sleep was interrupted by a phone call. On the other end was Nigel Ted, her blind date. The gentleman who’d left quite an impression on her.

They’d swapped WhatsApp details already and Nigel knew she had a few days off work, so he called bright and early to invite her out to lunch. Considering their mutual good impressions, and Daphne feeling like it was about time she got a boyfriend, she happily agreed.

She slipped into a nude fishtail maxi, paired with a beige coat. After applying a full face of makeup and choosing her favorite pair of heels, she grabbed her handbag and left her apartment.

But she sprained her ankle on the first floor because…

“What are you doing here?” Daphne couldn’t hide her surprise as she saw Lionel, sitting across from her mom. She quickly steadied herself on the staircase railing, glancing at the TV show playing in the living room. It was Lionel’s movie. She looked at the TV, back to Lionel, rubbed her eyes and jokingly asked her mom, “Did he step out from the TV?”

“What are you talking about?Stop talking nonsense!” Edda quickly waved her off. “Come sit down. Mr. Lionel has been waiting for you!”

The only thing Daphne wanted to know was why Lionel was at her house.

Lionel seemed to have read her mind. He turned to Daphne and said, “You left your keys at my place last time. I happened to be filming nearby today, so I thought I’d drop them off.”

So that’s why you had to knock last night when you got home! You lost

Daphne looked innocently at the keys in Lionel’s hands. No wonder she Edda said with a sigh. “Why didn’t you lose yourself too?”

Ouldn’t find them anywhere yesterday. She’d left them at his place.

Edda ushered her to sit down, her eyes beaming with joy.

he was a huge fan of Lionel. Ever since she saw him on the entertainment news saying he and Daphne were good friends, Edda had been hoping that Daphne would invite Lionel over. She even wanted a few signed photos.

Having a mom like this left Daphne helpless. But since she didn’t live at home, Edda had no choice but to give up on her dream. But what she never expected was that Lionel would come to her door. How did he even know her address?

After mentally cursing Lionel a hundred times, Daphne forced a smile and said, “Thank you.”

“How did your keys end up at Mr. Lionel’s place?” Edda asked with a puzzled look.

Lionel sitting opposite didn’t seem to want to help explain, but rather seemed to enjoy Daphne’s discomfort.

in her mind. Just as she was about to

Julie called her at the right moment.

the balcony with her phone, like she was escaping,

at Daphne on the balcony and said to Lionel with a smile, “Did you and Daphne plan to go out together? She usually doesn’t wear those heels unless it’s a

in Daphne’s direction and said meaningfully, “Special occasion?”

you. I heard you’re releasing a new single?”

responded with a bright and polite smile, nodding, “Yes, I have plans for that.”

kid. There was a boy in her class who could sing really well. She always said she would

the kitchen with a plate of fruit and smiled at Edda, “Stop making things

glared at Alaric, motioning

“Have some fruit. My wife is pretty straightforward. I

like straightforward

too. Mr. Lionel, she must have upset you quite

knew how to get on his nerves, but Lionel still smiled, “Mrs. Flores, please, there’s no need for formalities.

overjoyed, “Then, can I call you Lionel?”

“Of course.”

did you and Daphne meet?” Edda asked

to when he first met Daphne, Lionel smiled and said, “At a friend’s wedding.”

her mom. She’d only attended Flavia’s wedding. When Julie and Kieran got married, there was no wedding because…

asked. She completely forgot about the

sitting across from her, suddenly coughed twice, she snapped back to reality

mind, she even seemed pretty pleased. She took the initiative to remind Daphne, “Weren’t you supposed to go out with Lionel? Make sure to

meeting…” The name Nigel got stuck in Daphne’s throat as she suddenly

a date with Nigel, the guy your mom set you up

Daphne kept silent.

that lad. He’s a good guy. You should seize this opportunity. You’re not getting any younger. If you think he’s a fit, go ahead and date

S

10:46

heard from your mom yesterday, Julie’s son is already grown up. If you guys hit it off, you should bring him home for us to meet, let your mom and I give you some feedback.”

though this was directed at Daphne, Edda felt he was laying it on a bit thick. After all, Lionel was