Love’s Cunning Ruse

Chapter 271

Karl had secured a beachfront villa for their vacation. When Julie and Kieran arrived with their son Ivan, Karl had everything ready.

Ivan, who hadn’t seen Karl in ages, was thrilled and greeted him cheerfully, “Karl!”

“Why are you here, Karl?” Ivan asked, walking up to him.

Karl replied, “I’m here to keep you company, young master.”

Kieran turned to Ivan, “Tomorrow, you’ll hang out with Karl. Your mother and I have some important matters to attend to. The day after, we’ll take you out for some fun. Deal?”

“Important matters?” Ivan gestured for Kieran to crouch down to his level.

Kieran, amused by Ivan’s mysterious demeanor, leaned in closer to hear what he had to say.

Julie watched as Ivan whispered something into Kieran’s ear, but she was too far away to hear anything. Just as she decided to move closed Ivan had finished speaking.

“Is that so, Kieran?” Ivan asked, looking up at Kieran expectantly.

Kieran patted the young boy on the shoulder with admiration and nodded approvingly, “That’s right. So, wash up and head to bed. Tomorrow, accompany Karl to enjoy the tulips. Show Kari around town, okay?”

“Understood!” Ivan, gripping Karl, asked, “Where do I sleep tonight?”

Karl began leading Ivan’to his room but was interrupted by Ivan’s question, “Have you ever heard about a poem written by someone named Lewis?”

“Lewis?” Karl was puzzled.

“Yes, Lewis.”

Karl found himself at a loss for words. Fortunately, Ivan wasn’t too keen on getting the answer right away and continued, ” In the beauty of spring, only the roses are the truly beauty, blossoming and dazzling all people. I’ve forgotten the first two lines. My mom once read them to me. Can you google it and write the poet down for me later? I’d like to memorize it!”

As the two voices faded into the distance, Julie couldn’t help but smile.

asked, “What did

deep voice echoing as he ascended

guess, that would indeed be surprising!

4

give me your wallet.” She caught up with him and blocked his way.

scooped Julie up in his arms and carried her into their bedroom, swiftly locking the door behind them. He gently laid her down on the soft bed, the white sheets contrasting beautifully

leaned over her, tenderly pushing her hair away from her

his gentle kisses made

did you just ask me, my love?” He asked, with

couldn’t remember what she had wanted to ask.

confusion, Kieran kissed her again and then got up, “I’m

that Julie

into his trouser pocket, expecting him to dodge, but instead he leaned against the bathroom wall, raising his hands above his head in surrender..

sudden compliance, Julie’felt a

tight against his muscular legs, and his thin wallet

Suddenly, he let

covered his mouth; “Don’t

again. This time there were no unexpected sounds, but as soon as she touched his trousers, he shifted uncomfortably. His eyes stared at her with a look

Julie gave up, releasing her hand from his mouth, “You win!”

Julie walked out of the bathroom and even closed the

to her, “Are you sure you don’t want it? The wallet!”

photo.” Julie replied, busying herself with packing her suitcase. But in her mind, she was plotting to catch him off guard by barging in while he was showering. She didn’t believe he would shower with

the sound of running water filled the bathroom.

anticipation mixed with a hint of excitement she used to have before shaking up a wasp nest as a child. She tiptoed

head full of suds didn’t appear. Instead, she was met with a forceful pressure before she even had a chance to fully

all her breath. But his hands were tenderly holding her

curtain poured down from the top of their heads, filling the bathroom with fog. The entire room was enveloped in this dreamy mist, making Julie forget why she came in, as

his voice, warm and indulgent, whispering in her ear,

teeth refusing to praise him until the next morning when she