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 our son

the man teased, his deep voice

could guess, that would indeed be surprising!

4

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

Julie up in his arms and carried her into their bedroom, swiftly locking the door behind them. He

over her, tenderly pushing her hair away from her face and planting a soft

senses, and his gentle kisses made her

me, my love?” He asked,

were in disarray, and she couldn’t remember what she had wanted to

then got up, “I’m

Julie

but instead he leaned against the bathroom wall, raising

compliance, Julie’felt a bit out

his thin wallet contained just a few banknotes and a

resisting, Julie reached into his pocket. Suddenly, he let

his mouth; “Don’t make a

were no unexpected sounds, but as soon as she touched his trousers, he shifted uncomfortably. His eyes stared at her with a look of innocent anticipation.

her hand from

Julie walked out of the bathroom and even closed the door

calling out to her, “Are you sure you don’t

don’t need it, just don’t say that’s me in the 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

of running water filled the bathroom.

the corner of Julie’s mouth, similar to the anticipation mixed with a hint of excitement she used to have before shaking up a wasp nest as a child. She tiptoed

hair at this moment, but the image of Kieran with a head full of suds didn’t appear. Instead, she was met with a forceful pressure before she even had a chance to fully see Kieran’s

stealing all her breath. But his hands were tenderly

heads, filling the bathroom with fog. The entire room was enveloped in this dreamy mist, making Julie forget why she came in, as he took her to

was his voice, warm and indulgent, whispering in her ear, “Sweetheart, I’m at your mercy,

next morning when she remembered to ask him the question she had forgotten