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.

approached Kieran and asked, “What did our son

teased, his deep voice echoing as he ascended

guess, that would

4

wallet.” She caught up with him

carried her into their bedroom, swiftly locking the door behind them. He gently laid her down on the soft bed, the white sheets

hair away from her face and planting a soft kiss on her cheek.

and his

did you just ask me, my love?” He

and she couldn’t remember

her confusion, Kieran kissed her again and then

after he had disappeared into the bathroom that Julie remembered, “The

trouser pocket, expecting him to dodge, but instead he leaned

his sudden compliance, Julie’felt a bit out of

and his thin wallet contained just a few banknotes and a couple of

he wasn’t resisting, Julie reached into his pocket. Suddenly, he let out a soft moan, startling Julie,

covered his mouth; “Don’t make a sound!”

hand over his mouth, she reached into his pocket 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

hand from his

the bathroom and even closed the door

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

me in the photo.” Julie replied, busying herself with packing her suitcase. But in her mind, she

the sound of running water filled

used to have before shaking up a wasp nest as a child. She tiptoed to the door, then suddenly twisted the lock and pushed open

that the man would be washing his hair at this moment, but the image of Kieran with a head full of suds didn’t appear. Instead, she was met

with a fierce momentum, stealing all her breath. But his hands were tenderly holding her waist, pulling her close to his

room was enveloped in this dreamy mist, making Julie forget why she came in, as he

indulgent, whispering in her ear, “Sweetheart, I’m at your mercy,

to praise him until the next morning when she remembered