Love’s Cunning Ruse

Chapter 80

Kisses rained down on her, sealing the words Julie had intended to speak in her throat, to the point

where she couldn’t even remember what she had initially wanted to say

From her initial struggle to her eventual submission, Julie could only remember the moment his kiss got

so intense it almost took her breath away, a moment etched into her memory.

He finally let her go after what felt like an eternity, gently wiping away the tear trails on her face with his

hands.

“Joyce, I need to explain some things to you.”

Julie was scared of his tenderness and affection. They felt like a whirlpool, threatening to suck her in

completely.

She pushed his hands away. “I don’t want to hear it.*

Julie flung down some bills and headed for the door.

Behind her, Kieran’s voice rang out, Bertha and I never had an affair.”

Julie had reached the door, her hand on the doorknob, ready to leave in a heartbeat

But Kieran’s calm statement stopped her in her tracks.

Her hand tightened on the doorknob, turning as pale as a ghost.

Just one sentence and she was nailed to the spot.

She didn’t turn to face him, instead, she threw over her shoulder, “So, where did her baby com

Without waiting for Kieran’s answer, she walked out of the door

from? Did it grow on a tree?”

Kieran didn’t chase after her. After he said those words, he didn’t explain further Julie kept reminding

herself that Kieran did it on purpose, to mess her mind. But deep down, she wanted to believe him.

Her phone rang. She took it out and saw Daphne calling, so she answered.

Julie, where are you? I just got back from a business trip and went to your place, but it was a mess.

Your

and a guy beat up her husband and sent him to the hospital. Are you okay?” Daphne’s concern

warmedhdlord is absolutely a bonker. She said you

Tm fine, Julie replied. At the mention of her landlord, she just chuckled.

Daphne’s anxious voice on the other end of the line said, “Where are you? I’m coming over to find you.”

Julie told Daphne where she was, and Daphine took a taxi and came in about ten minutes.

Seeing Julie’s limp, Daphne frowned. “I thought you said it was okay. Why is it in plaster?”

Julie wiped her lips with her hand.

heart.

“Daphne, I m fine. But I did sprain my ankle wearing high heels, Julie replied, putting a hand on

Daphne’s shoulder.

Daphne frowned at her, “So, what happened between you and your landlord? I arrived at your building

and saw two ambulances!”

“Two?” Julie looked at Daphne, a bit unsure.

Yes.’Daphne nodded, “I freaked out! I thought something happened to you! After asking around, I found

out that one of the ambulances was for a woman downstairs who had hurt a pregnant woman in a fight.

The other was for your landlord. What exactly happened?”

Daphne was the only person Julie could trust unconditionally at the moment, so she told her everything

that happened

To her surprise, the first question Daphne asked was, ‘So Mr. Hernandez was misunderstood all

along?”

Was that really the point of her story?

Daphne thought for a moment, and then asked, “Did you ask Mr. Hernandez, if he didn’t sleep with

Bertha, then whose child is it?”

“I did. I asked if the baby grew on a tree. But he didn’t answer”

Daphne burst into laughter, “Maybe it did grow on a tree!”

Seeing Julie’s serious face, Daphne also got serious. “But assuming they didn’t sleep together doesn’t

mean they couldn’t have a test-tube baby. But why would they choose Bertha when you could have

children? Because Bertha was smarter, prettier, and has better genes?”

“You’re such a great friend” Julie rolled her eyes at Daphne.

Daphne flipped her hair, “Actually, I don’t think that reason explains. Even if they wanted superior

genes, why choose Bertha? Why not choose me?”

“Daphne!”

“Alright, alright, I’m just analyzing with you, Daphne sat down next to Julie and grabbed her hand,

“Could he be lying to you? Since Bertha is dead, no one can confirm the truth. He still has feelings for

you, so… No, that cant be. Mr. Hernandez isn’t that kind of person.”

“Daphne, whose side are you on?” Julie laughed helplessly

Daphne patted her chest, I’m on the side of reasoning, not favoritism.”

The answer doesn’t matter anymore. Julie sighed, “What has past is the past…

Daphne mimicked her tone, “What has past is the past. To me, it seems like it’s over for everyone else,

but for you, it’s never over. You’re really good at fooling yourself.”

Well, let’s go back to your place and pack up your stuff. You can stay at my place for now, Daphne

suggested.

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Julie shook her head, “No need, I found a part time job and I have a place to stay. As for the landlord,

Adolf, it’ll take me a while to sort things out.”

“Are you sure about the part-time job? Daphne asked with concern, “Be careful, there are a lot of

scams out there”

“What can they scam from me when I have nothing?” Julie gut up and walked towards the cashier.

Daphne chuckled behind her, “Beauty is your asset, huh! Your looks are your fortune.”

“Remember that kid I mentioned before. Ivan Kennedy? He’s quite adorable.” Julie reached for her

wallet to pay only to be told by the cashier that Daphne had already covered it

With a smile, Julie turned to Daphne.

Daphne stuck out her tongue. I remember, what about him? You’ve been schmoozing with his dad

online?”

Watch your mouth” Julie shot Dapline a look, as if implying her thoughts were dirty and shallow

Daphne shrugged it off with a laugh, eyeing Julie’s phone, “Next time, I’m gonna snap a picture of you

chatting with him. You’ll see how you look, just like when you had a crush on Mr. Hernandez… The

phrase ‘like a carbon copy was swallowed back at the last second

Ah, the sensitive subject, why mention Mr. Hernandez?

Julie chuckled, not offended, but clarified, “Ivan Kennedy s dad is going on a business trip abroad, and

I get along well with the kid. His dad suggested that if I was willing, I could pick up the kid from school

after work, stay at his house, and send him to school in the morning. All I would need to do on the

weekends is spending time with the kid”

“How’s the pay? Dapline hailed a taxi casually

Julie replied, “We haven’t discussed it yet, I said I would think about it, he said the salary is negotiable”

“Aren’t they living near Noblewood Retreat? They must be loaded. Be assertive when discussing your

salary. But are you sure the kid’s dad isn’t after you? Watch out, my dear Julie Daphne gentlemanly

helped Julie get into the cab after opening the door for her.

Julie laughed in response. “He’s still devoted to his ex-wife. Im actually helping him win her back. How

dangerous could it be? Only his son likes me, and I quite like the kid as well!

“Okay, think about it then!” With that, Daphne gave the driver her address.

“Weren’t you gonna help me pack?” Julie asked

Daphne rolled her eyes at her, “Are you nuts? What if your landlady is waiting for you? How could we

two damsels, possibly handle her?”

Damsels? Daphne, were you thinking this when you won the national boxing championship?

“Did you leave anything valuable at home?” Daphine asked Julie.

Julie thought for a moment, all her belongings were in her handbag, including her bank cards, passport,

ID card, and some cash. There were only some -clothes and bed sheets left in her apartment. And she

carried all the receipts about Sansa Abraham’s hospitalization with her.

Seeing Julie’s expression, Daphne had a pretty good idea of the situation

“Even my mom wouldn’t want those old clothes at your place. Let’s go rest at my place first and

negotiate your salary with your future boss! Whatever is left can be thrown away. I’ll check on Adoll at

the hospital later. Given your situation, it’s better not to move around too much.” Daphne suggested.

In that moment, Julie felt touched Daphne was a more reliable friend than a lover or a family member,

the only one who stood by her side through thick and thin…

Seeing Julie’s expression, Daphne patted her shoulder, “Lean on me, but don’t you dare cry. This is a

new outfit and I’ll have to wash it if your ruin it

Julle couldn’t help but smile, taking out her phone from her pocket, she found ” Kennedy’s” number,

hesitated a bit, then texted, “Mr. Kennedy, are you free now?”

In the noodle shop, Kieran glanced at his vibrating phone. A few seconds later, he picked it up, replied.

“How’s the consideration going?”

“Can it include accommodation?” Julie asked.

Yes.

any

other requests?”

“Nope, can start working today?” Julie asked.

Kieran glanced at his expensive watch, Ivan gets off school in an hour and you can pick him up. As for

the salary tell Ivan. Then he’ll tell me. I’ve got other things to deal with, gotta go”

“Okay Sure.” Julie quickly asked the cab driver to head straight to the kindergarten.