Love's Cunning Ruse novel Chapter 320

Kieran had just slipped into his jeans and throw-over, grabbing his car keys before ushering Julie out the door. The petite woman settled into the passenger seat without uttering a word, yet the way her eyes danced with anticipation as she gazed out the window made it clear her mind was preoccupied with thoughts of the upcoming feast.

Before leaving, Julie had playfully griped about her hunger, pinning the blame squarely on him. Mulling over a response, Kieran finally turned to his wife, who was practically glued to the car window, and sheepishly admitted, “Babe, my bad.”

The apology came as a surprise, almost as if he had been plotting it all along. Julie took a moment to process his words, struggling to understand why he felt the need to apologize in the first place.

After a silent internal battle, she finally turned to him and asked, “What are you sorry for, exactly?”

Julie mumbled under her breath, her suspicions bubbling to the surface, “I should've known there was a catch to this sudden barbecue outing. It’s always some sneaky ulterior motive with men.”

Kieran responded with silence, but her soft voice betrayed a hint of hurt, “Did you lie just now? Spinning tales just to charm women, huh! I bet back in the day, you couldn't control your wild desires, accidentally getting a bit too friendly with others more than a few times. If that's the reason you’re apologizing…”

“If that’s the reason, could you forgive me?” Kieran’s fingers rested on the steering wheel as he fixed a hopeful gaze on her, eagerly awaiting her response.

Julie was caught off guard by his earnestness and felt like she had a fishbone stuck in her throat, unable to swallow or cough it up.

Resigned, she retreated into silence, well aware that after years apart and a divorce between them, they were both free and single. Kieran was a normal man, and physical needs were just that—needs. If he had indulged in them during their separation, it was nothing out of the ordinary. It wasn't something she had any right to question now.

Acknowledging the truth would only stir up old conflicts, but pretending to be okay with it was beyond Julie’s capability. Her love for Kieran had once been selfless and without pride. Even when she learned of his fling with Bertha and the child it produced, she chose to turn a blind eye for the sake of their son, Ivan.

Back then, her focus was more on being a good mother than a wife, hoping her child would grow up in a complete family. Kieran had taken good care of her during her pregnancy and had kept his distance from Bertha.

When she first discovered Kieran's infidelity, her initial impulse was to lash out violently, but she refrained. Deep down, she loved Kieran with a passion that was as deep as it was timid.

So, when Kieran broached the subject of loyalty, Julie opted to keep her silence.

Kieran eventually chuckled and reached out to take her hand in his. Caught off guard, Julie looked up at him and after a long pause, she blurted out, “So, you acknowledge your mistake. What now, are you going to change?”

“Change, of course!” he replied with sincerity, his eyes sparkling with determination. “I was the one who got you all hungry, and I take full responsibility. I've analyzed it, and I think it's a strategic issue. I took the initiative last time, and I wasn't hungry, but you were. So, my love, I propose from now on you take the lead!”

Julie's mind screamed ‘jerk!’ at his mischievous grin.

“Is that what you mean by admitting your mistake?” she retorted sharply, attempting to pull her hand away.

Kieran nodded earnestly, refusing to let go. “Well, of course. My joystick's always been a keen observer. From the first encounter to the hundredth, it's yet to miss its mark!”

Julie wanted to laugh at his roguish words but restrained herself, not wanting to give in.

He continued, “I can't even rub one out! Dylan almost had me in therapy. Don't you think my little friend here deserves a punishment?”

Julie remained speechless.

Finally capturing her hand, Kieran frowned in mock seriousness, “Honey, you can punish it as you want.”

Overwhelmed by his playful tone, Julie didn’t know whether to laugh or scold.

After a few attempts to break free, Kieran interjected with a loving tone, “Easy, baby, I’m driving.”

Julie was left speechless by his excuse, opting to listen to his ramblings instead.

He sighed, feigning hurt, “My brother Lucian, he’s no saint either.”

Confused, Julie turned to him. How did the conversation veer towards Lucian?

Seeing her puzzled yet adorable expression, Kieran had to fight back the urge to pull her close. If it wasn’t for the fact he was driving, he would’ve given in to his desires right then and there.