Love’s Cunning Ruse

Chapter 22

Wait a minute, when did I say I was gonna marry Bertha?” Kieran’s voice echoed coldly over Julie’s head.

Julie looked up at Kieran, unsure of the expression on her face.

The whole world knew that Bertha and Kieran were supposed to tie the knot last month. But now, after her death, he was claiming he didn’t know about

it?

Julie said with a smile, ‘Mr. Hernandez, you’re quite the joker, aren’t you? Ever since you announced your engagement to Ms. Bertha last month, you’ve been the talk of Whispering Pines. There are different versions of the story every day, and now that Ms. Bertha has just passed away, you’re here to clear up the wedding rumors. Isn’t that a bit shady, Mr. Hernandez?”

Julie’s tone was bland, but her words were full of accusations against Kieran’s irresponsibility.

Only this woman who appeared out of nowhere had the guts to do so, as if she had a score to settle with Mr. Hernandez.

To Julie’s accusations, Kieran just chuckled, “I’ve never admitted to any media that I was going to marry Bertha. How could you, Ms. Abraham, be swayed by rumors?”

“People aren’t blind; the media wouldn’t just make up stories, would they?” Julie raised her head as her gaze met Kieran’s.

Elliot was afraid that the confrontation would escalate into a quarrel. Who knew how the media would spin this tomorrow?

Raymon also signaled to Elliot that if they let Julie continue to create a scene, tomorrow’s news might not even mention the name of the Ray Group.

So Elliot just wrapped his arm around Julie’s shoulders, forcefully turning her head with a smile on his face, then planting a gentle kiss on her forehead, “Hungry? Let’s go grab a bite.”

After that, he turned to Kieran and nodded politely, “Please excuse us, Mr. Hernandez. Julie just has a way with words, but that’s exactly why I find her so adorable, isn’t she?”

With that, Elliot, in front of Kieran, wrapped his arm around Julie’s waist and led her off the stage.

Julie had no idea how the rest of the event went.

As they left the venue together, Julie finally looked down at Elliot’s hand on her waist, “Are you going to let go now?”

Elliot didn’t let go; instead, he shamelessly looked at Julie and said, “You’re going to be my woman sooner or later. I finally got to hold you, so why would I let go now?”

“Elliot!” Julie suddenly called out Elliot’s name seriously.

Elliot raised an eyebrow as a smile played on his lips, “What’s up?”

Julie took off the ring on her finger and handed it back to Elliot, “What the hell are you thinking? Don’t make such jokes in the future. As for the media, you can explain it yourself. Do whatever you think will minimize the impact on you. Even if it means tarnishing my reputation to clear up the facts.”

After saying so, Julie turned to leave.

“Hold on.” Elliot called out from behind, his tone serious.

Julie was waiting for a taxi, so she didn’t turn around when Elliot spoke.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

Elliot walked up to Julie and stood in front of her, “Every word I said tonight was sincere. I lost you for so many years, and I don’t want to lose you again.”

“Marrying a divorced woman doesn’t do the Sanches family any favors. And more importantly, Elliot, I don’t love you Julie blurted out the truth, no matter how harsh it might sound.

Elliot didn’t flinch at Julie’s rejection. Instead, he looked into Julie’s bright eyes and said with deep meaning, “After everything you’ve been through, are you still waiting for the man who doesn’t love you?”

Elliot’s question left Julie speechless; it took her a long time to snap back to reality.

She knew better than anyone what the result of her relentless pursuit of Kieran would be.

The woman she was now was not the reckless girl she used to be. She no longer believed in unrequited love.

“I’m not looking for a man love anymore; I’m not even looking for a man. So…”

Before Julie could finish her sentence, Elliot impatiently stuffed the ring back into Julie’s palm, “This is for you. Wear it if you want; throw it away if you

don’t…”

Before Elliot could finish his sentence, Julie turned around and placed the ring on the lid of the trash can next to them.