Love's Cunning Ruse novel Chapter 306

Daphne cast a timid glance at Julien before replying, “He’s returned to Noblewood.”

“He went back to Noblewood now, of all times?” Julie said, a hint of surprise in her voice.

Daphne nodded, “He’s gone home to fetch his passport. We’re getting ready to apply for our marriage license.”

This bombshell had Julie and Julien exchanging a look of mutual astonishment. Then Julie, bubbling with excitement, asked, “When did you two decide this?”

“Yesterday. I wanted to tell you guys then, but you mentioned you were going to a gala, so... Anyway, he went back to Noblewood. He should be back tonight.”

Julie was still reveling in Daphne’s happiness, but Julien, still puzzled, asked, “Why the sudden decision to get married?”

“Didn’t Daphne say that if Mr. Lionel could win over her folks, she’d agree?” Julie turned her head to look at Daphne, who was sitting in the back seat.

Daphne’s cheeks, flushed with a touch of bashfulness, held a hint of an embarrassed smile. Then she said, “It’s true that Lionel managed to charm my parents, but that isn’t the main reason. I just came to understand a lot of things that weren’t clear to me before.”

“Like what?” Julie asked on Julien’s behalf, and after posing the question, she turned to her.

“Yesterday, Lionel accompanied me to the prenatal checkup, he was tender and protective. The day before, he invited me home for dinner but brought along a lawyer to draft a prenup. Should we get married, his assets before and after the marriage would all be mine. This morning, I woke up to find the street swarming with reporters. Lionel was on the phone immediately. I’ve been thinking about what my feelings really are for Lionel. Is it just a fan girl crush, or do I genuinely like the man? His recent actions have moved me. Every morning, he makes breakfast before I even get out of bed. He sits by me when I’m suffering morning sickness. He speaks up for me when I’m under media scrutiny...”

Her lips curled into a gentle smile, “What he gives me is more than just moving—it’s an irreplaceable sense of security.”

“I’m Daphne, after all!” she exclaimed, “If he wasn’t someone I liked, would I have slept with him? That’s intimate, and there are no accidents in such matters—it’s not like it was against my will. The so-called accidents are just excuses. I like him, and he likes me. It might not be full-blown love yet, but since there’s mutual affection, why not give it a shot? And besides, we have a little one on the way!” She caressed her belly contentedly, beaming with sweetness.

Julien asked, “So, did you sign that prenup?”

Daphne nodded, “Sure did. It's all notarized already, though the terms are a bit different. We agreed that if one of us changed mind, they should come clean early. Whoever cheats loses custody but maintains financial responsibility for the child. But we value our freedom; if the heart is not in it, clinging to a marriage won't bring happiness, nor will it to the parents. And a child in a sham family? Unlikely to be happy either. So, the cheater forfeits custody but is still financially responsible. As for the assets, we’ll divide them according to the state laws. Prenuptial assets remain personal, postnuptial assets are split legally.”

Daphne, who often seemed frivolous, was actually quite rational. She just had a tendency to avoid confronting issues.

Out of the blue, Lionel somehow found out that Daphne was with Julie and made a call to Julie's phone since Daphne had turned hers off in fright.

Julie handed the phone to Daphne. After connecting, Daphne was met with a torrent of Lionel’s concern.

Once Lionel finished his fussing, Daphne teased, “Lord Lion, do you treat all your exes nicely?”

“Not one ex has given me as much trouble as you do,” Lionel countered with affectionate exasperation, “I’ve spoken to your parents; don’t worry. I'll come to pick you up tonight.”

“Okay.”

“And another thing...”

“What is it?” Daphne asked, Julie all ears too.

Lionel said, “The online commentary is all one-sided. I’ve posted a tweet; you stay off the internet for now.”

“Alright.” Daphne swiftly changed the subject, “Everything going smoothly on your end?”

“Yes. Don’t worry about me; just rest up.” With that, Lionel ended the call.

In truth, Lionel’s trip was anything but smooth. Fabian was reluctant to hand over the page of the family registry that Lionel needed. Lionel, unfazed, held a lighter casually, his expression indifferent as he looked at Fabian.

“Mr. Kemp, hand over my page of the family registry, and I’ll be out of your hair. If not, I’ll burn it, and we can both apply for a new one. What do you say?”

Lionel’s friend Chris sharply featured brother, stood nearby clapping, his voice clear and strong, “Burn it!”

On the way to the Noblewood Retreat, Daphne hung up the phone but didn’t immediately give it back to Julie.

Turning to face her, Julie asked, “What’s up? Planning on swallowing my phone?”

“I’m just checking Twitter,” Daphne replied, opening the app.

Julie quickly reached for the phone, “Didn’t Mr. Lionel tell you to stay offline? The comments right now are bound to be ugly, you...”

“I can handle it! How bad can it be?” Daphne opened the trending list, and the top tweet was from Lionel.

It was a photo of her asleep on the couch, her hand in his, showing her peaceful face and their intertwined fingers.

The caption was simple: There is no love that needs to be hidden, only people who choose not to reveal it.