Love's Cunning Ruse novel Chapter 330

Dusk had settled, and the soft golden afterglow of the setting sun filtered through the airport's vast transparent glass dome, casting a warm glow over the departure lounge.

Inside the VIP waiting area, Julie leaned against Kieran's shoulder, playfully grasping his hand as she gazed at his watch, counting the seconds and minutely observing the hands on its face.

When the time hit 6,30 PM, she suddenly grabbed Kieran's arm and stood up, "Let's go, they should be here."

Pulled to his feet, Kieran followed her lead to the main hall. Julie's face bore a mix of excitement and unease. She clutched a light blue gift box, her brow furrowed in anxious anticipation as she peered toward the entrance.

"Do you think Phoebe will like this?" she asked, shaking the neatly wrapped box. It was the kind of gift that would surely delight any child at first sight.

Inside lay a preserved ginkgo leaf. Kieran had mentioned that Phoebe adored leaves, particularly ginkgo.

Understanding the sentiment behind Julie's gift, Kieran wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her close, gently knocking his chin against the top of her head, "Phoebe might not like anything."

Phoebe's fondness for leaves was something Bertha had mentioned before her passing. Kieran and Phoebe had hardly interacted, so he wasn't sure.

That bit of honesty was oddly comforting to Julie, preparing her for the possibility that Phoebe might not accept her gift without showing too much disappointment.

At 6,45 PM, as the passengers from Camilla and Phoebe's flight had mostly cleared out, two figures appeared at the entrance, Camilla and Phoebe, whom Julie had only seen in videos.

Phoebe was dressed in a green seahorse sweater, pure white trousers, and pristine white sneakers. His large eyes, reminiscent of Bertha who died, shone with curiosity beneath long, curled lashes. His small face was framed by a surprisingly prominent nose. He dragged a small, black child's suitcase, his gaze distant and unfocused.

Beside Phoebe, Camilla wore a matching light green sweater and a white skirt that showcased her long, slender legs, paired with similar white sneakers. She exuded youthful charm.

In the videos, Bertha and Camilla didn't seem to bear much resemblance, but in person, there was a subtle likeness, especially in the overall vibe they projected, and both had a demure quality that evoked an instinctive desire to protect and cherish.

The pair certainly turned heads, not only for their striking looks but also for their attire, which seemed to defy the snowy winter weather outside.

Recognizing Kieran, Camilla led Phoebe straight toward them.

"Kieran, my dear brother-in-law," she greeted Kieran with a smile, then seemed to remember the impropriety of such familiarity given Julie's presence, Kieran's lawful wife.

"Sorry, Ms. Abraham. I'm so used to calling him that, and it'll take a while to adjust." she apologized to Julie.

Julie just smiled, not minding in the least.

Phoebe remained lost in his world, tracing circles on a leaf sticker on his suitcase.

"Phoebe, this is your Uncle Kieran," Camilla coaxed gently, encouraging Phoebe to greet Kieran.

But Phoebe continued drawing circles, seemingly oblivious.

Camilla frowned slightly, her expression tinged with sadness.

Julie crouched down to Phoebe's level with patience, "Phoebe, I'm Julie."

Phoebe's world was a solitary one, akin to living on a distant star, a lonely star.

Seeing no reaction from Phoebe, Julie tentatively held out the light blue gift box.

Phoebe continued to ignore it, even moving a little toward the side before crouching down and hugging his boarding box.

Julie didn't give up, but opened that gift box and then revealed the specimen of that leaf inside it, showing Phoebe the leaf quite directly.

Only then did Phoebe's gaze fixate on the leaf.

Encouraged, Julie offered the leaf again, and after a long hesitation, Phoebe opened his small suitcase, revealing just a few clothes within.

Julie looked up at Kieran, seemingly understanding the gesture, and placed the pretty box inside his suitcase.

Phoebe quickly zipped it up and hid it behind his back as if fearing Julie would change her mind and take the gift back.

"Phoebe," Camilla called softly, reaching for her hand.

This time, Phoebe did not resist but quietly followed behind Camilla. Kieran and Julie led them out of the airport.

Kieran popped the trunk and tossed in Camilla's luggage. As he bent to pick up Phoebe's case, she clutched it tightly.