Love's Cunning Ruse novel Chapter 83

She actually ran into Kieran and Annalise...

In life, sometimes shit just happens. Like how Julie happened to trip over right at the entrance of the restaurant, and Dr. Brice happened to catch her in his arms, and at the same exact moment, Annalise and Kieran walked in, arm in arm.

Dr. Brice, who was still holding Julie, asked with concern, "Are you okay? Gotta watch your step, girl."

Julie, intentionally ignoring Kieran, shook her head at Dr. Brice with a smile, “I'm good.”

"Kerry, isn’t that Julie?" Annalise's voice was loud enough that even a deaf person could hear...

Kieran only looked in Julie's direction because of Annalise's voice. He took a glance at Julie, "Attorney Abraham.”

Dr. Brice didn't know much about a big shot like Kieran, but seeing him in person was quite a surprise. His presence seemed out of place here.

Moreover, the woman next to Kieran was shouting Julie's name. Were they old schoolmates?

Julie was surprised when Kieran suddenly called her Attorney Abraham. After a moment of hesitation, she responded with a polite smile, “Mr. Hernandez, nice seeing you here.”

"Not really, this restaurant is Annalise’s new venture.” Kieran replied indifferently, his gaze falling on Dr. Brice.

Julie also glanced at Dr. Brice. What a day!

"Ms. Annalise, congrats on your new restaurant, hope it goes gangbusters.” Julie said sincerely.

Annalise seemed pleased, her face lit up in a smile as she looked at Julie and Dr. Brice, “You should come support my business. The restaurant will definitely be a hit. How about this? Lunch is on me today. Why don’t you join us?”

"No thanks, no bother!” Julie declined swiftly for she was clearly eager to escape.

Annalise understood Julie's reluctance, but she still teased Kieran, “Oh my, look at you, so serious. You scared her.”

Then, Annalise let go of Kieran and grabbed Julie's arm, “Julie, we didn’t get to catch up last time at Kerry's office. How have you been?”

Annalise was already dragging Julie towards the private room, not giving her a chance to refuse. Dr. Brice awkwardly followed behind them.

Kieran, being the gentleman, slowed down his pace to walk alongside Dr. Brice.

Dr. Brice was surprised. He knew Julie had become a lawyer at Simpo Co., but he didn't know about their schoolmate connection.

Julie was practically dragged into the private room by Annalise. Any attempt to refuse was futile.

Annalise sat Julie down with a beaming smile. The seating arrangement she made put Kieran right across from her.

Julie didn’t look up, and Annalise casually ordered food, then asked, “Julie, you’re okay with these dishes, right?”

Julie nodded obediently.

Annalise also ordered a bottle of premium wine.

“You’ve become even more beautiful over the years.” Annalise’s comment left people wondering if it was a compliment or a trap.

Julie just smiled lightly, without responding.

“I just wanted to chat with you, Julie. This is… your boyfriend, Julie?” Annalise asked, looking at Dr. Brice.

Dr. Brice sensed something off about Annalise’s question, so he quickly introduced himself, “I’m Dr. Brice, a friend of Julie’s, not lucky enough to be her boyfriend though.”

Annalise gave Kieran a meaningful look, and then replied to Dr. Brice, “I’m Annalise, Julie and I went to the same school. She was a few years younger than me. Actually, Kerry and Julie were classmates!”

“Really?” Dr. Brice asked, surprised. He hadn’t known Julie and Kieran were schoolmates.

Julie forced a smile, and then she heard Kieran saying, “We were lucky enough to be in the same class in both middle school and high school. Quite a coincidence.”

“But I never heard Julie mention it.” Dr. Brice, having met Julie after her divorce, had grown close to her due to Sansa's issues. He was often there for Julie, so their interactions were always comfortable.

Today, however, with Annalise stirring the situation, Julie seemed more and more uncomfortable.

Kieran gave Dr. Brice a glance. Were they that close?

Annalise asked Dr. Brice, “Mr. Brice, how did you and Julie meet?”

Dr. Brice looked to Julie for guidance, wondering if he should tell the truth.

Julie answered, “He was my sister’s doctor.”

Honest Julie, awkward Dr. Brice, provocative Annalise, and stoic Kieran. What a peculiar group they made.