Love's Cunning Ruse novel Chapter 361

In the icy grip of winter at Whispering Pines, the sun had a penchant for rising with laziness, its pale beams filtering through the hotel’s glass balcony onto Julien's form.

Julien, unaccustomed to waking at such an hour, sleepily reached for her phone, blinking the time into focus...

Shock jolted her awake as she registered the hour, but an even greater surprise was... Hayden's arm draped across her waist, pinning her down, seemingly intent on a lazy morning in bed together.

Was he planning on sleep in with her?

She shrugged off Hayden's arm with a deft twist and sat up, intent on starting her day. Just as she flung back the covers to leave, his hand shot out to grasp hers.

"I've got to freshen up. I'm meeting Camilla today," Julien said, brushing off his hand and getting down to business.

He didn't attempt to hold her back, instead, he simply released her and flashed a lazy smile, "Morning, darling."

"...Morning," Julien replied, a bit taken aback by the sudden change in his address.

Hayden was usually so stoic, his smiles were a rare find, even for Julien. And heavens, when he did smile, it was nothing short of lethal—especially that dimple that appeared when he was amused, giving off an unexpectedly approachable vibe.

However, with his usual stern demeanor, he was more akin to a hellish force to be avoided. Julien wasn't about to be fooled by his gentle smile, not when the bruises he'd left on her bore testament to his more savage nature.

She spun around and dove into the bathroom, turning the tap and splashing water on her face. It was then, in the mirror, that her attention was drawn not to her flushed cheeks but to her finger—to be precise, the ring finger.

Adorning it was a dazzling diamond ring, starkly different from the simple studs in her ears. The diamond was blindingly large.

In the mirror, the ring caught the stark bathroom light, scattering prismatic colors in a stunning display.

Julien was certain of one thing - she hadn't put that ring on herself. Jewelry was never her thing, which meant...

She kicked open the bathroom door, ready to confront Hayden and have a serious talk about the ring. But as the door swung open, she paused.

Holding the ring as if it were a hot potato, Julien fell silent.

She eyed the beautiful diamond for a moment, then approached Hayden. He lay with his eyes closed, an arm tucked under his head, muscles outlined attractively beneath the skin. It appeared he was pretending to sleep.

She tried to place the ring quietly on the nightstand, but before her fingers could touch the surface...

"I've come to realize something," Hayden's voice broke the silence from the bed.

Julien turned to look at him, and though his eyes remained closed, he spoke, "I've missed out on a lot, especially you. Now that I've found you again, I have no intention of losing you. So keep it."

He said, "Marry me. I can't promise a life without stormy days, but if you have to go through hell, at least you'll have me by your side."

"I..." Before Julien could utter a word, her wrist was seized, and with a swift motion, Hayden pulled her to him, flipping her beneath his body. In that dizzying moment, the ring was slipped back onto her finger.

"You dare to refuse me time and again. When have you seen others do that to me?" His fingers caressed her defiant cheek as he looked into her eyes, "I'll indulge your whims on other matters, but on this, follow my lead. Alright?"

Alright? He was asking for her consent, seeking affirmation from her in a way she had never experienced. Such humility was new for both of them.

And what made Hayden anxious was awaiting Julien's answer. He wasn't confident in this proposal, lacking the belief that Julien would say yes.

Marriage had never been sacred to him, nor had he ever envisioned tying the knot with someone. He certainly didn't believe a mere piece of paper could ensure a lifelong bond. But his thoughts had changed because of her.

He was willing to do these foolish things because he felt she was worth it. Every change he made, every choice for her, they felt justified.

As she gazed into his earnest eyes, Julien momentarily lost her voice. The ring was now firmly on her finger, held in place by his hand.

"I don't need an immediate yes, but if one day you decide to get married, tell me, and I'll be the one you wed."

In the end, she didn't speak. Perhaps the sentiments buried too deep within her, covered in dust and sprouting roots, were too difficult to voice.

But his words had touched something deep within her...

She wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing her lips to his, letting her actions speak the unsaid words of her heart.

Three hours later, Julien arrived at Noblewood Retreat.

Julien assumed Hayden was dealing with personal matters and didn't interrupt, but as soon as the call connected, he heard Hayden say, "Kerry, Julien is your future sister-in-law. Don't mess with her."

Julien's face, rarely flushed, turned hot with embarrassment. He turned away, his eyes flashing with annoyance.

It took a moment for Kieran to gather his thoughts before he replied, "Well, my future sister-in-law has quite the temper. Remember to handle her with care, brother."

He paused then added, "By the way, bro, 'sister-in-law' is a title that requires her acceptance of your proposal." With that, the mischievous Kieran ended the call.

Julien tilted her head away, pretending she hadn't heard a thing, but the blush on her cheeks betrayed her inner thoughts.

Then, with a hint of lament, Hayden turned to her and sighed, "Ah, if only you had said yes this morning, Kerry wouldn't be able to tease me like this."

"Who was it that said he was not asking me to marry him right away this morning?" Julien muttered under her breath.

Hayden's response was straightforward, "That was me. But I'm having second thoughts."

Julien, at a loss for words against his frankness, took out her phone to call Adeline.

To her surprise, Adeline said, "I'm planning to pop over to Noblewood Retreat this afternoon. Heard about Juliebelle's nephew getting lost because of Mr. Hernandez's granny. Elliot Sanches wants to see if there's anything he can do to help."

As she spoke, Adeline chuckled, "I already told him with you and... your man on the case, what need is there for us? But Elliot insists on going. Anyway, I need to grab something to eat."

With that, Adeline hung up.

Near Elite Emporium.

Camilla had intended to meet with Julie alone the night before, but Kieran, having overheard, insisted on coming along. Camilla tried to persuade Kieran to go to the police station to file a report, but Kieran had already sent Karl there.

"I'll go check over there with Charles," Camilla said, noticing Kieran and Julie were inseparable.

As Julie was about to nod in agreement, her phone suddenly rang. It was a call from Dr. Brice.