Chapter 346

Chapter 346

Curtis strolled leisurely through the bustling streets, his shirt unbuttoned down to the third button, adding a touch of casual flair to his otherwise laid-back vibe. He was in no hurry, happily tagging along as Leanne browsed through stalls, picking up quirky snacks like pretzels and cotton candy.

As they reached a crosswalk, the nearby elementary school had just let out, and the younger kids were lined up by class, waiting for the light to change. Their chatter filled the air, as noisy as a flock of sparrows.

Curtis, spotting an opportunity for a bit of fun, pulled Leanne-who was holding an ice cream-towards the end of the line formed by the kids. “Let’s queue up,” he said with a

smirk.

An adult joining a line of elementary school students? Really?

Leanne knew he was just teasing her but played along with a roll of her eyes. “This is ridiculous.”

“It’s called following the rules,” Curtis replied with mock seriousness. “Don’t believe me? Ask any of these kids if you’re supposed to queue up to cross the street.”

A few curious kids turned around, their expressions earnest as they lectured her, “You can’t cut in line, miss!”

Leanne tried to defend herself. “I’m not trying to cut.”

“Then why aren’t you queuing?” they challenged.

Cornered by their reasoning, all Leanne could manage was a muttered, “I’m waiting in

line…”

When the light turned green, the kids buzzed across the crosswalk, and just as Leanne was about to follow, Curtis pulled her back. “We don’t need to cross the street,” he

chuckled.

Confused, Leanne frowned. “Then why did you make me line up?”

And to think, she’d just been schooled by a gaggle of grade-schoolers.

Curtis raised an eyebrow lazily. “Sorry, I thought you were part of their class.”

His lips curved into a grin that was anything but apologetic.

He was teasing her again, and Leanne glared at him. “You’re messing with me again.”

Curtis gently lifted her chin and planted a kiss on her lips.

She had to tilt her head back to look at him, noticing the playful glint in his eyes.

1/2

09:3

Chapte

Chapter 346

“My baby is so cute.” he said softly.

Her irritation took a détour, stirring a flutter in her heart as her fingers involuntarily clutched his sleeve.

They stood at the busy intersection, a scene straight out of a romantic film, oblivious to the passersby. Curtis leaned closer, his nose brushing against hers playfully.

“The ice cream’s melting.”

Snapped back to reality, Leanne noticed the dripping vanilla ice cream down her hand. She fumbled for a wipe in her bag, but Curtis took over, cleaning her fingers with deliberate

care.

Her phone rang from inside the bag. Curtis answered it, holding it to her ear. “It’s Joy,” he whispered, stepping back to give her privacy.

Joy’s voice came through, cheerful and oblivious. “Hey, where are you?”

“I’m out…” Leanne replied, feeling the lie weigh down on her.

“What’s all that noise? Are you shopping?”

“Yeah.”

“With who?”

The ice cream felt even heavier in her hand. Lying to Joy always made Leanne feel worse:

“An old school friend.”

“A guy or a girl?” Joy pressed.

Leanne glanced at Curtis, who was barely suppressing a smirk. “A girl.”

Good, now she had switched his gender too.

Joy didn’t probe further and soon hung up.

Across the street, in the backseat of a parked car, Selina watched the couple at the crosswalk, then turned to Joy with a puzzled look. “How do we let Leanne know that already know about their secret romance?”

Caught between wanting to protect her friend and her disdain for Curtis, Joy’s strategy was a mix of mischief and malice. Holding her phone, she flashed a sly grin. “Isn’t it fun to tease them a bit? Secret lovers, huh? Just watch me make Curtis squirm!”

2/2