The Billionaire Ex-Wife and the Beggar He Became novel Chapter 27

"I love you, Julian!" Felicity threw her arms around his neck, her voice playful and soft.

She was just about to sink into his embrace when the phone on the table rang, breaking the moment.

Julian picked up and listened for a moment. His voice rose a notch, surprised, "You're at the airport already? Why didn't you tell me ahead of time? A surprise for me? All right! Wait—how did you know my wife's last name is Hayes?"

Felicity mouthed silently, "Who is it?"

Julian kept talking into the phone, "Of course, I'll come pick you up—with my wife."

When he hung up, he turned to Felicity, face suddenly serious. "One of our Italian partners, Frank, specifically asked to meet you."

"Frank who?" Felicity looked puzzled.

She'd studied abroad, sure, but she'd never been to Italy.

She didn't know any Frank.

"You majored in architecture, right?" Julian asked, feigning innocence.

"You know that—so why ask?"

"And your last name is Hayes, isn't it?"

"Julian!" Felicity couldn't help but laugh.

He grinned, teasing, "So, you're Mrs. Julian, right?"

"Oh, stop it…"

"Come on, let's go pick up our Italian guest." Julian stood and slung an arm around Felicity, guiding her out the door.

At the airport, when they finally met Frank, Felicity was even more certain she'd never seen this silver-haired gentleman in his sixties before.

Frank, however, greeted her like an old friend. "Hayes! You are brilliant—your design work is truly remarkable! The project I'm working on with Mr. Nicholson—you're the lead architect, yes?"

Felicity was momentarily speechless.

Julian smiled calmly. "My wife is exceptional."

Felicity slipped her arm through Julian's and nodded politely to Frank. "Mr. Frank, I'll do my very best."

He laughed, correcting her, "You should call me… Mr. Frank."

Felicity blinked, then smiled shyly. "Of course, Mr. Frank. Please, let's get you to the car."

Julian was taken aback. "Excuse me?"

"I need your marriage to be solid."

Julian had no idea what Frank was getting at, but he answered politely, "Of course."

After settling Frank and the other partners, Julian retreated to his office, rubbing his temples.

Why did Frank care so much that Felicity was his wife? And why insist their marriage be stable?

Whatever the reason, this deal was critical—so for now, any talk of divorce would have to wait.

A wry smile tugged at Julian's lips.

Winona had called, wanting to meet; she'd even followed him to a gala. It was obvious—she didn't really want a divorce, after all.

So, in a way, things had worked out just as she'd hoped.

Julian picked up his phone and dialed Felicity.

On the other end, Felicity had spent the entire afternoon reaching out to different contacts. She'd finally managed to connect with an Italian design firm willing to sell her a comprehensive set of plans for a senior living facility.