The Billionaire Ex-Wife and the Beggar He Became novel Chapter 440

The Nicholsons fell into a heavy, defeated silence.

Just before being wheeled into the operating room, Julian suddenly turned to his parents. “Tiana is still at boarding school,” he said. “We need to bring her home.”

Forrest sighed. “You just focus on your surgery. Your mother and I will take care of Tiana.”

Only then did Julian nod, allowing the doctors to push him through the doors. The surgery wasn't major; they didn't even use general anesthesia. Julian was awake for the entire procedure, vaguely aware of the doctors' conversation. The tumor itself hadn't been a critical issue and could have been treated with medication. However, his recent binge drinking had wreaked havoc on his kidneys and urinary system, causing severe inflammation that had displaced the tumor and put it at risk of bursting.

Surgery was now the only option. And this marriage, he realized, was the cause of it all.

His mind drifted back to his life with Winona. She had been such a gentle, peaceful wife, rarely asking for anything but constantly giving him comfort and support. She had cooked, cleaned, and managed their home flawlessly, taking perfect care of their two children. A home with Winona in it had been a real home—warm and loving.

As he was thinking of her, his phone, left on the bedside table, began to ring. It was Winona.

It was the day after his surgery. He was already able to walk, albeit slowly, down the sterile hospital corridor, one hand on the railing for support. He wore a loose-fitting patient gown, and every step sent a dull, chafing pain through him.

But when he saw her name on the screen, the pain vanished. He snatched up the phone, his voice higher than usual with excitement. “Winona? Why are you calling me?”

“I've been calling for two days,” she replied, her tone ice-cold. “You never answered.”

“Oh…” The last two days had been a blur of IV drips, tests, fasting, and then surgery. His phone had been the last thing on his mind. “I'm sorry, I was tied up with something and didn't have my phone on me. I'm sorry I didn't get back to you sooner.” His voice was uncharacteristically polite, almost pleading, like a husband trying to coax a beloved wife.

“Three days,” Winona snapped. “I'll call you then. And you'd better have an answer for me.” She hung up without another word.

Three days later—today—his phone rang. Julian was sure it was Winona. He had been waiting for her call for three days.

It rang only once before he snatched it up.

“Winona,” he said, his voice a careful, hopeful plea. “I've been waiting for your call. I'll be back from my trip tomorrow. When I get there, I'll pick up Tiana, and we can have a family dinner, the three of us. Would that be… okay?”

On the other end of the line, there was a sharp intake of breath, followed by a choked sob. “Julian,” Felicity's voice trembled, “what did you just say?”