Found A Homeless Billionaire Husband for Christmas – Episode 10
At the airline counter, Victoria tried to focus on the journey ahead. Texas meant her mother, Grandma, and the wedding they were preparing. Beside her stood the husband she had not known she would be bringing home.
“Welcome aboard Jones Airlines.” The greeting was professional and ordinary. After the upheaval of the past days, an ordinary exchange was something she could appreciate.
“Hi. We’d like to check in, please.” The agent confirmed they were going to Texas. Hearing the destination spoken made the return home feel closer and more definite.
Simon was asked to put his bag on the scale. They were already being served when another voice interrupted, demanding attention as though their turn at the counter did not matter.
“We’re flying first class. You should be checking us in first.” Victoria recognized the entitlement even before the encounter fully registered. Carl was there, accompanied by her cousin.
“We were here first.” The reply should have been enough. They had waited their turn and were following the agent’s instructions. There was no reason for anyone to force an argument.
Carl recognized her, and surprise quickly became something less pleasant. “Well, if it isn’t Victoria.” His attention settled on her as though finding her had improved an otherwise inconvenient moment.
Had he not dumped her? He asked the question with deliberate cruelty, turning their breakup into something to announce publicly. Victoria had hoped to leave that humiliation behind with New York.
He guessed she was going home to spend Christmas alone. The assumption reduced everything she was trying to protect to another reason for him to laugh. Her family and their expectations were not things she wanted to discuss with him.
“She’s not alone.” Simon spoke before she could answer. His presence beside her became something firm and unmistakable, rather than a detail Carl could ignore.
“She’s married now, and I’m her husband.” The words gave the certificate a public reality. Victoria heard him state the relationship without hesitation or apology.
Her cousin looked at Simon with open interest. “Hello, handsome.” It was a striking change from the disgust she had shown him at the restaurant, when she had seen only a homeless man.
Where had Victoria found him? The question made her cousin’s changed assessment unmistakable. A different appearance had apparently been enough to make someone she despised worth admiring.
Carl addressed Simon with an ugly attempt at familiarity. He wanted to be sure Simon knew Victoria was his ex. It was clear he intended that history to diminish her rather than explain anything.
Did Simon enjoy picking up other people’s trash? Victoria heard the insult land in the open space around the counter. Carl seemed determined to make her rejection the only thing anyone knew about her.
“You’d better apologize to her.” Simon’s tone had changed. There was a warning in the demand, and Victoria could hear that he meant it.
Carl refused. Rather than step back from what he had said, he challenged the person who objected. His confidence made the situation feel more dangerous, not less.
“What are you going to do about it?” He waited as though he already knew the answer. Victoria stood beside Simon while the check-in that should have been routine became another confrontation Carl would not leave alone.