The Temporary Boyfriend

Chapter 88: The next move

Lyvana’s eyes were wide as she tried to understand.

"So, you own like a big company or something?"

"More like several companies, all under one big company."

"Oh k," she said, her mind spinning.

​"Not many people know that I am Julian Harrison Grant, though," Julian added. "I usually like to keep a low profile."

​"That explains a lot," Lyvana whispered. "But it kind of makes our temporary arrangement even more complicated. How do you explain to your mother that an engaged woman is pregnant with your children?"

​"Easy," Julian said firmly. "We fast-track our plans."

​Lyvana looked at him. "You mean meeting my grandmother?"

​"Exactly."

​"Okay," Lyvana said, thinking quickly. "My father is hosting a party. I could invite you as my partner. You can then come along with someone she really likes — someone she hasn’t met yet. I could introduce you two then."

​Julian nodded. "Great. Give me a list of people she admires. I’ll see who I can get on short notice."

​​Lyvana nodded, then reached for the pen and paper on the bedside table and quickly scribbled down a few names.

​She tore the page off and handed it to him. Julian took the paper and glanced at the names.

"Why did you cancel the Grand Duchess’s name?" he asked.

"There is no way she would come to such an event. That would be impossible."

Julian sent a quick message to Lily. ƒree𝑤ebnσvel.com

Lyvana’s expression turned serious. "There is another problem. Yesterday, my grandma told me that Mark set a wedding date. He wants to marry me in three months. I thought of simply calling it off, but I didn’t want to break my grandma’s heart, she looked so happy. I might need proof of his infidelities first to show her."

​"It’s a desperate move," Julian said. "Mark knows he’s losing his grip on you. I should confess something though. Before I lost my memories, I had two men following him, mostly just to keep an eye on his movements."

"You have men following him? Did you find out anything bad?"

"Oh yes. I have leant quite a lot about him. He has a strict routine actually, and he frequents a brothel most afternoons."

Lyvana stared at him, her mouth dropping open. The shock of the billion-dollar empire was one thing, but this was different. "A brothel? Mark?"

​Julian nodded. "He’s got a favorite whore and everything, but that’s not the worst. My men told me he met with Catalina yesterday, after he left your grandmother’s house."

​"What?" Lyvana sat up, shocked. "How does he know Catalina? What would they be meeting for?"

​"To plan something, obviously. Catalina knows better than to cross me directly. She would use whoever is available — and Mark is the perfect tool. He is greedy for money and Catalina has a lot to waste."

​Lyvana felt a wave of nausea. She had almost married this man. "I can’t believe it What do we do now?" she asked.

Julian gave her a reassuring squeeze.

"We stick to the plan," he said. "And don’t worry. I am also collecting everything as evidence. Photos of him and his assistant, bank statements, his little afternoon visits... I have it all. When the time is right, he will be out of your life, your grandmother will throw him out herself."

​Lyvana took a deep breath, trying to settle her stomach. Knowing that Julian was so many steps ahead made her feel safe.

​Julian noticed her quietness and kissed her forehead. "It’ll be ok my love."

​He reached for the bedside tablet and started scrolling through a menu.

"Let me order us some breakfast. You need to eat."

​"What are you getting?" Lyvana asked, leaning her head against his shoulder, finally letting out a small smile.

​"Everything," Julian teased, showing her the screen. "Pancakes, fresh fruit, those eggs you liked last time, and maybe some of that fancy yogurt my mother insists is the best in the country. We’re celebrating you meeting her."

​Lyvana sighed, leaning back. "Let’s just hope I can keep it all down."

Julian’s expression softened. "Now that I think about it, let me add some ginger tea to the order, just in case."

Exactly twenty minutes later, the staff from L’Oiseau Bleu arrived. They moved quickly and quietly through the penthouse, setting up the dining table in the living room. They laid out white linens, silver cutlery, and several covered dishes that smelled amazing.

"This is a lot of food for two people," she whispered as the staff bowed and headed for the door.

​"Three," Julian corrected with a wink, pulling out a chair for her. "Actually, four. I have to make sure my wife-to-be and my heirs are well-fed."

Lyvana took a few bites of the eggs and some fruit, feeling her stomach settle. Finally, she reached for the small jar of fancy yogurt. She took a tiny taste and her eyes lit up. It was creamy and sweet, exactly what she needed.

​"Okay, your mother was right," she admitted, taking another mouthful. "This is actually quite nice."

​Julian smiled, watching her enjoy it.

He picked up his own spoon and scooped up a bit of the yogurt. He leaned across the table, acting like he was going to give her a bite. Lyvana opened her mouth, expecting the treat, but at the last second, Julian flicked the spoon upward. A tiny white dot of yogurt landed right on the tip of her nose.

​Lyvana froze, her eyes going wide. She could feel the cold drop sitting there.

​Julian let out a loud, boyish laugh.

"You have a little something right there," he teased, pointing at her face.

"Julian!" Lyvana gasped, grabbing a napkin to wipe it off. She started laughing too, but her eyes were narrowed playfully. "You are going to pay for that."

​She grabbed a scoop of ice cream and stood up. Julian saw the look in her eye and immediately pushed back his chair.

​"Don’t you dare," he laughed, backing away toward the sofa.

​"Get back here!" Lyvana cried, chasing him into the open space of the living room.