Page 13 of The Greek Billionaire's Email Bride

Hope managed a smile for Elaine. "Yes, please."

"Mr. Soukoulis had left for a meeting in town an hour ago," the other woman shared while setting a plate of fresh fruit beside Hope's untouched toast. "He asked me to tell you the car will be ready at noon for the golf club luncheon."

Day 2 of the reunion. Hope suppressed a sigh. "Thank you."

"If I may," Elaine hesitated, uncharacteristically tentative. "The blue dress that arrived yesterday would be particularly appropriate for a country club. Classic but not ostentatious."

Hope managed a smile. Even the staff knew she needed guidance in Colin's world. "Blue it is, then."

She traced the rim of her coffee cup absently. She had slept poorly last night, her dreams haunted by images of Colin cheating on her with his ex. But could it really be called cheating when their marriage was nothing but a business arrangement?

Her phone buzzed. It was a text from Edith, and Hope composed a cheerful response, omitting any mention of Princess's dramatics or her own growing confusion about Colin. Some truths were better left unsaid.

She was halfway through her fruit when Colin's name flashed on her screen with an incoming call.

"Good morning." She aimed for casual, missing by inches.

"Hope." His voice held an edge she couldn't identify. "There's been a change of plans."

Her stomach tightened. "Oh?"

"Princess's car broke down outside of town. I've gone to help her." A pause. "I'll meet you at the luncheon."

"I understand." Hope struggled not to think that Princess had deliberately caused this to happen. "I'll see you at noon."After hanging up, Hope stared out at the manicured grounds of Colin's home.

So it began.

Princess's campaign to reclaim Colin's attention after last night's humiliation.

And Colin was already rushing to her rescue.

****

The golf club was everything Hope imagined and feared it would be. Every inch of the place spoke of wealth and privilege, and she could only be grateful she had followed Elaine's advice. This way, shelookedlike she belonged...even when she actually didn't.

Hope checked her watch.Twelve-thirty. Colin still hadn't shown up, and he was already thirty minutes late.

"Mrs. Soukoulis?" A server approached with a flute of champagne. "Your table is ready. Mr. Soukoulis called to say he's been delayed."

Hope was starting to realize how easy it was for her to fake smiling now. "Thank you." And this made her sad.

The dining room buzzed with reunion attendees, the women in summer dresses and pearls, the men in crisp golf attire. Hope made her way to the indicated table, spine straight despite the curious stares following her progress. Alone. Without Colin.

"Hello, Hope. It's nice to meet you again in person."

Hope turned around in surprise. The voice was familiar, and when she saw who it was...

Oh!

"Charlotte," she exclaimed. The other woman was the founder of Heart's Match, and in truth, that was the only reason Hope had found the confidence to send her application. A client of hers had told Hope about Charlotte's business, and afterspeaking to the other woman on the phone, she had been so impressed by Charlotte's sincere but pragmatic outlook that she had asked, quite shyly, if she could send an application herself.

"I heard you remarried," Hope said with a smile.

Charlotte's sensible features turned into a picture of loveliness at the words. "I did, yes. I'm actually here because of Sano's work, but I completely forgot that Colin's reunion is being held in the same place." Charlotte looked at Hope, asking, "How are you two doing?"

"We're, um, doing good."

"I was hoping you'd say you guys were doing fantastic."

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