I would need to see the issue from further back is that above windows ? If so it is the header and not unexpected but needed. I guess you can drop the rest to match but how high is your ceiling?

Why is the wall set back? Can you bring it forward or put a bookcase there? If not, I doubt it will ever look intentional.

Thanks for your comments. The beam is not above windows. It was due to a wall being moved. We ended up going with the plan I described and I think it will actually turn out pretty well. Thanks again.