Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire

Chapter 3 If I thought the wedding party was luxurious, then what could I even say about the place Christian took me afterward? A ridiculous penthouse on top of Rosemont Hotel, with a panoramic view of the city, a private pool, and a kind of décor that screamed, "I'm rich, and I don't even bother looking at the prices on the menu." And me... well, I was completely dazzled. But also stunned, like the whole night had been a movie where I didn't belong in the main cast. "Heavens..." I breathed, spinning around in the middle of the room, taking in every detail.

A massive minibar, a sofa bigger than my entire bedroom, and a chandelier that probably cost more than my car. Well, I didn't even have a car. But if I did, it would still be worth less than that chandelier. And of course, there was an illuminated infinity pool that looked straight out of a movie. "This is insane! How can you afford something like this? If you spend this much on every client, you must be running at a loss, you know?" Christian laughed, that deep, amused laugh that, for a moment, made me forget the hollow weight crushing my chest ever since I saw Alex and Elise together.

"I know someone who lent me the room," he said simply. I frowned immediately, suspicious. A gigolo with access to a penthouse in the most expensive hotel in the city? Was he really keeping up the act even now? "Oh, sure. You 'know someone.'" I made air quotes with my fingers, rolling my eyes. "Still playing the well-connected role even when we're alone? You're really committed to your job, huh?" He just gave me a mysterious smile, saying nothing, which only made me more doubtful. I was starting to wonder what kind of gigolo felt this comfortable in such luxury.

It intrigued me for half a second. But honestly? There was a private pool right there, and I desperately needed something-anything-to push away the thoughts haunting me. The images of Alex kissing Elise, the memories of all those broken promises. I didn't think twice. I kicked off my heels, slid down the zipper of my dress, and let it fall to the floor, the night breeze brushing against my bare skin. The black lace lingerie now in full view stood out beautifully against the blue glow of the pool. Christian let out a low whistle, his eyes trailing slowly over every inch of my body.

one who made the real investment here." I rolled my eyes but smiled anyway. A smile that never reached my eyes. And then, without hesitation,

vision straight out of a dream.

The way he looked at me at that wedding. The surprise. The

head like a cruel mantra. I was boring. I was ordinary. I was replaceable. The worst part? If he apologized today, if he said

I took a deep breath, trying to pull myself together. When I looked at Christian, hoping he hadn't noticed my moment of vulnerability, I found him still lounging on the chair, watching me with a

shirt already unbuttoned, offering a glimpse of his firm, perfectly sculpted chest. "You act like you've never seen anything like this before." I scoffed, splashing water in his direction, hiding my pain behind irritation. "Because I never have. I don't know what

forget, even briefly, that I cry myself to sleep every night? I almost added, but bit it back. He looked at me for a long moment, like he could see right through the façade I was trying so hard to hold up. "You know, Zoey, I like the way you