Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire

Chapter 27 +25 Bonus Chapter 27 I studied my reflection in the mirror as I finished applying lipstick. The dress I had chosen for the event was a deep shade of blue, cut as if it had been tailored precisely for my body. The fluid silk moved smoothly with every step, creating an ethereal effect that contrasted with the simplicity of the design. Like all of Christian's other gifts, it was elegant without being flashy, sophisticated without excess. Christian had already gone down to check the final preparations, leaving me alone with my restless thoughts.

The conversation from the night before still echoed in my head: him admitting he still felt something for Francesca, me revealing my long-buried dream in public relations. Two broken people pretending to be a perfect couple- the irony wasn't lost on me. When I finally descended to the vineyards where the event was being held, I almost didn't recognize the place. The rustic elegance of the winery had been transformed into a colorful spectacle that looked like it had been ripped straight out of a social media décor fair.

Balloon arches in pastel tones, oversized cushions scattered strategically, fairy lights hanging from metal frames, even a floral swing installed between two trees-clearly designed for " spontaneous" photos. "Oh my God," I muttered to myself, eyeing the setup critically. If it had been me organizing, I would have leaned into authenticity. None of this said centuries-old winery with tradition. Where were the rustic wooden tables? The antique barrels as décor? The guided tastings led by experts? Why not highlight the family's story, the history behind every award-winning wine?

"Impressive, isn't it?" Elise's voice floated up behind me, dripping with that false cordiality I knew so well. "We completely transformed the space." "You certainly transformed it," I replied evenly. "It's very... colorful." Élise smiled, her eyes sweeping over my dress with that calculating look she always had. "Elite PR specializes in events that go viral." She gestured to the decorations. "Every detail was strategically designed to be 'Instagrammable.' The balloons are the exact shade of Merlot grapes at peak ripeness, the lights replicate the glow of the sun through the vines...

conceptual, you see?" Lies. There was nothing conceptual about this-it was pure generic fluff. But I bit my tongue. The first vehicles began arriving, SUVs and luxury cars bringing the highly anticipated influencers. As they stepped out, their expressions of awe looked rehearsed-hands pressed to cheeks, mouths forming perfect little O's, squeals of excitement pitched just right. I could practically see the captions they would write: Unforgettable moments at the most exclusive winery in Verdania! #blessed #winelifestyle #sponsored.

the winemaking process to a young woman who seemed far more interested in snapping selfies with the bottles than listening to him talk

with the ruby color of the wine." Her eyes lit up, and she eagerly struck the pose I suggested. I snapped several photos, knowing exactly the kind

a different kind of smile slowly forming. "You really would have been good at this." Before I could respond, we were interrupted by another influencer asking for a photo with "the power couple behind the winery." Christian slipped his arm around my waist automatically, and we posed for what would

actually acting like owners of the place-but in a way that felt almost natural. In one of the more surreal moments, a fitness influencer insisted on demonstrating how to open a champagne bottle with a

corner between the vines, laughing like teenagers. "Did you see his face?" Christian managed between laughs. "Like he'd just detonated a bomb!" "And Elise!" I wiped

fun." Alex appeared, holding two glasses of wine. "I thought you might want a drink, Zoey. Like old times." The laughter died on my lips. Christian immediately straightened, his arm sliding around my waist in a possessive hold. "She's already served, thank you," Christian said, his

my hand softly on his chest. "Thank you, Alex, but I'd rather stay with my fiancé." I looked at Christian, catching the surprise in his eyes as I used the word fiancé so naturally. "We have guests to attend to." Alex's smile faltered for a brief moment. "Of course. Another time,