Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire

Chapter 46 "Mr. Kensington," Dr. Mendes began, adjusting his glasses, "your grandfather suffered an angina episode, but we managed to stabilize him. The tests confirm the diagnosis made by the specialists in Ravona." Christian remained motionless, only the tight line of his jaw betraying the storm of emotions raging inside him. "The coronary obstruction requires surgical intervention," the doctor continued. "However, there is no need to act with extreme urgency.

We can schedule the surgery within six months, giving us time to strengthen his body and increase the chances of success." "And the risks remain the same?" Christian asked. His voice was steady, professional, but I could hear the fragility underneath. "They are considerable, given his age and condition." Dr. Mendes paused. "But with proper preparation over the next few months, we can mitigate some of those risks. What's important now is to keep him calm, free from stress, and strictly following the prescribed medications and care." I felt Christian ease slightly beside me. Six months.

A window of hope-time to prepare. "He's conscious now and asked to see you," the doctor added. "A short visit, please. Avoid any topics that could agitate him." Christian nodded, and the doctor led us through silent corridors to a private room. Joseph was reclined in bed, his usually ruddy face pale, various monitors tracking his heart. Yet when he saw us, a smile lit his features. "Ah, the two of you together." His voice was hoarse, but his eyes sparkled with life.

"My favorite sight." Christian stepped closer, bending down to kiss his grandfather's forehead with a tenderness I never imagined he was capable of. "How are you feeling, Grandpa?" "Like I danced all night with a twenty-year-old." Joseph answered with a trace of his old humor. "Exhausted, but satisfied." I approached timidly, uncertain of my place in such an intimate moment. Joseph extended his hand toward me, his fingers cold yet surprisingly firm as they clasped mine. "My dear, I'm so glad you're here." His blue eyes, so much like Christian's, gleamed.

in his expression. "They told me about the surgery. Six months to prepare, to strengthen this old heart." His gaze turned resolute. " Time enough to see you two married, isn't it?" A lump formed in my throat. The guilt over our deception pressed

interrupt, but we need to discuss some details of your treatment regimen, Mr. Kensington." He looked at Christian. "In private, if possible." Christian hesitated, glancing at me. "Go," I encouraged. "I'll stay with your grandfather." When the door closed behind them, a comfortable silence settled over the room. Joseph studied me

he began, shifting slightly in bed, "I've never seen my grandson look at anyone the way he looks at you." I looked away, unable to hold his gaze. How could I? Everything between Christian and me was a carefully crafted lie. "You must be mistaken," I murmured. "I have many faults, but my eyes still work perfectly." His smile was gentle, but

my interest, for his smile widened. "His parents were constantly traveling. Business. Always business. He spent summers here with me, and the rest of the year in expensive boarding schools." He sighed. "I imagine a child learns to protect himself when he's often

drawing of the vineyard and all of us." His voice grew hoarse, not only from fatigue. "He waited on the porch all afternoon. They never came. Didn't even call." Tears welled up in my eyes. "What did he do?" "Nothing. He

seem strong when inside he was breaking apart." I thought of the Christian I knew-confident, composed, always keeping the world and his own emotions at arm's length. How many layers of protection had he built over the years? How many people had looked past the façade? "Why are you telling me this?" I asked softly. "Because you need to understand that when Christian keeps people at a distance, it's not out of