Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire

Chapter 48 +25 Bonus I closed the door to the guest room and collapsed onto the bed, physically and emotionally drained. I needed to talk to someone who would understand my situation, someone who knew me better than I knew myself. I grabbed my phone and dialed the number that was more familiar to me than my own. "Zoey!" Annabelle's voice exploded on the other end after just two rings. "What the hell is this insane message about marriage? Are you drunk? High? Kidnapped?" I couldn't help a tired smile, even in the middle of all the turmoil. "None of the above.

I'm perfectly sober and acting of my own free will." "So you're marrying a man who, by your own admission, you don't love?" My sister's incredulous tone made me close my eyes for a moment. "Exactly." "And you say I'm the confused one in this family." I could practically see Annabelle rolling her eyes through the phone. "Zoey, you need to make up your mind. Either you love him and marry him, or you don't love him and move on. Normal people don't marry people they don't love!" I sighed, staring up at the ornate ceiling.

"Normal people also don't get hired to pretend to be billionaires' fiancées," I shot back. "I think we passed the point of 'normal' a long time ago." "Fair." She let out a laugh. "But still, marriage? Like, real marriage, with papers and everything?" "Yes. Next weekend." For a rare moment, Annabelle was silent. "Is there a very good reason for this madness?" she finally asked, her voice softer. A lump formed in my throat. "Christian helped me when I needed it most, Annie. He went with me to Alex's wedding. He paid off Dad's debt." I swallowed hard. "Now it's my turn to help him.

Another pause. "I'm sorry." "He needs surgery within the next six months. And the family has this bizarre tradition: Christian can only take control of the winery if he's married." "So you're going to marry him for six

to a man you clearly have feelings for without falling head over heels in love with him?" "I don't have feelings for him!" I protested-maybe a little too quickly. "Of course not. That's why you're sacrificing half a year of your life to help him." "It's for his

that guy you thought I was engaged to, then thought I broke up with, but actually I was never really dating him? Well, we're getting married next weekend!'" Annie's laughter echoed through the phone. "I'd pay good money to see Mom's face! She's going to have a meltdown of happiness.

crazy agreement?" "Oh, I know. I also know Matthew is going to ask why it took you so long to say yes to the guy." I couldn't help but laugh, even with all the anxiety knotting in my chest. "You're not helping, Annie." "I'm not trying to help. I'm making sure I have front row seats to this circus you