Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire

Chapter 50 The last day of the event arrived with a frenetic energy. After an entire day juggling wedding preparations and Vivian's endless demands, the intersectoral conference's closing almost felt like a relief-despite the new mission we now faced. "Remember, you two need to look natural," Marcus instructed as we walked toward the complex. "Like a couple who overcame a rough patch and is stronger than ever." "We know," Christian replied, his tone edged with irritation. "This isn't the first time we've pretended to be together." Marcus raised his hands in surrender.

"I'm just saying there's a lot at stake. Reporters will be everywhere," Christian reached for my hand, his fingers lacing through mine with a familiarity we shouldn't have had after three months apart-if we'd truly been apart. "We'll be fine," he assured, though it wasn't clear whether he was speaking to me or Marcus. As we crossed the parking lot, I mentally repeated the story we'd rehearsed. No, we hadn't really broken up. We'd simply gone through an intense professional period that had kept us apart. But now that we were finally together again, marriage couldn't wait. Perfect Simple.

Convincing. Except that every time Christian touched my hand, or placed his palm at the small of my back, or leaned close to whisper in my ear, my whole body remembered that kiss in the cellar. The main hall of the event buzzed with activity. Exhibitors dismantling booths, participants exchanging last- minute cards, journalists chasing their final interviews. As soon as we entered, I felt several gazes turn our way, followed by thinly veiled whispers. "Christian Kensington and his fiancée," murmured a man with a professional camera, not discreet enough for us not to hear.

my hand a light squeeze, a silent reminder that we were in this together. I forced a smile as we moved through the hall, pausing occasionally to greet people. "Mr. Kensington!" A reporter from a wine magazine hurried up, microphone in hand, a cameraman trailing close behind. "What a surprise to see you two together again! Rumor has it-" "The rumors are true," Christian answered with an easy smile, sliding his arm around my

in, stepping into my role. "We were going through a very demanding professional period." The words felt strange in my mouth, but I forced myself to continue. "Now that we can finally be together, we see no reason to wait." Christian's arm tightened slightly around

with polite smiles and carefully polished half-truths. When the reporter finally stepped away, Christian leaned close to whisper in my ear, "You're doing well." His warm breath against my skin sent shivers down my body, and I wondered if he had noticed. The

public displays of affection. A kiss on the cheek here, a smoldering look there. Every gesture felt both rehearsed and dangerously natural. During a quiet moment, I slipped away to the bathroom, needing a break from the curious stares. But when I stepped back out, I stifled a groan of frustration at the

when her eyes met mine, was anything but friendly "The famous Zoey Bennett," she said, pronouncing my name as if it were a private joke. "The woman who finally captured Christian's heart." I lifted my chin, refusing to show any discomfort. "Francesca." My voice remained neutral. "You know, I've been watching you two,"

arched one perfectly sculpted brow. "I don't believe in fairy tales, Christian Kensington would never fall in love with someone like you." The words hit their mark with surgical precision, echoing painfully against the ones I'd heard Christian himself say