Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire

Chapter 642 Nicholas' POV | spent the entire night at the hospital. Or at least | tried to. Security politely but firmly informed me that visiting hours were over and | had to leave. Christian stepped in and managed to get permission for me to stay in the private waiting room. | slept maybe two hours on the couch, waking at every sound, every set of footsteps in the hallway, hoping it meant someone was coming to say Gwen had woken up. No one came. Early the next moming, Christian showed up with two coffees and a tired expression that probably mirrored mine.

"You need real rest," he said, handing me one of the cups. "Ina bed. You won't help anyone if you collapse too." "I'm fine," | lied automatically. "You're not," he replied bluntly. "And | understand. But you can't stay here twenty-four hours a day for the next few days. Or weeks, if necessary." ---- Weeks. The word landed like a stone in my stomach. Christian reached into his pocket and pulled out a silver key ona simple keychain. "A copy of Gwen's apartment key," he explained, holding it out to me. "Stay there. Rest. Shower. Eat something decent.

It's closer to the hospital than driving back to Montelira every time. And honestly... you look like hell, and we don't need another accident on the road." | stared at the key without taking it. "|... wouldn't feel comfortable," | said hesitantly. "It's her apartment. | don't think I-" "It's your girlfriend's apartment," Zoey cut in, appearing out of nowhere with that infuriating ability she had to always be right. " Why exactly wouldn't you feel comfortable?" It sounded more like a challenge than a question: "L.." | started, but | had no good answer, "Exactly," Zoey finished for me.

recognized me this time. "Mr.Valemont," he greeted professionally. "Is Miss Gwen doing well? We heard about the accident." "She's... stable," | replied, the word feeling wrong in my mouth. " Ill be staying in the apartment for a few days." "Of course. If you need anything, we're at your service." | went up to the penthouse, unlocked the door, and stepped inside. ---- The apartment looked exactly as | remembered. Bright. Elegant. Too quiet now. It felt wrong being there without her. | dropped the keys on the small table by the door and

Paula. She answered on the second ring. "Nick! Thank God. | was starting to worry. Are you okay? What happened?" "Paula..." | began, not sure where to start. "Gwen was in an accident. A serious car accident. She's in the hospital in Florentia." Stunned silence on the

okay?" "Stable," | repeated, hating the word more each time. "Medically induced coma. The surgery went well, but... it's serious. It's going to take time." "Nick, I'm so sorry," Paula said sincerely. "What do you need? How can | help?" "Ineed you to handle things at the estate for now," | said. " Especially my mom and Bella. I'm staying in Florentia until... until | know she's out of danger." "Of course," Paula assured me immediately. "I'll do everything | can. Don't worry about

heavily "There's no easy way to say this. Renee was right about one thing. Gwen comes from money. But it's more than that. A lot more." ---- | paused, unintentionally dramatic. "She's a Kensington." Total silence. Complete and absolute. | could practically hear Paula putting the pieces together. "Kensington as in..2"

time to explain all of that, okay? | just... | needed you to know. And | need another favor. Actually, one more on top of everything else." "Just tell me," she said immediately. I took a deep breath. "I can't focus on anything right now," | admitted. "But | need