Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire

Chapter 611 Renee's POV | took Bella to a pizzeria after we left the toy store. It wasn't the fanciest place in town, but it was nice enough. Family-friendly. The kind of place where kids could eat without being expected to sit perfectly still and silent. Bella ordered a small margherita pizza and orange juice. | watched her eat slowly, using a fork and knife with that serious concentration children have when they're trying to do things properly. It wasn't perfect. A few pieces slipped. The melted cheese stretched stubbornly, but she tried. She was well-mannered.

Nick had done at least that right. "So," I began casually, taking a sip of my juice, "tell me something. This Gwen who gave you the necklace. How did you meet her?" Bella looked up, a string of melted cheese still clinging to her slice. "She got sick," she said simply. "Got sick?" | repeated, frowning. ---- "Yeah," Bella confirmed, wiping her mouth with a napkin. "She fell on the stairs at our house and hit her head really hard. Then Daddy took care of her." Interesting. "And she stayed with you for a long time?" | asked, keeping my tone light. Curious. Maternal.

"Just until she got better," Bella said. "Because she didn't even know where her house was.Grandma said it was because of her head." So. Amnesia. Or something close to it. "Wow, that must have been scary," | commented. "And your dad took care of her the whole time?" "Mhm." Bella grabbed another slice. "She stayed in the guest room. Grandma Martina made special food for her. And Daddy took her to the doctor." How convenient. A beautiful woman. Vulnerable. Completely dependent on him. Of course Nick fell in love. "Does she live far away?" | asked.

really nice," | said with a smile. "For you to like her so much." Bella smiled too. It was a real smile that | had never seen

mommy." I nearly choked on my juice "What?" "When she and Daddy get married," Bella explained, as if it were obvious. "Then she'll live with us all the time and I'll have a real ---- mommy who doesn't leave." The words hit with surgical precision "So..." | said slowly, processing, "they're dating?" "They're getting married,"

Saturday. Grandma Martina is making fresh pasta. And ragi. And panna cotta. And rocket salad that | don't really like, but | have to eat a little because it's polite." The whole family. Formal dinner. Saturday. This was much more serious than I'd thought. "That's nice,' | managed, forcing enthusiasm into my voice. "I'm sure it's going to be a beautiful dinner." "It is," Bella agreed. "Daddy said we're using the big table. And

asked a few more casual questions. Bella opened up a little more. Not completely. But enough that | felt like I'd made at least some progress. ---- When we finally stepped outside the pizzeria, | saw Nick's car pulling up to the curb. He got out and looked straight at me before shifting his attention to Bella. "So, princess?" he asked, crouching down to her level. "Did you have fun?" Bella thought about it for a moment.