Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire

Chapter 518 My heart was already racing as the music began. This was it. I took a deep breath, adjusted the bouquet in my hands, and took my first step down the aisle. The church was beautiful. Simple, but beautiful. A small chapel with dark wooden pews and stained- glass windows that spilled colored light over everything. Candles glowing softly at the altar. White flowers lining the sides, understated and elegant. And the people. Not many-but only the ones who truly mattered in our lives. My mother sat in the first pew, already crying, clutching a tissue in her hand.

Beside her were Marcus's parents-Beatrice with that proud, glowing smile on her face, Giovanni holding her hand. Christian and Zoey just behind them, Matt on Christian's lap, grabbing at anything within reach. Annie and Nate with Josh and Avery. Olivia and Luke, her hand resting protectively over her still-flat belly. Joseph, Gwen, Mia, Matthew, Dante... and so many other faces I loved. The children were scattered among the pews-Aurora in Beatrice's arms, wide-eyed and curious even at such a young age.

The other kids restless but well-behaved, unaware of the solemnity but making everything feel more alive, more real. And then my eyes found Marcus'. Standing at the altar beneath the warm glow of candles and stained glass. Impeccable dark suit. Hair perfectly styled. Hands clasped in front of him, trying to look calm-but I could see the emotion written across every line of his face. Our eyes met, and it felt like the world stopped. Like it was the first time. Like that moment when our eyes met through his motorcycle helmet, when I just knew my life had changed forever.

knew his scars-visible and invisible. His strength. His vulnerability. And he knew me the same way. I kept walking, step by step, smiling through the tears already spilling down my cheeks. When I finally reached the altar,

His smile. The way he held my hand like he was afraid I might disappear. "Marcus and Madeline,"

enough. Afraid of losing you. Afraid of what the future might bring." He paused, swallowing hard. "But after everything we've been through. After almost

part of who I am. I'm choosing you in joy and in sorrow. In health and in sickness. On the easy days and the impossible ones. I'm choosing to build a life with you. To