Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire

Chapter 426 Madeline's POV Annie and Nate said their goodbyes with promises to see us again before their baby was born. Annie pulled me into a long hug and whispered in my ear, "Think about what I said," before leaving with Nate, who carefully carried her bag and offered his arm whenever she needed help stepping down or keeping her balance. Small gestures of care that spoke of months of practice, of a love that had adapted to the needs of pregnancy. The moment the door closed, the tension in the apartment shifted completely.

Marcus came up behind me as I gathered the glasses from the coffee table, his hands settling at my waist. "Finally alone," he murmured against my neck, his lips brushing the sensitive skin just below my ear. His touch still triggered the same electric response, my body reacting instantly to his closeness. I felt that familiar heat spread through my chest, pregnancy hormones making every touch feel stronger, more urgent. But this time, something inside me resisted. My conversation with Annie echoed in my mind, especially the part about the past Marcus had chosen not to mention.

"Let's take this to the kitchen," I said, gently stepping out of his arms, already missing the warmth of his body. Marcus followed me, carrying plates and silverware, clearly still caught in the romantic mood that had been interrupted earlier by Margaret's arrival. Icould feel his eyes on me as I lined up the glasses, the way he moved around the kitchen with that natural grace that always made me notice every muscle, every gesture. Margaret had left everything perfectly organized before she went home, so all we needed to do was leave the dishes on the counter for her to wash the next day.

It was a simple task that should have taken only a few minutes, but I deliberately dragged it out, arranging each plate with unnecessary care, buying time to organize my thoughts. "Where exactly were we before our guests arrived?" Marcus asked with a mischievous smile, his hands finding my waist again. I could feel his determination, the way his body positioned itself behind mine, radiating heat and intent. Part of me wanted to give in, to follow Annie's advice and stop analyzing everything. But there was a voice in my head I couldn't silence.

hands leave my waist, the space between us widening in a way that was almost physical. "What is it?" The way he asked, that sudden caution, already gave me part of the answer I didn't want to hear. "Why didn't you tell me that you and Annie had a relationship?"

it was replaced by something more careful, more calculated. 1/3 "It wasn't exactly a relationship," he said at last, choosing his words carefully, like he was stepping through a minefield. "We had... something." I nodded, letting him know I'd heard him,

Dominic for years, couldn't just ignore) The silence stretched between us, heavy and uncomfortable, until the thought that had been eating at met slipped out. "Just like we don't really have a relationship either?"

across the face. The pain that flashed through his eyes was so sharp I immediately felt a stab of regret, but I couldn't take the words back. His expression changed completely. The confusion vanished, replaced by a mix of hurt and something

and proof of paternity, Marcus had never once questioned whether the baby was his. From the the learned about the pregnancy, he had simply claimed that child as his. No hesitation. No doubt. No ons. He