Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire

Chapter 394 Madeline's POV The tried keep up with all the introductions Marcus insisted on making. It felt like he wanted me to personally meet every important person in his life in a single night. It was a task my already overwhelmed brain was clearly not prepared for. edding reception was in full swing in the mansion's illuminated gardens, and my head was spinning as I "This is my mother, Beatrice," Marcus said, guiding me toward an elegant woman with impeccably styled hair. She radiated that effortless aristocratic grace some people simply seemed born with.

"It's a pleasure, dear," Beatrice said, kissing both my cheeks with practiced ease. Her eyes assessed me quickly. Not unkindly, but more curious than anything. "And this is my father, John," Marcus continued, introducing me to a more reserved man who greeted me with a polite but distant nod. I tried to memorize their faces, their energy, their presence, but I could already feel the names starting to blur together in my mind when Marcus led me toward the next group.

"Nonno Joseph-he's been eager to meet you," he said, guiding me to the family patriarch, who pulled me into a warm, genuine hug that instantly melted something inside my chest. "Welcome to the family, Madeline," Joseph said, his weathered hands holding mine firmly. "It was about time our Marcus settled down. I can see he chose well." Before I could fully process the weight of his words, Marcus was already steering me toward more guests. "You've already met Christian," he said, gesturing to his cousin, who raised his glass toward us with a smile.

" And this is Nathaniel-Annie's husband." Nathaniel was tall, with a faint British accent and a genuinely warm expression as he greeted me. "I've heard quite a bit about you," he said with a smile. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you in person." "And this is my brother, Luke," Marcus continued, introducing me to a man who clearly shared the same genes -but with a much more extroverted personality. "Finally!" Luke exclaimed, wrapping me in a hug like we were old friends.

like I was trapped in a strange dream where everyone knew my story, but I knew nothing about theirs. After an hour of polite conversations with dozens of people whose names I'd already forgotten, I finally managed to slip away and

"I'm guessing you'd rather have a real drink," a familiar voice said beside me. I turned to see Zoey standing there, holding what looked like a colorful cocktail. I hadn't even noticed her approach. "I would kill for a drink," I admitted, laughing in a way that mixed desperation and humor. Zoey laughed too, clearly understanding. "I have the perfect solution," she said, leaning in as if she were about to share a

and needed to relax, I used to make a non-alcoholic drink that saved my sanity. Cranberry juice, sparkling water, lemon juice, a little ginger syrup, and some mint leaves. No alcohol, but enough flavor to work wonders on your

to the bride." I turned. "Mia, right?" I pulled the name from memory. She looked a

couple." She smiled, but there was something serious beneath the casual tone. "But... can I be honest with you?" I nodded, even though part of me was already bracing myself. "This is the first time I've ever seen my brother truly commit to someone," she said, leaning against the bar beside

but Mia stopped me with a small wave of her hand. "Marcus told me everything," she said simply. "I know the situation. I know the reasons. I know this wasn't a reckless decision." Relief flickered briefly in my chest. I thought she might be about to reassure me, maybe even offer support. But then her tone shifted, turning more serious. "What I wonder is this: are you willing to