Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire

Chapter 382 Madeline's POV Friday night. The same ritual as always: dinner at my parents' house. A tradition that used to comfort me, but felt like a prison disguised as family routine. From the moment I left my apartment, I could already feel the weight settling in my chest, that suffocating sensation of playing a role in a play I couldn't escape. When the housekeeper led me into the living room, I found my parents settled into their Italian leather sofas, chatting animatedly with someone whose voice alone made me want to throw up, and it had nothing to do with the pregnancy.

Dominic was there, comfortably seated in the armchair my father usually reserved for special guests, as if he were already a natural part of the family. It wasn't unusual for him to show up at Friday dinners, but there was something different in his expression that night. Like he was savoring something in advance... something I had no idea about. His eyes met mine the moment I stepped into the room, and the smile he gave me made my stomach twist. "Madeline, sweetheart!" My mother stood to greet me with the usual kisses on the cheek. "I'm so glad you're here.

We were just talking about the final wedding preparations." "Of course you were," I murmured, accepting Dominic's kiss when he leaned in. "You look beautiful," he whispered in my ear, his hands lingering at my waist longer than necessary. Dinner was served in the formal dining room, the table set with the porcelain my mother saved for special occasions. Elaborate dishes prepared by the cook, expensive wine, conversations drifting between business, social commitments, and casual questions about my health. "How are you feeling, honey?" my father asked as he cut into his salmon.

replied automatically, pushing food around my plate. Every bite tasted metallic. Every forced smile made my face ache. "Wedding stress," my mother commented, pouring Dominic more wine. "It's normal. I was the same way before my wedding." "Thankfully, it's almost over," Dominic said, and something

through safe topics like the weather, my father's business, and the renovations my mother wanted to do at the country house. I participated mechanically, offering short, hollow answers. It was halfway through dessert when Dominic laced his fingers with mine on

way he'd orchestrated the moment made it clear nothing about this was spontaneous. "Madeline is pregnant." 1/3 The world tilted. For a moment, I could only stare at Dominic's satisfied face, processing the fact that Vivian had told him before I had. Not that I'd wanted some grand romantic reveal. On the contrary, I

chest. "Madeline! Why didn't you tell us sooner?" "That's wonderful!" my father stood and pulled me into a hug. "How long have you known?" "I only took a pharmacy test," I