Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire

"It'll be great having you two here," I said, and I meant it. Christian had been my best friend since university, and seeing him always grounded me. Reminded me that our friendship had survived different countries, distance, and even my professional partnership with him. "How's married life, by the way?" I asked, steering the conversation away from topics I'd rather not examine too closely. "Still on the honeymoon high?" "Better than ever," Christian said without hesitation. "Even if Zoey and I barely know what sleep is anymore.

This kid has the energy of ten people and the perfect timing to interrupt anything remotely romantic." I laughed, genuinely. "But he's worth every second of exhaustion," Christian added. "It's surreal, man. One day you're living only for yourself, making decisions based on your own needs. The next, there's this little person who depends on you completely, and you'd do anything to protect them. It changes everything." There was something in his voice. A deep contentment I'd never heard from him before. Christian had always been ambitious, always driven, but now he sounded... complete.

Like he'd found something he didn't even know he was missing. "Must be an incredible feeling," I said. "Life changing. I highly recommend it when you find the right person." Christian paused. "Speaking of which, how are things for you? And don't give me any of that work nonsense. I mean your love life." "My personal life is... quiet." "And Alexandra? Did you two finally leave the friend zone?" "I have zero intention of leaving that zone," I said immediately. "Interesting. Your reaction makes it sound like you're into someone else." Damn it. Christian had always been annoyingly perceptive.

reluctantly. "I knew it. Who is she? How did you meet?" "Someone I met recently. But it might be more complicated than it looks." "Complicated how? She married? Has kids? Lives in another country? Married to a friend of yours?" "None of that. It's just... complicated." "Nate, you're

she's someone special. Different from the usual." "Could be," I said quietly, looking at Annie's message still open on my phone. "I'm still figuring it out." "Good for you.

"I've always been direct. Seriously though, Nate, when you find someone who matters, don't let her slip away because of pride or fear of complications." We

we create on our own. And trust me, I know what I'm talking about." When we hung up, I stared at my phone for a long moment. Christian was right about being honest, but how the hell was I supposed to explain this? How did I tell my best friend, who was also technically my boss,