Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire

Chapter 691

Nick's POV

Bella's backpack felt too light for what I was doing.

I zipped it up slowly, feeling the resistance of the fabric like it was the only real thing in a morning that had turned into a legal maze.

Inside, I packed things she'd recognize without thinking.

The pencil case with the cracked lid.

Her sketchbook.

Two changes of clothes.

Pajamas.

Her favorite hoodie.

The pair of socks with little stars she insisted were "lucky." None of it was her life.

Just a small enough slice so it wouldn't feel like goodbye.

I heard footsteps in the living room and Martina's low voice, soft, careful, like she was building a nest around her.

"Are you taking your necklace?" Martina asked.

"The friendship one?" Bella replied, bright.

I paused for half a second, my

necklace had become proof of affection

how everything blurred together

the hallway with her hair tied back

me like I was late to

bought games," she

at me

give when they don't

gave a tiny

had said

fail before we even left

wearing that steady expression of someone who doesn't allow himself to

"Valemont," he greeted.

"She's ready," I replied.

noticed him and

"Is he coming too?"

"He is," I said

make sure

lady at

opened the back door and helped Bella in

coming?" Cross asked quietly before

"No," I said.

nodded, like I'd just confirmed a strategic

drove with both hands on the wheel while Bella hummed a song without words in the backseat, kicking her legs

in the rearview mirror and saw her

in the basic