Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire

It’s emotion, tamed.

Put to work quietly, without making a scene.

While Nick went back to dealing with his problems, I took Bella-and within two minutes, we were already heading to the car.

She claimed the backseat like she owned it.

Dropped her backpack onto her lap, glanced out the window, then studied me through the rearview mirror.

“Mom,” she called, in the same tone she’d use to ask the time.

“Hmm?”

“When is my baby sister going to be born?” I let cut a breath that was half laugh, half surrender.

“What’s the rush?”

“Because your belly is already huge,” she said, pointing with zero delicacy.

Then she added, like it was a compliment, “Like… really huge.”

“Wow.Thank you for the kindness,” I replied, feigning offense.

Bella burst out laughing.

“It’s true.”

“It is true,” I admitted.

“Not much longer now.Soon enough, you’ll get to meet her.” Her eyes lit up.

“I told Julia,” she said, like she’d made a very important public announcement.“I told her I’m getting a baby sister and she’s basically a real-life doll.” I had to bite back a smile.

“A real-life doll is… an interesting way to put it.”

“It is,” Bella confirmed confidently.

“And Julia thought it was really cool.Then she asked her mom for one too.” I laughed out loud, unable to stop myself.

“Wow,” I said, keeping my eyes on the road.

“Her mom has no idea what she’s getting herself into.” Bella nodded, clearly pleased with her influence.

“And I’m going to take really good care of Clara,” she went on, more serious now.

“I’ll hold her like this.” She demonstrated with her arms, hugging the air, far more careful than the same kid who, just last week, tried to skip bath time.

My chest tightened with a tenderness I couldn’t hide.

you

going to be best friends.”

jealous.” I laughed

past outside her window, then said with her usual straightforward logic, “That’s true.I’m small, but my heart is big.” I had the urge to pull over just to

reached my hand back, and she grabbed my fingers tight, like that simple connection confirmed everything I’d been

to school,

just

lunch was there, that

her to the gate like it was the most

kissed my

“Bye.Mom.”

she walked through the gate.I watched the teacher call her name.I saw Bella raise her hand like

I head back

café I chose was two

with wooden tables and a constant smell of

the window, pulled my laptop from my bag, and opened it

screen

under control, and I knew that if I wanted, I could spend the whole morning

But I didn’t.

I called Matthew.

he said, no formality at

“You good?”

“I am,” I replied.

to check if everything’s okay over there.” On the other end, I

“Gwen, it’s eight in the

go wrong yet.” I held back

that way.” Matthew let out

actually trying to enjoy your

the

try,”

with that light firmness he

if the building catches

fire, you