Hired a Gigolo Got a Billionaire (Zoey and Christian) novel Chapter 3

If I thought the wedding party was luxurious, then what could I even say about the place Christian took me afterward?

A ridiculous penthouse on top of Rosemont Hotel, with a panoramic view of the city, a private pool, and a kind of décor that screamed, "I'm rich, and I don't even bother looking at the prices on the menu."

And me… well, I was completely dazzled. But also stunned, like the whole night had been a movie where I didn't belong in the main cast.

"Heavens…" I breathed, spinning around in the middle of the room, taking in every detail. A massive minibar, a sofa bigger than my entire bedroom, and a chandelier that probably cost more than my car. Well, I didn't even have a car. But if I did, it would still be worth less than that chandelier.

And of course, there was an illuminated infinity pool that looked straight out of a movie.

"This is insane! How can you afford something like this? If you spend this much on every client, you must be running at a loss, you know?"

Christian laughed, that deep, amused laugh that, for a moment, made me forget the hollow weight crushing my chest ever since I saw Alex and Elise together.

"I know someone who lent me the room," he said simply.

I frowned immediately, suspicious. A gigolo with access to a penthouse in the most expensive hotel in the city? Was he really keeping up the act even now?

"Oh, sure. You 'know someone.'" I made air quotes with my fingers, rolling my eyes. "Still playing the well-connected role even when we're alone? You're really committed to your job, huh?"

He just gave me a mysterious smile, saying nothing, which only made me more doubtful. I was starting to wonder what kind of gigolo felt this comfortable in such luxury.

It intrigued me for half a second. But honestly? There was a private pool right there, and I desperately needed something—anything—to push away the thoughts haunting me. The images of Alex kissing Elise, the memories of all those broken promises.

I didn't think twice.

I kicked off my heels, slid down the zipper of my dress, and let it fall to the floor, the night breeze brushing against my bare skin. The black lace lingerie now in full view stood out beautifully against the blue glow of the pool.

Christian let out a low whistle, his eyes trailing slowly over every inch of my body.

"Wow."

I shot him a look that tried to seem playful, though it probably failed to hide the storm raging inside me.

"What?"

He tilted his head slightly, his eyes gleaming with a mix of appreciation and something else… understanding?

"I'm starting to think I'm the one who made the real investment here."

I rolled my eyes but smiled anyway. A smile that never reached my eyes.

And then, without hesitation, I dove into the water. As if I could drown for a few seconds, as if the water could wash the pain away.

The impact was gentle, the temperature perfect. The hot water slid over my body like a luxurious embrace, loosening every muscle. I spun around, letting myself float for a few moments before resurfacing.

From where I was, the starlight reflected on the sea, painting a vision straight out of a dream.

"This is amazing!" I exclaimed, forcing a laugh as I ran my hands through the water.

But the truth? I didn't feel amazing.

The warmth wrapped around my body like a hug, but it couldn't melt the frozen knot lodged in my chest.

Because even there, in that perfect setting, surrounded by luxury and with a man who looked like he'd been sculpted for sin… I was still thinking about him.

Alex, standing at the altar. Elise by his side, glowing in the dress I had sold her myself.

The way he looked at me at that wedding. The surprise. The doubt.

He expected me to have crumbled. To have hidden away. To still be crying over him.

And the truth was, I was. Not in public, not where anyone could see. But alone, in my old teenage bedroom at my parents' house, where I had to move back after catching Alex and Elise together. Crying myself to sleep every night, feeling like the failure they believed me to be.

I loved that man. I trusted him. I made plans for an entire life with him.

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