Hired a Gigolo Got a Billionaire (Zoey and Christian) novel Chapter 31

Chapter 31

The words hung between us, heavy with meaning. The air inside the car felt thick, electric. Christian stayed close -so close I could feel his breath, see every little detail of his face-the faint shadow of stubble, the intense light in his eyes, the lips still damp from our kiss.

For a moment-a glorious, hopeful moment-I thought he’d say yes. That we’d get out of the car together, walk into the house hand in hand, and maybe, just maybe, start something real. Something that belonged to us.

His hand brushed my cheek, so softly it almost hurt. The look in his eyes was unlike anything I’d ever seen- vulnerable, almost reverent.

“Zoey…” My name left his lips like a prayer. “I want to. More than you can imagine.”

My heart raced. I leaned toward him, ready for another kiss, ready to pull him inside, to continue what we had started. But his hands gently held my shoulders, keeping a small but decisive distance between us.

“But I can’t.”

Three simple words. Three syllables that dropped like stones in my stomach.

“Why?” I managed to ask, my voice weaker than I wanted.

Christian closed his eyes for a moment, as if gathering strength.

“Because you deserve more than this.” When he opened them again, there was a sad determination in his gaze. More than an impulsive moment. More than I can give you right now.”

Heat rushed to my face, shame quickly replacing desire. Of course. What had I been thinking? That Christian Kensington, billionaire heir, actually wanted something more with the dress shop girl he had hired for a job?

“You don’t have to come up with pretty excuses,” I said, pulling back into my seat, trying to salvage a shred of dignity. “A simple ‘no’ would’ve been enough.”

“It’s not an excuse, Zoey.” His voice carried a desperation that didn’t fit with rejection. “I want to… damn it, I want to walk into that house with you more than anything right now.”

“But you won’t,” I cut in, my voice cold now.

“Not like this. Not when we’re both confused, emotional.” He ran a hand through his hair, that familiar gesture. . You’re worth more than a goodbye fling.”

I swallowed the knot forming in my throat.

“Goodbye, Christian.”

This time, I didn’t hesitate. I opened the door and stepped out in one swift motion, without looking back. The Sunday morning sun was almost offensively bright, lighting the path to my front door as if it were any ordinary day. As if my world wasn’t crumbling for the second time in so little time.

As I walked, I heard the Porsche’s engine purr. Christian waited until I reached the door before driving off. The sound of the car fading away echoed the emptiness settling in my chest.

The house was silent and empty, just as I knew it would be on a Sunday morning. The silence, which usually gave me peace, now only amplified the chaos in my head.

I dropped my purse on the couch and let myself collapse beside it. The tears I had held back in the car now flowed freely. Why was I crying? It was ridiculous. Christian owed me nothing. Our deal was over. He had kept his word- my father was free from his debts. I had kept mine-pretending to be his fiancée for a few days. Transaction complete.

So why did it hurt so much?

I stayed there, crying for who knows how long, until the sound of the front door startled me.

“Zoey?” Annabelle’s voice reached me even before she stepped into the living room. “You’re back already? I thought…”

She froze when she saw me. Even in my miserable state, I couldn’t help but notice her appearance: messy hair, party clothes, sunglasses indoors-a clear sign of a brutal hangover.

“Oh my God, what happened?” She immediately dropped her bag and rushed over. “Did Christian do something? Because if he hurt you, I swear I’ll find a way to bankrupt that entire vineyard!”

Annabelle smiled, settling down beside me.

“Never underestimate the power of vengeful bartenders.” Her smile faded, replaced by a serious expression. “But seriously, Zoey. What happened?”

I told her everything. The abrupt way we left the vineyard, the long silent drive, the talk in the car, the kiss. And finally, the rejection.

“He said you ‘deserve more’?” Annabelle repeated, incredulous. “What kind of bullshit is that?”

“It wouldn’t be taking advantage if I was practically begging for it.”

“That’s exactly why, you dummy.” Annabelle nudged me lightly. “He likes you too much to reduce everything to a goodbye hookup.”

I shook my head, refusing to believe it.

“If he liked me that much, he would’ve stayed.”

Annabelle opened her mouth to respond but seemed to change her mind. Instead, she stood up with an exaggerated sigh.

“You know what you need? Coffee. Strong. And maybe a plan for the future that doesn’t involve stupid men-even the rich and handsome ones.”

As she stumbled toward the kitchen, I thought about her words. A plan for the future. I looked around the living room, at the house I grew up in, at the life I’d always known. Suddenly, it all felt small, insufficient.

“I’m going to sell everything,” I declared out loud.

“What?” Annabelle shouted from the kitchen.

“The clothes. The shoes. Everything Christian gave me.”

My sister appeared in the doorway, holding a mug.

“Why? Some of those pieces are worth more than my liver.”

“Not that your liver looks worth much at the moment, but… exactly!” I stood, feeling a strange determination rising inside me. “I can use the money to… I don’t know. Take a course. Maybe finally try something in my field.”

Annabelle studied me for a long moment, then slowly smiled.

“Whether you actually like Christian or not, that trip did something good for you.”