Hired a Gigolo Got a Billionaire (Zoey and Christian) novel Chapter 334

Chapter 334

Chapter 334

Nathaniel’s POV

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Morning in the hills of Southridge broke perfectly with cloudless blue skies, mild temperatures, and a soft breeze carrying the scent of ripening grapes. Annie had suggested a walk around the property, and I’d agreed instantly, grateful for a little time alone with her, away from the buzz of family activity.

“Come on, I want to show you my favorite place to read,” Annie said, taking my hand and pulling me toward the vineyard.

Ginger trotted happily behind us, occasionally stopping to investigate an interesting scent or chase a leaf the breeze had knocked loose. Her puppy enthusiasm was contagious, and I couldn’t help smiling as I watched her discover an entirely new world.

Annie was glowing, clearly emotional about being back in the place that had become a refuge for her after Zoey’s wedding. Her eyes sparkled as she guided me through the grounds.

“That’s where I used to sit and read in the afternoons,” she said, pointing to a stone bench beneath a large, leafy tree. “The shade is perfect, and you can hear the birds singing.”

We walked between rows of grapevines heavy with ripe fruit, following dirt paths winding through the vineyard. As we went, Annie shared little stories about adapting to life at the winery during the months she’d lived there, the friendly staff she’d met, the family traditions she’d witnessed during harvest season.

“And this is the lookout,” she said, pointing to a small rise topped with a wooden pergola covered in twisting vines. “The view is amazing, especially at sunset. Zoey and I used to come up here to talk almost every afternoon.

“I

We walked for nearly an hour, Annie sharing memories while I soaked in the simple pleasure of seeing her so relaxed, so completely at home. Then she stopped abruptly in the middle of the path and looked at me, her expression tinged with embarrassment.

“I’m being silly, aren’t I?” she asked, running a hand through her hair in a gesture I recognized as nerves.

“Why would you say that?” I asked, genuinely confused by the sudden shift.

“Of course you’ve been here a thousand times already,” she said, shaking her head as if scolding herself.” You’re Christian’s best friend, and the COO of Kensington. And here I am, showing you everything like it’s new.”

“I haven’t been here that many times,” I said honestly, trying to reassure her. “And never with you showing me your favorite places.”

“Nate,” Annie said, giving me a skeptical look, “you were here for Christian and Zoey’s wedding. Even if we barely noticed each other back then…”

“I noticed you,” I cut in immediately, the memory vivid in my mind. “But you were with someone at the time. I wasn’t about to look twice at another man’s girlfriend.”

Annie lightly punched my arm, pretending to be offended.

“You did not!” she protested, though she was smiling. “And still, you already know the whole property. I’m introducing places you’ve seen dozens of times.”

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“It’s different seeing them through your eyes,” I said sincerely, lifting a hand to touch her cheek.

Her smile softened, and she leaned in to kiss me.

“You always know what to

,” she murmured.

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“Not always,” I admitted. “But with you, it feels easier.”

We kept walking until we reached a small clearing between the vines, opening onto a sweeping view of green alleys stretching all the way to the horizon. It was quiet and secluded, the perfect spot for the picnic we’d planned.

“This feels like a good place to relax,” I suggested. “What do you say we have our picnic here?”

“It’s perfect,” Annie said, spreading the checkered blanket over the grass.

We started setting up our meal, pulling cheeses, bread, and fresh fruit from the basket Annie had prepared that morning. Christian had insisted we take a special bottle from the winery, which now rested beside the rest of the spread.

We spent a few minutes arranging everything, talking about plans for the rest of the day and laughing as Ginger tried to steal bits of cheese whenever she thought we weren’t looking. The atmosphere was perfect. Relaxed. Intimate. Filled with that kind of simple happiness that only exists when you’re with the right person in the right place.

That was when Ginger, who’d been exploring the area, wandered back to the basket and began sniffing with growing interest at a small spot where I’d hidden something special among the napkins.

“What did you find there, huh?” Annie asked, watching our puppy’s increasingly excited behavior.

Ginger let out a soft bark, looking back and forth between the basket and me, clearly trying to draw attention to something important. My heart started pounding as I realized the moment had come.

“I think she found something,” I said, forcing my voice to sound casual as I reached into the basket.

With hands that were starting to shake, I found the small blue velvet box I’d carefully hidden among the picnic items. I clipped it onto Ginger’s collar and bent down to whisper to her.

“Go on, just like we practiced,” I murmured, hoping she remembered what we’d worked on for weeks back in London.

Ginger, being the smart golden retriever she was, immediately walked over to Annie, sat politely in front of her, and offered the little box with a soft bark.

What is this?” Annie asked, curious, as she picked up the velvet box.

My heart was pounding so hard I was sure she could hear it. As Annie carefully opened the box, I moved closer, feeling like all the air had left my lungs.

When she saw the ring, a classic solitaire with a central diamond surrounded by smaller stones, set in white gold that shimmered under the Verdanian sun, her eyes filled with tears instantly.

“Nate…” she whispered, her voice breaking.

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I was already on my knee beside her, taking her free hands in mine, feeling the slight tremble in them.

“Annabelle Castle Bennett,” I began, my voice rough with emotion. “From the moment I met you on that plane, my life changed completely. You taught me what it means to truly love. You showed me that fighting for what really matters is always worth it.”

Tears streamed freely down her face now, but her eyes never left mine.

“You make me want to be a better man every single day,” I continued, my own voice thickening. “I want to wake up next to you f

the next fifty years. I want to build a family with you. I want to grow old loving you more with

every passing day.”

I took a deep breath, all the love I felt for her spilling over.

“Will you marry me?”

Annie let out a sob, covering her mouth with one hand as she nodded hard.

“Yes,” she whispered through tears. “Yes-of course I will.”

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