Hired a Gigolo Got a Billionaire (Zoey and Christian) novel Chapter 349

Chapter 349

One of the guest rooms at the Kensington mansion had been transformed into a full-on command center for the final preparations. Extra mirrors had been brought in and strategically placed, white flowers filled every available corner, and a soft lavender scent lingered in the air.

I was already dressed, the satin of my gown catching the golden afternoon light streaming through the windows. The train spilled gracefully around me, and Ginger lay right at my side, her head resting delicately on rt of the fabric. She seemed to understand the gravity of the moment, her golden eyes fixed on me with the kind of unconditional devotion only dogs can give.

‘She hasn’t left your side since we got here,” my mother said, carefully making the final adjustments to my veil. “It’s like she knows today is special.”

“She knows,” Zoey said, kneeling beside me as she fixed the hem of my dress. “Ginger’s always been intuitive. Haven’t you, sweetheart?”

I gently stroked my golden retriever’s soft head, feeling how her presence grounded me even as my nerves threatened to take over.

“You look absolutely stunning,” my mother said, her eyes shining with tears she was trying very hard to hold back.

“Beautiful,” my father agreed from near the window, clearly out of his element amid so much feminine glamour, yet completely unable to hide the goofy smile on his face. “Nathaniel is a very lucky man.”

“Dad, you’re going to make me cry and ruin my makeup,” I warned, though I smiled despite my nerves.

Matthew was fiddling with his bow tie, pretending not to be emotional, while Gwen checked to make sure my earrings were perfectly in place.

“Remember when you were little and swore you’d never get married?” Matthew teased with that familiar mischievous grin. “Said no man would ever be good enough for Annie Bennett?”

“And look at you now,” Gwen laughed, stepping back to admire the final result. “You found someone who’s not just good enough-he’s perfect for you.”

Ginger lifted her head when she noticed my breathing quicken, her gaze full of concern. I felt my hands start to tremble slightly inside the lace gloves.

“What do you think will happen in ten years?” I asked suddenly, my voice higher than normal.

“What do you mean, sweetheart?” my mother asked, stopping mid-adjustment and looking at me closely.

“I mean… do you think we’ll still be happy? What if he gets tired of me?”

Ginger stood up and pressed her nose against my hand, the way she always did whenever she sensed my anxiety. The silence that followed my question made me realize I’d just put fears into words that I hadn’t even

known were there.

“Annie,” my dad said, stepping closer and resting his hand carefully on my shoulder so he wouldn’t wrinkle the dress, “true love isn’t about guarantees for the future. It’s about choosing, every single day, to stand beside the person who makes your heart beat faster.”

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“And you and Nate choose each other every day,” Zoey added gently as she stood up. “I see the way you look at each other. The way you worry about one another. The way you laugh together. That doesn’t just disappear with time.”

“Besides,” Matthew said, trying to lighten the mood, “Nate already knows exactly what he’s getting himself into.”

Everyone laughed, and even Ginger wagged her tail as if she got the joke. But I could still feel that tight knot in my chest.

“What if I can’t be the wife he deserves?”

“Sweetheart,” Gwen said, stepping closer and gently touching my gloved hand, “you already are everything he needs. I’ve seen how hard he fought for you. Men like Nate don’t do that for just anyone.’

“You’re going to have a beautiful life together,” my mom said, hugging me carefully so she wouldn’t smudge the dress. “You’ll travel the world, maybe give us a few grandchildren, you’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll grow together. And Ginger will be there, taking care of all of you.”

“Just don’t forget about us when you’re off living your fairytale life in London,” my dad joked, though his eyes betrayed a very real fear of losing me to distance.

“Never,” I promised, tears starting to pool as I blinked fast to protect my makeup. “You’re my foundation. You always will be.”

Suddenly, the emotion became too much. The affection, the future plans, and everyone’s absolute certainty about my happiness. It felt like the weight of all those expectations had landed on my shoulders at once. Ginger sensed my distress and moved closer, resting her head against my knee.

“Can I… can I have a minute alone?” I asked, trying to steady my breathing as it started to quicken. “Just to calm down.”

“Of course, my love,” my mom said immediately. “We’ll step outside for a bit.”

“Annie,” my dad said, coming closer one last time and kissing my forehead carefully, “don’t be afraid of the future. It already belongs to you.”

“I love you, little sister,” Matthew said, giving me a careful side hug. “And Nate loves you too. And Ginger does too. That’s all that matters.”

“You’re going to be the most beautiful bride this church has ever seen,” Gwen added, squeezing my hand before following the others out. “And with the best four-legged maid of honor.”

One by one, they left the room, each of them leaving behind words of love and encouragement I knew I’d carry with me forever. Zoey was the last to move, but Ginger stayed right by my side, as if she knew I still needed her.

“Zoey,” I called softly.

She turned back immediately, stepping closer and taking my hands gently in hers, while Ginger positioned herself between us.

“Everything is going to be okay,” she said with that unshakable confidence only older sisters seem to have. Your future is beautiful, Annie. You deserve to be happy. You deserve Nate, and he deserves you.”

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I took a deep breath, stroking Ginger with one hand while holding Zoey’s with the other. Some of the tension eased, but there was still something gnawing at me.

“Zoey,” I said, meeting her eyes, “I can’t walk into that church without doing one thing first. I need to talk to Nate.”

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