Hired a Gigolo Got a Billionaire (Zoey and Christian) novel Chapter 382

Chapter 382

Madeline’s POV

Friday night. The same ritual as always: dinner at my parents’ house. A tradition that used to comfort me, but

felt like a prison disguised as family routine. From the moment I left my apartment, I could already feel the weight settling in my chest, that suffocating sensation of playing a role in a play I couldn’t escape.

When the housekeeper led me into the living room, I found my parents settled into their Italian leather sofas, chatting animatedly with someone whose voice alone made me want to throw up, and it had nothing to do with the pregnancy. Dominic was there, comfortably seated in the armchair my father usually reserved for special guests, as if he were already a natural part of the family.

It wasn’t unusual for him to show up at Friday dinners, but there was something different in his expression that night. Like he was savoring something in advance… something I had no idea about. His eyes met mine the moment I stepped into the room, and the smile he gave me made my stomach twist.

“Madeline, sweetheart!” My mother stood to greet me with the usual kisses on the cheek. “I’m so glad you’re here. We were just talking about the final wedding preparations.”

“Of course you were,” I murmured, accepting Dominic’s kiss when he leaned in.

“You look beautiful,” he whispered in my ear, his hands lingering at my waist longer than necessary.

Dinner was served in the formal dining room, the table set with the porcelain my mother saved for special occasions. Elaborate dishes prepared by the cook, expensive wine, conversations drifting between business, social commitments, and casual questions about my health.

“How are you feeling, honey?” my father asked as he cut into his salmon. “You’ve looked a little pale lately.”

“I’m fine,” I replied automatically, pushing food around my plate. Every bite tasted metallic. Every forced smile made my face ache.

“Wedding stress,” my mother commented, pouring Dominic more wine. “It’s normal. I was the same way before my wedding.”

“Thankfully, it’s almost over,” Dominic said, and something in his tone made me look at him. “Soon all the preparations will be finished, and we can focus on what really matters.”

The conversation drifted through safe topics like the weather, my father’s business, and the renovations my mother wanted to do at the country house. I participated mechanically, offering short, hollow answers.

It was halfway through dessert when Dominic laced his fingers with mine on top of the table. The gesture caught me off guard, and when I looked at him, I saw that predatory expression again.

‘Actually,” he said, his voice taking on a theatrical flair that drew everyone’s attention, “I have an important announcement to make.”

My heart stopped. I knew exactly what was coming, and the way he’d orchestrated the moment made it clear nothing about this was spontaneous.

“Madeline is pregnant.”

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The world tilted. For a moment, I could only stare at Dominic’s satisfied face, processing the fact that Vivian had told him before I had. Not that I’d wanted some grand romantic reveal. On the contrary, I just needed to know how and when to say it myself. But there it was. Once again, Vivian was suffocating me in every possible aspect of my life.

h

h my God!” My mother dropped her dessert spoon, pressing her hands to her chest. “Madeline! Why didn’t you tell us sooner?”

“That’s wonderful!” my father stood and pulled me into a hug. “How long have you known?”

“I only took a pharmacy test,” I managed, trying to keep my voice steady. “I haven’t been to the doctor yet to confirm anything officially or get the details.”

“Don’t worry,” Dominic said smoothly, but there was absolute control beneath his calm tone. “Vivian has already taken care of everything. Your first appointment is scheduled for tomorrow morning. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to go because of work commitments, but she’ll go with you.”

Of course she would. Vivian was stepping in again. Taking control. Inserting herself into every aspect of my pregnancy as if she were the mother. Not out of care, but out of surveillance. Possession.

“It’s good to know Vivian cares so much,” I said before I could stop myself, the irony slipping into my voice.

Dominic looked straight at me, and there was something cold in his eyes.

“Of course she cares. Just like I do,” he said. “We don’t want anything getting out of control with this pregnancy, do we?”

The question hung in the air, heavy with subtext. My parents, oblivious to the tension, kept asking about dates and symptoms, but I barely heard them. My focus was locked on Dominic’s gaze, on the way he’d emphasized the words ‘control’ and ‘we.’

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‘After all,” he went on, softening his tone as if he were making casual conversation, “any abnormality or complication needs to be identified early. It’s important to find out quickly if the baby has any condition that might… I don’t know… affect eye color. Or life.”

He knew. Or at least he suspected.

The reference to eye color wasn’t casual. It was a message meant only for me. It was a clear warning. If the baby was born with features that didn’t match his, there would be consequences.

“It’s a good thing prenatal care catches so much early nowadays,” my mother said, completely unaware of what had just been said. “And treatments are very effective. Madeline has always been healthy. She’ll take great care of this baby.”

“We will,” Dominic corrected, his eyes never leaving mine. “We will take care of it.”

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