Hired a Gigolo Got a Billionaire (Zoey and Christian) novel Chapter 46

Chapter 46

“Mr. Kensington,” Dr. Mendes began, adjusting his glasses, “your grandfather suffered an angina episode, but we managed to stabilize him. The tests confirm the diagnosis made by the specialists in Ravona.”

Christian remained motionless, only the tight line of his jaw betraying the storm of emotions raging inside him.

“The coronary obstruction requires surgical intervention,” the doctor continued. “However, there is no need to act with extreme urgency. We can schedule the surgery within six months, giving us time to strengthen his body and increase the chances of success.”

“And the risks remain the same?” Christian asked. His voice was steady, professional, but I could hear the fragility underneath.

“They are considerable, given his age and condition.” Dr. Mendes paused. “But with proper preparation over the next few months, we can mitigate some of those risks. What’s important now is to keep him calm, free from stress, and strictly following the prescribed medications and care.”

I felt Christian ease slightly beside me. Six months. A window of hope-time to prepare.

“He’s conscious now and asked to see you,” the doctor added. “A short visit, please. Avoid any topics that could agitate him.”

Christian nodded, and the doctor led us through silent corridors to a private room. Joseph was reclined in bed, his usually ruddy face pale, various monitors tracking his heart.

Yet when he saw us, a smile lit his features.

“Ah, the two of you together.” His voice was hoarse, but his eyes sparkled with life. “My favorite sight.”

Christian stepped closer, bending down to kiss his grandfather’s forehead with a tenderness I never imagined he was capable of.

“How are you feeling, Grandpa?”

“Like I danced all night with a twenty-year-old.” Joseph answered with a trace of his old humor. “Exhausted, but satisfied.”

I approached timidly, uncertain of my place in such an intimate moment. Joseph extended his hand toward me, his fingers cold yet surprisingly firm as they clasped mine.

“My dear, I’m so glad you’re here.” His blue eyes, so much like Christian’s, gleamed. “I must have frightened you on your very first day back.”

“What matters is that you’re better now,” I replied softly.

Joseph looked at us both, something melancholy in his expression.

“They told me about the surgery. Six months to prepare, to strengthen this old heart.” His gaze turned resolute. ” Time enough to see you two married, isn’t it?”

A lump formed in my throat. The guilt over our deception pressed on me like a physical weight. I glanced at Christian and saw the same conflict mirrored in his eyes.

“Grandpa…” he began, but a knock at the door cut him off.

Dr. Mendes appeared in the doorway.

“Sorry to interrupt, but we need to discuss some details of your treatment regimen, Mr. Kensington.” He looked at Christian. “In private, if possible.”

Christian hesitated, glancing at me.

“Go,” I encouraged. “I’ll stay with your grandfather.”

When the door closed behind them, a comfortable silence settled over the room. Joseph studied me with that piercing gaze that seemed to see far beyond appearances.

“You know, my dear,” he began, shifting slightly in bed, “I’ve never seen my grandson look at anyone the way he looks at you.”

I looked away, unable to hold his gaze. How could I? Everything between Christian and me was a carefully crafted lie.

“You must be mistaken,” I murmured.

“And then you appeared.” Joseph’s smile returned, brighter this time. “A young woman who seems to see beyond the walls he built.”

“I’m not…” I began, but the words died in my throat. What was I not? Special? Important to Christian? Or simply not who Joseph believed me to be?

“Of course you are.” He clasped my hand again. “We can all see how he changes when you’re around. How he lowers his guard.”

A tear slipped free, trailing down my cheek. Joseph noticed, his eyes softening even more.

“You love him, don’t you?”

The question caught me completely off guard. Did I love Christian? The arrogant man who had hired me for a business arrangement? The vulnerable man who cared deeply for his grandfather and the future of hundreds of families? The complex man, full of contradictions, whom I had only just begun to glimpse beneath the masks?

Before I could form an answer, the door opened. Christian returned, looking drained after his talk with the doctor. His eyes went straight to mine, noticing the shimmer of tears.

“Are you alright?” he asked, stepping toward me quickly.

Joseph answered for me, a sly smile tugging at his pale lips.

“Yes, yes. We were just talking about the wedding date.”

Christian froze, panic flashing across his face. I saw the conflict in his eyes the need for honesty warring with the desire to protect his grandfather.

“Actually, Grandpa…” he began, his tone full of confession.

I acted on impulse, without thinking of the consequences.

“Next weekend,” I interrupted, my voice steady despite the tremor in my chest. “That should be enough time. I already have a dress.”