Hired a Gigolo Got a Billionaire (Zoey and Christian) novel Chapter 48

Chapter 48

I closed the door to the guest room and collapsed onto the bed, physically and emotionally drained. I needed to talk to someone who would understand my situation, someone who knew me better than I knew myself. I grabbed my phone and dialed the number that was more familiar to me than my own.

“Zoey!” Annabelle’s voice exploded on the other end after just two rings. “What the hell is this insane message about marriage? Are you drunk? High? Kidnapped?”

I couldn’t help a tired smile, even in the middle of all the turmoil.

“None of the above. I’m perfectly sober and acting of my own free will.”

“So you’re marrying a man who, by your own admission, you don’t love?” My sister’s incredulous tone made me close my eyes for a moment.

“Exactly.”

“And you say I’m the confused one in this family.” I could practically see Annabelle rolling her eyes through the phone. “Zoey, you need to make up your mind. Either you love him and marry him, or you don’t love him and move on. Normal people don’t marry people they don’t love!”

I sighed, staring up at the ornate ceiling.

“Normal people also don’t get hired to pretend to be billionaires’ fiancées,” I shot back. “I think we passed the point of ‘normal’ a long time ago.”

“Fair.” She let out a laugh. “But still, marriage? Like, real marriage, with papers and everything?”

“Yes. Next weekend.”

For a rare moment, Annabelle was silent.

“Is there a very good reason for this madness?” she finally asked, her voice softer.

A lump formed in my throat.

“Christian helped me when I needed it most, Annie. He went with me to Alex’s wedding. He paid off Dad’s debt.” I swallowed hard. “Now it’s my turn to help him. And it’s not even really for him-it’s for his grandfather.”

“His grandfather?” Curiosity colored her voice.

“He’s sick, Annie. Serious heart condition.”

“Oh.” Another pause. “I’m sorry.”

“He needs surgery within the next six months. And the family has this bizarre tradition: Christian can only take control of the winery if he’s married.”

“So you’re going to marry him for six months, until he secures the winery and his grandfather recovers?” she summed up,

“Basically.”

“And after that?”

“What are your intentions with my daughter?”” Annie mimicked our father’s deep, serious voice perfectly.

“That’s exactly what I’m worried about,” I confessed. “What if Dad finds out the debt was paid because of this crazy agreement?”

“Oh, I know. I also know Matthew is going to ask why it took you so long to say yes to the guy.”

I couldn’t help but laugh, even with all the anxiety knotting in my chest.

“You’re not helping, Annie.”

“I’m not trying to help. I’m making sure I have front row seats to this circus you call your life.”

The conversation went on for a few more minutes, Annie alternating between teasing me and asking genuinely concerned questions about my plans. By the time we hung up, it was already deep into the night, but sleep didn’t come easily. My mind was crowded with thoughts of what the next few days would bring.

The following morning arrived in a whirlwind of activity that transformed the mansion. I had barely finished my coffee when the doorbell rang, announcing the arrival of a flawlessly dressed woman who introduced herself as Vivian, the Kensington family’s wedding planner.

“Miss Bennett! At last, we meet!” she exclaimed, shaking my hand enthusiastically while her assistant carried in three massive folders. “Christian called me last night. A wedding in six days! An absolutely delicious challenge!”

I glanced at Christian, who appeared in the room behind her, a coffee cup in hand, his expression a mix of amusement and apology.

“Vivian has organized every important family event for the last fifteen years,” he explained, settling on the sofa. I thought we’d need professional help.”