Hired a Gigolo Got a Billionaire (Zoey and Christian) novel Chapter 57

Chapter 57

Christian’s eyes never left mine as I walked down the aisle, my father at my side. The mix of emotions on his face was indescribable-surprise, admiration, and something deeper I couldn’t quite name. When I finally reached the altar, my father gave my hand one last squeeze before placing it in Christian’s.

“You are the most beautiful-and most unexpected-bride I’ve ever seen,” he whispered, his genuine smile lighting up his eyes.

“I thought it suited the Kensington wine theme,” I replied, trying to sound casual despite my racing heart.

Christian chuckled softly, a sound only I could hear.

“Always surprising, Zoey Bennett. That’s what I admire most about you. I never know what to expect-only that it will be extraordinary.”

The officiant began the ceremony, his calm voice echoing between the vines. The afternoon sun cast a golden glow over us, creating an almost magical atmosphere. I kept my gaze fixed on Christian, afraid to glance at the crowd and see Isabelle and Francesca’s disapproving faces-or Elise’s smug smile.

When it was time for the vows, Christian surprised me again. Instead of reciting something generic and rehearsed, he spoke straight from the heart, without notes.

“Zoey, when you walked into my life, it was like a storm-unexpected, powerful, and utterly impossible to ignore. “His voice was steady, but his eyes betrayed genuine emotion. “You’ve challenged every convention, questioned every certainty I had, and somehow, you’ve become the most constant person in my chaotic world. I admire your courage, your authenticity, your ability to turn the unexpected into something extraordinary.” His gaze swept over my one-of-a-kind dress, a small smile tugging at his lips. “I promise to honor you, respect you, and support in every dream and every crazy adventure you decide to embark on. I promise to be your safe harbor when the world feels too heavy, and your biggest fan when you shine-which happens every single time you walk into a room.”

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Tears slipped down my cheeks. His words felt far too sincere for an arrangement, far too tender for a business contract. When it was my turn, I opened my mouth, but no sound came out. The vows I had rehearsed felt inadequate, pitiful next to his.

“I…” I tried again, but the tears now flowed freely. “I don’t…”

The crowd laughed gently, and Christian squeezed my hands, encouraging me with his gaze.

“I think what I’m trying to say is… yes. Yes to all of it.” It was all I managed, drawing warm laughter and smiles from the guests.

When the officiant declared us husband and wife, Christian hesitated for a heartbeat. His eyes met mine, a silent question hovering between us. Suddenly, Annabelle’s words at the pool flashed in my mind: Live every day as if it were real.

So I silenced every doubt, every fear, every wall I had built and leaned in. Christian understood instantly, pulling me closer, his lips meeting mine in a kiss that was anything but staged. It was real, deep, almost desperate—as if both of us were trying to say something words could never capture.

The eruption of applause pulled us back to reality. When we finally pulled apart, both slightly breathless, I caught a glimmer in Christian’s eyes I had never seen before. An unspoken promise. A possibility we didn’t dare name.

The reception was held in the mansion’s grand hall, transformed into a paradise of lights and flowers. Joseph was the first to greet us, his eyes shining with genuine joy.

Across the hall, I caught sight of Elise in a corner, her face a mask of poorly disguised irritation. Alex stood beside her, his eyes fixed on me with an expression that wavered between confusion and something that looked unsettlingly like regret. For a brief moment, our gazes locked-and I realized, with surprise, that I felt nothing. No hurt, no anger, no longing. Just emptiness. Indifference, as if I were looking at a stranger.

The night blurred into champagne, music, and endless well-wishes. Christian stayed close to me the entire time, his hand brushing mine now and then, his eyes finding mine in the crowd as though we were sharing a secret no one else could possibly understand.

When the celebration began to wind down, Joseph called for everyone’s attention, lifting his glass for a final toast.

“To the bride and groom!” he declared, his voice strong despite his frailty. “And to the gift I have the honor of giving them.”

With a gesture, he handed Christian an envelope. Christian opened it, his eyes widening slightly.

“I hope our new Kensington’s passport is up to date,” Joseph went on, grinning broadly. “Because tomorrow, you’ll be leaving for Montelira. The family estate is ready to welcome you for a proper Valentian honeymoon!”

Christian turned to me, a silent question in his eyes. I smiled in return, raising my own glass.

“To Valentia,” I toasted, deciding that—at least for tonight-I would follow Annabelle’s advice.

I would live as if it were real. As if this marriage weren’t just a contract. As if the man beside me, now officially my husband, might one day feel for me what I, against all my own warnings, was already beginning to feel for him.