Hired a Gigolo Got a Billionaire (Zoey and Christian) novel Chapter 651

Chapter 651

Gwen’s POV

My discharge took longer than I wanted.

Ten days in the hospital. Ten days of tests, physical therapy, and doctors checking every last detail before they finally cleared me.

But now I was leaving, for real.

Nick helped me into the car with exaggerated care, like I might shatter with one wrong move.

“I’m fine,” I assured him for the tenth time. “You can relax.”

“You literally came out of a medically induced coma a few days ago,” he shot back, reaching across to fasten my seatbelt himself. “I’m going to keep being careful, thanks.”

I smiled despite the frustration simmering under my skin. I hated feeling fragile.

The drive back to the apartment was quiet and smooth. Nick drove slowly, avoiding potholes, keeping the conversation light.

When we pulled up in front of the building, the doorman hurried over.

“Miss Kensington!” he greeted me with a warm smile. “It’s so good to see you back. We were all worried.

“Thank you, Carl,” I said, genuinely touched.

We took the elevator upstairs. Nick still had a steady hand on my arm, as if I might collapse at any

second.

When we reached the apartment door, he paused before unlocking it.

“Ready?” he asked.

“To walk into my own home?” I let out a soft laugh. “I think so.”

He smiled, but there was something odd about it.

He unlocked the door and pushed it open slowly.

The second I stepped across the threshold-

“Surprise!”

The shout exploded from inside the apartment.

I jumped, actually jumped, and a sharp ache shot through my still-tender ribs.

But then I saw them.

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Christian and Zoey stood front and center, grinning like idiots. Annie and Nathaniel right behind them, waving. Marcus with his arm wrapped around Madeline. Matthew raising a wineglass in salute. Mia and Dante arguing about something. Bella bouncing in place. Martina discreetly wiping away tears. Paula smiling softly.

And then, to my complete shock and overwhelming emotion, my mother was sitting on the couch.

Beside Grandpa Joseph.

“Mom?” I managed, my voice catching. “Grandpa?”

My mother was already on her feet, crossing the room in quick steps.

“My girl,” she said, wrapping me in a careful but tight hug. “My brave, stubborn girl.”

“I didn’t know you were coming,” I whispered against her shoulder.

“Christian called,” she explained, pulling back to cup my face, brushing her fingers gently over my cheek. I took the first flight out.”

Grandpa approached more slowly, leaning on his elegant cane.

“Gwen,” he said in that raspy voice I had known my whole life. “Always getting yourself into trouble, huh?”

But his eyes were shining with unshed tears.

I leaned in carefully and kissed his wrinkled cheek.

I’m sorry for scaring everyone,” I said to the group.

“Nonsense,” Zoey declared, pulling me into another hug. “Just don’t do it again.”

Bella couldn’t wait another second. She ran at me and practically launched herself into my arms.

‘Gwen!” she squealed. “You’re really awake! You’re not going back to sleep, right?”

I laughed, stroking her hair.

“I’m not going back to sleep, sweetheart. I promise. Nothing but normal sleep from now on.

The living room was filled with flowers. The dining table was set with enough food to feed a small army.

“You guys did all this?” I asked, still trying to take it in.

“Zoey coordinated,” Christian admitted. “We just followed orders.”

“Someone had to,” Zoey said with mock modesty “And you know I love a good party.”

‘Actually, she just loves bossing people around,” Annie muttered, rolling her eyes.

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