Hired a Gigolo Got a Billionaire (Zoey and Christian) novel Chapter 78

The sound of the shower drifted from the bathroom as I stared up the ornate ceiling of the bedroom. Christian had said he was going to take a long shower before bed. Something about “needing to think” after our night under the stars.

Our conversation about children and the future still unsettled me. The casual way he’d spoken about not having heirs, about how business and family didn’t mix… so many certainties for someone still so young.

I grabbed my phone and, without thinking too much, dialed the number I knew by heart. After three rings, my sister’s sleepy voice answered on the other end.

“Hello?” Annabelle mumbled, sounding like she’d just been dragged from a dream.

“Annie? It’s me, Zoey.”

“Zoey?” Her voice immediately sharpened, more awake. “Do you realize what time it is here?”

My eyes widened as I quickly calculated the time difference.

“Oh my God, sorry! It’s… five in the morning there?”

“Four forty-two, but who’s counting?” She yawned loudly. “I hope you’re calling because you ran off with some Valentian count and need money for plane tickets.”

I laughed, and only then realized how much I missed her.

“Not exactly. Still with the same billionaire as before.”

“What a disappointment.” I heard her shifting in bed. “So, how’s the land of pasta and the mafia?”

“Annie! It’s not like that.”

“Of course it is. I’ve watched Valentian Godfather at least three times.” She paused. “Seriously though, how’s it going? Mom says you only send vague messages about ‘enjoying the trip.’ I need details, woman! How many Valentians have tried to seduce you so far? Is the accent as sexy as in the movies?”

The speed at which Annie could go from groggy to insatiably curious always amazed me.

“Actually, I haven’t had much contact with Valentians besides the villa staff.”

“Wait-you’re in a villa? Like, an actual old Valentian mansion?”

“Something like that.” I smiled to myself. “There are even frescoes on the bedroom ceiling.”

“Okay, now you’re just showing off.”

I let out a soft laugh.

“It’s beautiful here, Annie. Really. Like a postcard. Vineyards as far as the eye can see, rolling hills, medieval villages…”

“Lovely, but I want the important stuff: how are things with Mr. Rich and Hot? Have you two… you know…”

“Annie!”

“What? It’s a valid question! You’re on a honeymoon in Valentia! If you’re not breaking the bed, you’re doing it wrong.”

Heat rose to my cheeks, and I was grateful she couldn’t see me.

“Things are… complicated.”

Something in my tone must have triggered her sister radar, because her voice immediately turned serious.

“What happened? Did he do something? Because I can hop on a plane and kick that billionaire ass of his if I need to.”

“If you’re thinking of someone absolutely delicious, then yes, probably,” she laughed. “Relax, sis. I’m not looking for a husband.”

“I wasn’t either! But I’m not dumb enough to mistake a billionaire for a gigolo.”

I rolled my eyes, trying not to laugh.

“Just be careful, okay? I don’t want you to get hurt.”

“Aww, you’re worrying about me when I should be worrying about you.” Her voice softened. “Zoey, just… be honest with yourself, okay? If you’re falling for him, admit it. Don’t pretend it’s just business.”

“It’s not that simple.” I kept my voice low, conscious of the shower still running. “He lives in a world so different from mine, Annie. His family is… complicated.”

“All families are complicated. Ours is the poster child for chaos.”

“Not like his.” I thought of Isabelle, of Lawrence, of Francesca. “And there’s more…”

I told her about our conversation under the stars, about how Christian had practically dismissed the idea of children, about how he seemed to view the winery as his only legacy.

“Hmm.” Annie was thoughtful for a moment. “So he flat-out said he doesn’t want kids?”

“Not exactly. He said he doesn’t want to have a child just to ‘fulfill some dynastic expectation’ and that he’s not sure he wants to ‘risk passing it on.’

“That’s not a definitive ‘no,’ Zoey. That sounds more like a guy with unresolved family issues than someone who hates kids.”

“Maybe.” I wasn’t convinced. “Either way, it’s not like it matters. Our deal has an expiration date.”

“Unless you two decide it doesn’t.”