Hired a Gigolo Got a Billionaire (Zoey and Christian) novel Chapter 90

Chapter 90

The main hall looked even more crowded by the time Annie and I came down. The string quartet’s music had

been replaced by a livelier playlist, and several guests were moving across the makeshift dance floor. Joseph was surrounded by a group of older men, gesturing animatedly as he told what must have been a hilarious story, judging by the bursts of laughter around him.

The chandeliers glittered off the women’s expensive jewelry, scattering tiny constellations of light across the walls as they moved. Several faces turned discreetly in our direction as we descended the stairs-some curious, others evaluative. Being the new Mrs. Kensington meant being constantly under scrutiny, something I still wasn’t entirely used to.

“There’s Marcus,” Annabelle said, nodding discreetly toward a corner of the hall where he was talking with two men in suits. “I’ll… see if he needs assistance with something.”

“I’m sure he’s desperate for your help,” I remarked sarcastically.

Annabelle only smiled, strategically adjusting her neckline.

“Don’t wait up for me,” she whispered with a wink before slipping away.

I watched my sister glide across the room, weaving elegantly between guests. There was always something fascinating about her confidence-the way she moved through the world as though every space already belonged to her.

The nausea had subsided, but in its place was a deep fatigue that made my limbs feel like lead. The thought of smiling and making small talk for a few more hours seemed nearly impossible. I raised a hand to my temple, massaging lightly, trying to stave off the dull headache that was beginning to form.

“Feeling better?”

Christian’s voice, close to my ear, startled me. I turned to find him watching me intently, concern clear in his eyes.

“Yes, much better,” I answered, trying to sound convincing.

“Are you sure?” He touched my face gently, his fingers brushing my cheek. “You’re pale.”

The gesture was so tender, so protective, that a lump rose in my throat. It was hard to remember, in moments like this, that our marriage had begun as a business arrangement. And that it would probably end as one.

“I’m fine, really.” I smiled, covering his hand with mine. “Just a passing queasiness.”

Christian nodded, though he didn’t look entirely convinced. His hand slid down to my waist, keeping me close as if he feared I might collapse at any moment.

“Speaking of queasiness…” A mischievous smile tugged at his lips. “I heard something about you decorating Elise’s shoes in a rather… expressive fashion.”

Heat rushed to my cheeks.

“News travels fast in this house.”

“One of the waiters saw her leaving the restroom barefoot and cursing.” Christian looked like he was struggling not to laugh. “The rest wasn’t hard to piece together, especially when she stormed out of the party without saying goodbye to anyone.’

“It was an accident,” I explained, mortified. “She was… being Elise, and I just…’

“Had the most natural reaction possible?” he finished, now grinning openly. “I’d say you deserve a medal for holding out as long as you did without an incident.”

“I just did what needed to be done,” I said, looking away, uncomfortable under the weight of his praise.

“And that’s exactly what makes you extraordinary.” He leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead. “Now, unfortunately, I need to finish up with those investors. Will you be all right on your own for a few minutes?”

“Of course.” I forced a reassuring smile. “I’ll mingle a bit, play the good hostess.”

Christian hesitated, as if reluctant to leave.

“Don’t push yourself. If you feel anything, find me immediately.”

“Yes, sir,” I teased, giving him a small salute.

He smiled, squeezing my hand once more before heading toward a group of men near the makeshift bar.

I drew a deep breath, suddenly feeling strangely vulnerable without Christian at my side. The vast hall seemed oppressive now, full of people whose wealth and sophistication made my expensive gown feel like an inadequate disguise.

Several unfamiliar faces sized me up as I moved through the crowd, like spectators at a zoo studying a new exhibit. Maybe they were wondering how an ordinary girl like me had managed to capture the most eligible bachelor in the wine world. Or maybe they were just curious about the woman who had made the distant, reserved Christian Kensington smile-something that, from what I understood, was a rare event before our marriage.

“Ah, the beautiful wife, finally alone.”