Semua Bab Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire: Bab 421 - Bab 430

Madeline's POV That kiss was not an invitation. It was a claim. A mark of possession I hadn't realized how badly I needed until his lips moved over mine with a fierce, possessive hunger that stole my breath. Every doubt, every shard of insecurity that had eaten at me just minutes earlier melted away in the heat of his mouth, replaced by something deeper and more primal. A need so intense it made me tremble in his arms. When he lifted me and set me down on the cold kitchen counter, a shiver raced down my spine. The icy granite against the bare skin of my back and the burning heat of his body pressed in front of me created a contrast that was both delicious and torturous. He fit perfectly between my legs, and I wrapped my jeans-clad thighs around his waist, pulling him closer, desperate to erase even the smallest space between us. "Marcus," I whispered his name again, but it was less a call and more a surrender. An acknowledgment of the power he held over every fiber of my being.

Madeline's POV Margaret had worked miracles. When Annie and Nate arrived at eight that evening, the apartment was spotless, and the rich, comforting aroma of porcini mushroom risotto filled the air. Marcus and I were both ready. He wore a dark blue dress shirt that made his eyes stand out, and I had on a black dress that softly skimmed my belly. "Madeline!" Annie exclaimed the moment the door opened, pulling me into a warm hug that had to be carefully negotiated to accommodate both of our bellies. Seeing Annie in person after months apart was surprising. She was glowing, that unmistakable pregnancy radiance, but she was also visibly bigger than I remembered. At thirty-five weeks, her belly was impressive, and she moved with the careful grace of someone long accustomed to carrying extra weight. Nate stayed close to her, one hand always protectively at her back or ready to support her as she sat down. There was something deeply touching about the way he anticipated her every move

Madeline's POV Annie and Nate said their goodbyes with promises to see us again before their baby was born. Annie pulled me into a long hug and whispered in my ear, "Think about what I said," before leaving with Nate, who carefully carried her bag and offered his arm whenever she needed help stepping down or keeping her balance. Small gestures of care that spoke of months of practice, of a love that had adapted to the needs of pregnancy. The moment the door closed, the tension in the apartment shifted completely. Marcus came up behind me as I gathered the glasses from the coffee table, his hands settling at my waist. "Finally alone," he murmured against my neck, his lips brushing the sensitive skin just below my ear. His touch still triggered the same electric response, my body reacting instantly to his closeness. I felt that familiar heat spread through my chest, pregnancy hormones making every touch feel stronger, more urgent. But this time, something inside me resisted. My c

Madeline's POV It was almost two in the morning when I finally admitted to myself that I wasn't going to sleep. I'd been lying in bed for hours, replaying the fight with Marcus in my head, dissecting every word, every shift in tone, every flash of pain that crossed his face when I said we didn't even know if the baby was his. The apartment felt too quiet. Marcus was in the guest room, probably sleeping just fine while I spiraled in circles with my thoughts. I got out of bed and walked to the window, staring down at the empty streets of Florentia under the yellow glow of the streetlights. The city slept peacefully while I burned up with doubt and insecurity. I grabbed my phone and called Olivia. It rang several times before she answered, her voice sleepy and confused. "Madeline? It's two in the morning. Is everything okay?" "Can I come over?" I asked without preamble, my voice betraying the desperation I felt. "Of course. What happened?" "I fought with Marcus. I couldn't

Marcus' POV I arrived at the hospital with my heart still racing from my conversation with Mia and the box of fudge balls I'd bought earlier for breakfast. The chocolate was only part of my apology plan. The speech I'd rehearsed the entire way there was the most important part. I needed Madeline to understand that, despite my limits and my fear of opening up completely, I was committed to her and to our family. The hospital lobby was busy, as always, but something in the atmosphere immediately caught my attention. A small group of staff members stood near the elevators, speaking in hushed voices with worried expressions. A maintenance technician was kneeling in front of one of the elevator doors, working on an open panel. I headed toward reception to ask about the appointment when a voice came over the intercom near the elevators. Someone was speaking in Valentian, gentle and calm, clearly trying to soothe whoever was on the other end. "Non ti preoccupare, va tutto bene. Respir