Chapter 4 My gigolo adores me

If Serena thought the wedding reception was over-the-top, nothing could have prepared her for the place Jake brought her to afterward. A lavish penthouse perched atop the Rosemont Hotel, complete with sweeping views of the glittering city skyline, a private infinity pool, and décor that practically whispered wealth in every polished detail. She stood there, completely awestruck, feeling like an extra who had accidentally wandered onto a film set meant for someone else.

“Heavens…” she whispered, turning slowly in the center of the massive living area, trying to absorb it all. The enormous minibar stocked with bottles she couldn’t even pronounce, a sectional sofa that could swallow her old bedroom whole, and a chandelier that probably cost more than everything she owned combined. She didn’t even have a car, but if she did, this light fixture would still outshine it. And then there was the glowing pool, its blue light dancing across the water like something from a dream.

“This is crazy,” she said, half-laughing, half-stunned. “How do you even manage a place like this? If you treat every client to this level of luxury, you’d be broke in a week.”

Jake chuckled, that rich, easy sound cutting through the quiet night air and momentarily easing the heavy ache that had settled in her chest since watching Ethan stand beside Amelia at the altar.

“I know the right people,” he replied with a casual shrug.

Serena narrowed her eyes, suspicion creeping in. A gigolo with keys to the most expensive penthouse in the city? He was still selling the fantasy even now. “Right. You ‘know the right people.’” She made air quotes with her fingers. “Keeping the mysterious rich-guy act going even when it’s just us? You’re dedicated, I’ll give you that.”

He offered only a small, enigmatic smile in response, which did nothing to settle her doubts. For a brief moment, she wondered what kind of man could move so comfortably in a world like this.

But the questions faded quickly. The private pool shimmered invitingly under the soft lights, and she needed anything—anything at all—to push away the memories clawing at her. Ethan’s lips on Amelia’s. The promises he broke. The future she had planned that crumbled overnight. Without giving herself time to overthink, she slipped off her heels, reached for the zipper of her dress, and let the fabric slide down her body. The cool night air kissed her skin as the black lace lingerie caught the glow from the pool.

Jake let out a low appreciative sound, his gaze moving over her slowly.

“Stunning.”

She tried for a playful glance, though it probably came out strained. “What?”

He tilted his head, eyes warm with something deeper than simple desire. “I’m beginning to think I got the better end of this arrangement.”

Serena rolled her eyes but felt the corners of her mouth lift anyway—a smile that didn’t quite reach her heart. Then she stepped to the edge and dove in.

The water embraced her perfectly, warm and soothing, easing the tension in her shoulders as she glided beneath the surface. When she came up for air, the city lights sparkled on the horizon like scattered stars. “This feels incredible!” she called out, forcing enthusiasm into her voice while she trailed her fingers through the rippling water.

Inside, though, the knot in her chest remained frozen. The luxury, the warmth, the breathtaking view—none of it could touch the cold reality still lodged there. Even with this gorgeous man watching her, her thoughts kept drifting back to Ethan. The way he had looked at her during the ceremony, surprise flickering across his face. He had expected her to fall apart completely. To stay hidden. To keep grieving in silence.

And she had been grieving. Every night in her childhood bedroom at her parents’ house—the only place she could afford to go back to after everything fell apart. Tears soaking her pillow while she replayed every moment. She had loved him deeply. Trusted him with her future. They had mapped out a life together. Then, without warning, she became disposable.

“You were always so ordinary,” Amelia’s voice echoed in her mind. Ordinary. Boring. Easy to replace. The painful truth was that if Ethan showed up tomorrow begging for another chance, she wasn’t sure she would have the strength to turn him away. That realization made her hate herself even more. Her throat tightened, and heat stung the corners of her eyes.

She couldn’t hold it back any longer. A tear slipped free, disappearing into the pool. Then another. She ducked underwater again, letting the water conceal everything. When she surfaced, she drew in a shaky breath and glanced toward Jake, praying he hadn’t noticed. He was still reclining in one of the lounge chairs, watching her with quiet intensity.

“What?” she asked, swimming closer to the edge and trying to sound light. “Never seen someone actually enjoy themselves?”

A faint, crooked smile touched his lips, but his eyes remained serious. “It’s interesting watching someone react to all this like it’s brand new.”

She frowned. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

He shrugged, already unbuttoning his shirt to reveal a glimpse of his toned chest. “You carry yourself like you’ve never experienced anything close to this before.”

She splashed water in his direction, using irritation to mask the hurt. “Because I haven’t. I don’t know what kind of high-society clients you usually entertain, but in my world, the biggest luxury is keeping the lights on.” She paused, studying him more closely. “Still, you wear the part well. Talking investments and fine wines like you were born to it. How does someone in your line of work pull that off so naturally?”

And how do you manage to distract me, even for a minute, from the nights I cry until I can’t breathe anymore? The thought stayed locked inside.

He held her gaze for a long moment, as if he could see past every defense she had built. “I like who you are, Serena.”

“Who doesn’t?” she replied quickly, but her voice wavered on the last word. Ethan hadn’t. Amelia certainly hadn’t. No one seemed to want the real her for long.

Jake’s smile turned thoughtful. “You’re also surprisingly humble.” He waited a beat before continuing, “But I get the feeling you’re trying hard to prove something tonight… or maybe to escape it.”

His words landed sharply. For a second she considered climbing out, grabbing her dress, and bolting. But back to what? Her parents’ house and her mother’s worried glances every time she emerged from the bathroom with swollen eyes?

“I’m not proving anything,” she said softly, the lie tasting bitter.

He watched her a little longer, weighing her answer. Then, silently, he finished unbuttoning his shirt and shrugged it off. Her breath caught. If he looked incredible in a tailored suit, shirtless was devastating. Warm golden skin, defined muscles, and scattered tattoos that added an edge to his otherwise refined appearance. Heat stirred low in her belly despite everything.

Lord, help me, she thought. This man is temptation wrapped in muscle. And right now, she needed that temptation to numb the emptiness inside her.

He rolled his sleeves neatly even though he’d removed the shirt, then reached for his belt.

“Wait…” She raised an eyebrow, grasping for some sense of control. “You’re joining me?”

“You did invite company, didn’t you?” There was a gentle note in his voice that felt strangely out of place for the role he was playing.

“I thought you might be the type who refuses to get his hair wet,” she teased.

“And I thought you would have asked me sooner.” His eyes held hers.

Because I’m desperate to feel wanted again, she thought but didn’t say. Instead she simply told him, “Then come in.”