The CEO's Contractual Wife

Chapter 1

I slumped against the passenger seat as Ryan’s car cruised through the palm-lined streets of Los Angeles.

My eyelids felt heavy after a twelve-hour shift at Carter Enterprises. The quarterly marketing campaign required us all to work overtime, and as a junior marketing executive, I was stuck with weekend work.

“You still with me, babe?” Ryan glanced over, his perfectly styled dark hair catching the sunset’s glow.

“Barely.” I stifled a yawn. “Remind me why we’re going to this party when I could be face-planting into my pillow right now?”

“Because Sophia would kill you if you missed her birthday.” He reached over and squeezed my knee. “And because you look stunning in that dress I bought for you.”

I glanced down at the black cocktail dress he’d insisted I wear. The neckline plunged lower than I’d normally choose, and the hemline rode high enough to make me self-conscious every time I sat down.

Ryan had shown up at my apartment with the dress in a boutique bag, eyes gleaming with anticipation as I’d tried it

“I still think it’s a bit much for a birthday party,” I tugged at the fabric, trying to cover more of my chest.

“Liv, we’ve been dating for two years. I know what looks good on you better than you do. Trust me, every guy at this party will wish he was me tonight.”

“Is that what this is about? Marking your territory?”

“Can you blame me?” He winked as he turned onto Sophia’s street, where luxury cars lined both sides.

Sophia’s recently purchased triplex stood illuminated against the darkening sky, music pulsing from within. For some- one only turning twenty-five, she’d done remarkably well for herself in real estate development.

Ryan found a spot half a block away and cut the engine. “Ready to make an entrance, Ms. Morgan?”

“As I’ll ever be.” I grabbed my purse and the gift bag containing the vintage champagne Ryan had suggested we bring.

The cool evening air hit my bare shoulders as I stepped out of the car, making me shiver. Ryan’s arm slid around my waist, his hand resting dangerously low on my hip.

“See? Worth getting dressed up for.” He nodded toward the house. “This place is insane.”

lights had been strung through the palm

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Chapter 1

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in a

me away,”

looking delicious as always.” She air-kissed his cheeks. “Come in, come in! Everyone’s already

which opened to a massive great room where at least

already scanning

strongest thing they’ve

“That’s my

toward the bar setup, I heard a familiar squeal from across

get your

sofa. My best friend since college was already flushed from alcohol,

guests to reach her. “How long

pulled back, holding me at arm’s length to examine my outfit. “Holy

cheeks warm. “Is

for eight years, and you’ve never willingly shown that much cleavage.” She smirked. “Not that I’m complaining. If I had your

I

danced with mischief as she took another sip of her drink. “By the way, have you seen our birthday girl? I swear she was

the crowded room. “No, actually. Where did Ryan go? He was

back lawn earlier.” Emilia shrugged. “Or he could be sneak-

months ago. If I catch him smoking after all that ‘I’m done with nico- tine forever, baby’ bullshit, I’ll kill him

about the stupidest things. Like, just admit you still

him,” I said, tugging at my dress, which had ridden up

I’m putting it on his

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glass. “I’ll be right here judging everyone’s outfit

crowded living room, nodding at half-familiar faces from past gatherings.

No Ryan.

drinking games with shots and ping pong balls. No Ryan among