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.”

palm trees. The front door stood open,

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Chapter 1

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made it!” Sophia appeared in the doorway, resplendent in a gold sequined dress. “I was starting to think

work tried its best to keep me away,” I laughed, accepting her

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

small of my back as we entered the foyer, which opened to a massive great room where at least thirty

asked, already scanning the

yes. The strongest

chuckled. “That’s my girl.

toward the bar setup, I heard a familiar squeal from

your ass

since college was already flushed from alcohol, her

through clusters of guests to reach her. “How long have

to know the bartender’s life story.” She stood, wobbling slightly in her heels, and embraced me. She pulled back, holding me at arm’s length to examine my outfit. “Holy shit, your boobs look amazing in that dress. Did Ryan pick

cheeks warm. “Is it

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

little louder? I

help it. You’re too easy to embarrass.” Emilia’s eyes danced with mischief as she took another sip of her drink. “By the way,

Where did Ryan go?

some people heading to the back lawn earlier.” Emilia shrugged. “Or he could be sneak- ing a

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

Like, just admit you

tugging at my dress, which had ridden up

putting it on his

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my girl.” Emilia raised her glass. “I’ll be right here judging everyone’s outfit choices

through the crowded living room, nodding at half-familiar faces

No Ryan.

a group playing some drinking games with shots and ping pong balls.