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.”

had been strung through the palm trees. The front door

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Chapter 1

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Sophia appeared in the doorway, resplendent in a gold sequined dress. “I was starting to

its best to keep me away,” I laughed, accepting her enthusiastic hug.

always.” She air-kissed his cheeks. “Come in,

we entered the foyer, which opened to a massive great room where at least thirty people mingled. The space featured floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the twinkling Los An- geles

asked, already

strongest thing

my

the bar setup, I heard a familiar

get your ass over

a plush sectional sofa. My best friend since college was already flushed from alcohol, her blonde hair falling in waves

clusters of guests to reach her.

story.” She stood, wobbling slightly in her heels, and embraced me. She pulled back, holding me at arm’s length to examine

my cheeks warm.

that much cleavage.” She smirked.

louder? I don’t

mischief as she took another sip of her drink. “By the way, have you seen our birthday

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

he’s outside? I saw some people heading to the back lawn earlier.” Emilia shrugged. “Or he could be sneak- ing a

told me he quit three months ago. If I catch him

just admit you still smoke and save

going to find him,” I said, tugging at my dress, which had ridden up dangerously high. “If he’s outside

putting it on

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

living room, nodding at half-familiar faces from past

No Ryan.

a group playing some drinking games with shots and ping pong