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 stood

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Chapter 1

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

best to keep me away,” I

She air-kissed his cheeks. “Come in, come in!

massive great room where at least thirty people mingled. The space featured floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the twinkling

Ryan asked, already scanning the

strongest

my girl.

I heard a familiar squeal

get your

friend since college was already flushed from alcohol, her

through clusters of guests to reach her. “How long

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

felt my cheeks warm. “Is

never willingly shown that much cleavage.” She smirked. “Not that

say that a little louder? I don’t think everyone in

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

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

heading to the back lawn earlier.”

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

admit you still smoke

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

I’m putting it

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raised her glass. “I’ll be right

through the crowded living room, nodding at half-familiar faces from past gatherings. The kitchen was jammed with people

No Ryan.

group playing some drinking games with shots and