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.”

driveway where twinkling lights had been strung through the palm trees. The

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Chapter 1

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resplendent in a gold sequined dress. “I was starting to think you’d stood

tried its best to keep me away,” I

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

pressed against the small of my back as we entered the foyer, which opened to a massive great room

Ryan asked, already scanning

strongest thing they’ve

my girl. Be right

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

Morgan, get your ass over

from a plush sectional sofa. My best friend since college

guests to reach her. “How

to know the bartender’s life story.” She stood, wobbling slightly in her heels, and embraced me. She pulled back, holding me at

warm. “Is it that

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

a little louder? I don’t think everyone in

to embarrass.” Emilia’s eyes danced with mischief as she took another sip of her drink. “By the way, have you seen our birthday

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

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

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

the stupidest things. Like, just admit you still smoke and save us both

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

I’m putting it on

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right here judging everyone’s outfit choices when you

at half-familiar faces from past

No Ryan.

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