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.”

been strung through the palm trees. The front door stood open, spilling light, music, and laughter onto the

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Chapter 1

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

away,” I laughed, accepting

“Come in, come in! Everyone’s already two

back as we entered the foyer, which opened to a massive great room where at least thirty people mingled. The space

Ryan asked, already scanning the

yes. The strongest thing

“That’s my girl. Be right

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

get your ass over

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

clusters of guests to reach her. “How long have you been

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

felt my cheeks warm. “Is it that

and you’ve never willingly shown that much cleavage.” She smirked. “Not that I’m complaining. If I had your rack, I’d show

that a little louder? I don’t

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

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

some people heading to the back lawn

I catch him smoking after all that ‘I’m done with nico- tine

things. Like, just admit you

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

it on his

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

at half-familiar faces from past gatherings. The kitchen was jammed with people

No Ryan.

group playing some drinking games with shots and ping pong balls. No