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.”

the curved driveway where twinkling lights had 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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made it!” Sophia appeared in the doorway, resplendent in a gold sequined dress. “I

away,” I laughed, accepting her enthusiastic hug.

his cheeks. “Come in, come in! Everyone’s already two drinks ahead

pressed against the small of my back as we entered the foyer, which opened to a massive great room where at least thirty people mingled. The space featured floor-to-ceiling

Ryan asked, already scanning the

The strongest

my girl. Be

I heard a familiar

Morgan, get your ass

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

to reach her. “How long have you been

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

my cheeks warm. “Is

you for eight years, and you’ve never willingly shown that much cleavage.” She

louder? I don’t think everyone

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

Where did Ryan

people heading to the back lawn earlier.” Emilia shrugged. “Or he could be

“He told me he quit three months ago. If I catch him smoking after all that ‘I’m done with nico- tine forever, baby’

the stupidest things. Like, just admit you still smoke

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

I’m putting it on his favorite

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“I’ll be right here

half-familiar faces

No Ryan.

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