The CEO's Contractual Wife

Chapter 4

Olivia

The car fell silent as we drove through the streets of Los Angeles, the city lights blurring past the windows. I studied Alexander’s profile, the strong jaw, and straight nose, wondering why he’d stopped to help us. Everything I’d heard about him at work painted him as cold, distant, focused only on the bottom line.

We reached Emilia’s apartment building first. Alexander pulled up to the curb, the engine purring quietly as he shifted into park.

“This is me,” Emilia announced, gathering her purse. She leaned over to hug me, using the moment to whisper in my car. “Holy fuck, Liv. He’s hot as balls. If he wants to bang you senseless tonight, you better fucking do it. The best way to get over Ryan is to get under the CEO. Shit, those hands look like they know what they’re doing.”

I pulled back, shooting her a death glare that could have melted steel.

“What?” she mouthed innocently before turning to Alexander. “Thanks for the ride, knight in shining Armani. You’re a lifesaver.”

“It was no trouble,” he replied politely.

Emilia opened the door, then paused to give me one last meaningful look. “Call me tomorrow with ALL the details.” She waggled her eyebrows suggestively.

“Goodbye, Emilia,” I said firmly, my cheeks burning.

She blew me a kiss and slammed the door, sauntering toward her building with a little extra sway in her hips, no doubt for Alexander’s benefit.

As we pulled away, I sank deeper into the leather seat, mortified. “I’m so sorry about her. She has no filter.”

Alexander’s eyes met mine in the rearview mirror. “No need to apologize. She seems like a good friend.”

“The best,” I admitted. “Even if she occasionally makes me want to strangle her.”

His lips quirked upward, almost a smile but not quite. “Those are often the best kinds of friends.”

silence as he navigated through the streets of Los Angeles. The city lights streamed past the windows, creating a kaleidoscope effect that matched my swirling thoughts. I caught Alexander

I

making the

announced, pulling up to my apartment building. It wasn’t fancy by

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just barely afford it on my junior

door. His hand extended to help me out, warm and solid as I took it. The contact sent an unexpected jolt up

you again,” I said, reluctantly letting

“I hope you’re able to move past what happened tonight.

his voice made my throat tighten. “I’ll be

will,” he agreed. “Someone like you won’t stay single for

wasn’t sure how to respond to that. Was Alexander Carter, CEO of Carter Enterprises, flirting with me? No, that

Olivia,” he said, stepping back toward his

thank you for

once, then slid back into his car. I watched as he drove away, his taillights disappearing around the corner before I turned

felt endless. My keys jangled in my shaking hands as I unlocked my door, stepping into the darkness of my living room. I flipped on the light, tossed my purse on the counter, and kicked

ago, I’d been getting ready for what I thought would be a normal night out

peeled off the black cocktail dress and threw it in the trash. Never again would I wear something just because

my makeup. The woman in the mirror looked tired, her eyes red-rimmed

onto my bed, staring at the ceiling. My phone buzzed on the nightstand, proba- bly Ryan finally realizing what he’d lost. I

Had he been sleeping with her all along? The signs had been there: the late nights

trusted him completely. What a

This time, I glanced at it.

Did Mr. CEO make

texted back: “Yes, I’m home. No, he didn’t. Go to