The CEO's Contractual Wife

Chapter 15

We stepped onto a massive balcony with a panoramic view of Los Angeles. The night air was cool against my heated skin, the city stretching before us like a blanket of stars.

“Jesus,” I breathed, moving to the railing. “This is unreal.”

A hot tub bubbled in one corner, steam rising into the night. Comfortable loungers were arranged around a fire pit that cast a warm glow over the space.

Alexander came up behind me, his chest brushing my back. “Beautiful, isn’t it?”

“Yeah,” I agreed, trying to ignore how perfectly I fit against him. “I’ve never seen the city like this.”

“Most people haven’t.” His hands settled on the railing on either side, caging me in again. “This view is reserved for those who reach the top.”

“Or those who marry men at the top,” I countered.

He chuckled, the sound vibrating through me. “True. But you’d be getting more than just the view, Olivia.”

“Like what?” I turned to face him, trapped between his body and the railing.

“Security. Luxury. Freedom from financial worry.”

I stepped back, needing space to think clearly. His proximity was making it hard to concentrate, and my body was re- sponding to him in ways my brain knew were dangerous.

“I still don’t get it,” I said, crossing my arms over my chest. “Why a contractual wife? You’re rich, powerful, and let’s be honest, you’re hot as fuck. You could snap your fingers and have a line of women willing to marry you.”

Alexander leaned against the railing, the city lights casting shadows across his face. “The real thing comes with com- plications I’m not interested in.”

“Like what?”

“Emotional entanglements. Expectations. The constant need for reassurance.” He waved his hand dismissively. “I’ve tried the traditional route. Multiple times.”

“And?”

can’t maintain that level of emotional commitment.” His voice was matter-of-fact, clinical, almost. “I

want all the benefits of marriage with none of

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Chapter 15

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venient.”

Accomplished women. None of it works because eventually, they all want the same fucking thing-emotional bonding. And I can’t do it.”

“Example?”

engagement was announced in the Times. Two weeks before the wedding, I

“Why?”

we’d name them, where we’d vacation. I realized I was

CEO to whatever damaged part lay beneath: “Some people might say that’s what marriage is supposed to be about. Love, commitment, and building a life together. Having kids who drive you crazy, but you love them anyway. Growing old with someone who still

people would be right-for them.” His eyes locked with mine. “I’m not interested

to grow old with? Someone who knows all your stories and

behind his eyes, regret? Longing? It was gone before I

I can only discover that by spending time

“So

you

there could be someone out there who could

one broad shoulder. “Theoretically. But I’m not holding my

someone who completely blindsides you. Someone who makes you rethink all these walls you’ve built. And you’ll want to marry

mouth quirked up

railing. “I hope you find that person, Mr. Carter. I really

“And what about you?