The CEO's Contractual Wife

Chapter 19

Olivia

“Honey, you can focus on your career and still get laid,” Emilia replied bluntly. “In fact, I think you need both. Some mind-blowing sex would do wonders for your stress levels.”

“Em!” I gasped, glancing around my empty apartment as if someone might overhear.

“What? I’m just saying Alexander Carter looks like he could rock your world. Did you see those hands? Men with big hands know what they’re doing.”

“I’m not jumping into another relationship. Ryan and I just broke up last week.”

“Who said anything about a relationship? I’m talking about sex, Olivia. Fun, no-strings-attached, orgasm-inducing

sex.”

“With my boss? Are you insane?”

“Slightly,” she admitted. “But you’re working too hard. Sixty-hour weeks at the office plus freelancing on weekends? You need something or someone to help you forget about Ryan.”

“No.” I clutched the phone tighter. “Absolutely not. I’m not sleeping with my boss, Em. That’s career suicide.”

“Fine, fine,” Emilia sighed dramatically. “I’m not forcing you to do anything. Just throwing suggestions out there. For all we know, Alexander Carter might be single and looking.”

“And I might sprout wings tomorrow,” I countered. “Besides, a CEO dating his employee? That’s the stuff of romance novels, not real life.”

“Exactly why it would be so hot,” Emilia said with a laugh. “The forbidden office romance, secret elevator kisses, steamy encounters in the copy room-”

“Stop!” I groaned. “You’ve been reading too many trashy books again.”

“They’re not trashy, they’re literature,” she defended. “With sex scenes.”

I snorted. “Right. Literature.”

then? You can’t work yourself to

right now. The promotion to senior marketing execu- tive opens up next quarter, and I need that raise.” I paused, my throat tightening. “Dad’s medical

“How are you holding up with all that? We haven’t talked about your dad in weeks. How

say he needs the surgery eventually. We just don’t know when.” I swallowed hard. “Nicholas is trying to get money from friends and taking out loans. I’ve saved some,

voice softened. “I’m so sorry. This is a lot for

doesn’t exactly wait for

can help. It won’t be much,

firmly.

insisted. “You’re my best friend.

“This is my problem to solve. Dad’s

shoulder everything

“Em-”

she continued, her voice gentle but determined. “We both want to help. Jake got a bonus last month, and I’ve been saving up for a new car, but honestly, your dad’s heart surgery is way more important than me getting a fancy

“That’s sweet, but I

not taking, it’s borrowing. Or consider it a gift. Whatever makes

“Emilia…”

but the offer stands. Jake says

blinked back tears, staring at the ceiling. The weight of everything pressed down on me like a physical force. Ryan’s betrayal, Dad’s health, my financial struggles, and now

I said thank you,” I managed. “And thank you too. But I’ll figure

said softly. “But even superwoman needs

despite myself. “I’m hardly

still remember my birthday every year with the perfect gift. You’re basically a superhero with better

“A superhero wouldn’t have spent the weekend crying

that time she

sure

My point is, you’re allowed to struggle sometimes. And when you

know. And I love you

stop overthinking everything and get some sleep. Tomorrow’s a new