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.”

Liv, what’s your plan then? You can’t work

“I just want to focus on my career right now. The promotion to senior marketing execu- tive opens up next quarter,

the other end. “How are you holding up with all that? We

better, I guess. The medication is helping with the symptoms, but the doctors still say he needs the surgery eventually. We just don’t know when.” I

softened. “I’m so sorry. This is a lot for you to deal with on

exactly wait for convenient

I can

her off firmly. “I appreciate it,

insisted. “You’re my best friend.

fingers through my hair. “This is my problem to solve. Dad’s medical bills, career, all

have to shoulder everything alone. That’s what friends are

“Em-”

her voice gentle but determined. “We both want to help. Jake got a bonus last month, and I’ve been saving up for

sweet, but I can’t take

not taking, it’s borrowing. Or consider it a

“Emilia…”

but the offer stands. Jake

the ceiling. The weight of everything pressed down on me like a physical force. Ryan’s betrayal,

thank you,” I managed. “And thank

always do,” Emilia said softly. “But even superwoman needs

despite myself.

You work sixty-hour weeks, take care of your family, and somehow still remember my birthday every year with the perfect gift. You’re basically a

sound surprising me. “A superhero wouldn’t have spent

Wonder Woman has bad days,” Emilia countered. “Remember that time she got

sure that’s not

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

know. And I love you guys

overthinking everything and get some sleep. Tomorrow’s a