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 yourself to death

to focus on my career right now. The promotion to senior marketing execu- tive opens up next quarter, and I need that

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

helping with the symptoms, but the doctors still say he needs the surgery eventually. We just don’t know when.” I swallowed hard. “Nicholas is trying to get money from friends and

This is a lot for you to deal

exactly wait for convenient

I can help. It

her off firmly. “I appreciate it, but

insisted. “You’re my best friend. Friends help

my hair. “This is my problem to solve. Dad’s medical bills,

shoulder everything alone. That’s what friends

“Em-”

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

throat tightened. “That’s sweet, but I can’t

borrowing. Or consider it a gift. Whatever

“Emilia…”

okay? No pressure, but the offer stands. Jake

of everything pressed down on me like a physical force. Ryan’s betrayal, Dad’s health, my financial struggles, and now

managed. “And thank

Emilia said softly. “But even superwoman needs backup

smiled despite myself. “I’m

care of your family, and somehow still remember my birthday

“A superhero wouldn’t have spent the weekend crying over a cheating

Emilia countered. “Remember that time she got dumped by Steve Trevor? To- tal

sure that’s

to struggle sometimes. And

know. And I love you guys

overthinking everything and get