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.”

plan then? You

now. The promotion to senior marketing execu- tive opens up

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

say he needs the surgery eventually. We just don’t know when.” I swallowed hard. “Nicholas is trying to get money from friends

a lot for you to deal with on top of the

well. Life doesn’t exactly wait for

need money, I can

off firmly.

burden,” Emilia insisted. “You’re my best friend. Friends

know, but…” I sighed, running my fingers through my hair. “This is my problem to solve. Dad’s

shoulder everything alone.

“Em-”

and I have been talking,” 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

“That’s sweet, but I can’t take

borrowing. Or consider it a gift. Whatever

“Emilia…”

but the offer

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

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

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

myself. “I’m hardly

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

laughed, the sound surprising me. “A superhero wouldn’t have spent the weekend crying over a cheating

that

sure that’s

sometimes. And

know. And I love you guys for

and get some sleep. Tomorrow’s a new