The CEO's Contractual Wife

Chapter 35

Olivia

“We’re… taking things slow,” I said finally. “Getting to know each other.”

“Mm–hmm.” She didn’t sound convinced. “And how’s that going?”

“It’s… complicated.”

“Complicated how?”

I sighed, choosing my words carefully. “He’s not exactly the relationship type. And after Ryan…”

“You’re scared,” she finished for me.

“Cautious,” I corrected. “I’m being cautious.”

“Fair enough.” She squeezed my hand. “Just remember what I said, okay? Don’t let him break your heart.”

“I won’t.”

The cab pulled up to Emilia’s apartment building, and she leaned over to hug me.

“Text me when you get home,” she instructed. “And we’re doing brunch this weekend. No excuses.”

“Yes, mom,” I laughed.

“Love you, Liv.”

“Love you too.”

She disappeared into her building, and the cab continued on to my apartment. I leaned my head against the window, watching the city lights blur past. The events of the past week felt surreal, like something from a movie, not a part of my actual life.

The city lights streaked past the cab window, smearing into watercolor lines of neon and streetlamps. I traced one fingertip along the cool glass, watching my reflection flicker between shadows. Had it really been only three weeks since Ryan and Sophia? Since Alexander Carter had swooped into my life like some dark fairy tale prince with a contract instead of a glass slipper?

and I paid the driver with a

good night, miss,” the driver

“You too.”

23

apartment felt emptier than usual. I kicked off my shoes and dropped my purse on the counter, not bothering to turn on the lights. The glow from the street lamps

them in a trail as I made my way to the bathroom. The hot shower helped clear my head, washing away the smell of club smoke and

coherent thought before sleep claimed me was of Alexander’s face when I’d told

1/3

my phone jolted me awake. I fumbled in the darkness, hand slapping blindly across my nightstand until 1 found the vibrating device. The screen blazed with painful brightness in the dark room, displaying “Nicholas” and the

6:08 AM.

calls at six

My voice came

older brother’s voice was tight, controlled in that way he gets when he’s trying

sleep evaporating

They’ve got him stabilized, but…” He exhaled

out of bed, switching on lights,

as soon as I can. Is Mom

barely. You know how

the danger passed. She’d be all business now, asking doctors questions, remembering details no one else would think to ask. Later, when Dad was home and safe, she’d fall apart

on my way,”

moved with practiced efficiency. Jeans, sweater, hair pulled back in a messy ponytail. No

it wouldn’t make it arrive faster,

everything alright, Ms. Morgan?” asked the night doorman, his lined face creased

the hospital. I need

you one right away.”

that good or bad? The three hundred thousand from Alexander sat in my account, ready to be used. At least I wouldn’t have

at the

you,” I said, rushing

be alright,” he

sliding into

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255