The CEO's Contractual Wife

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?

I paid the driver

a good night, miss,” the driver said,

“You too.”

23

off my shoes and dropped my purse on the counter, not bothering to turn on the lights. The glow from the street lamps filtered through my blinds, casting

The hot shower helped clear my head, washing away the smell of club smoke and taco truck grease. By the time I crawled into bed, my hair damp against the pillow, exhaustion had

last coherent thought before sleep claimed me was of Alexander’s face when I’d told him, “Not tonight.” Had that been a

1/3

ring of 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

6:08 AM.

stomach dropped. No one calls at six in the morning with good

came

that way he gets when

sleep evaporating instantly.

pains. Mom called an ambulance. They’ve got him stabilized, but…” He exhaled

on lights, mentally cataloging

as I

barely. You know

stoic calm that often cracked the moment 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

on my way,”

the call and moved with practiced efficiency. Jeans, sweater, hair pulled back

button repeatedly, knowing it wouldn’t make it arrive faster, but unable to stop myself. When it finally opened, I practically ran into

asked the night

hospital. I need a

you one right

circles in the lobby, checking my phone. No new messages from Nick. Was that good or bad? The three hundred thousand from Alexander sat in my account, ready to be used. At least I wouldn’t have to worry about how to pay for whatever Dad needed.

at the door. “Cab’s here, Ms.

I said, rushing past

be alright,” he

sliding into the