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?

building, and I paid the driver

miss,” the driver

“You too.”

23

counter, not bothering to turn on the lights. The glow from the street

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

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

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phone jolted me awake. I fumbled in the darkness, hand slapping blindly across my nightstand until 1 found the vibrating device. The screen

6:08 AM.

stomach dropped. No one calls at six in

voice came out

brother’s voice was tight, controlled in that way he

sleep evaporating instantly. “What

Mom called an ambulance. They’ve got him stabilized,

was already out of bed, switching on lights, mentally cataloging

be there as soon as

You

the crisis with a 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

my way,”

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

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

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

dad’s in the hospital. I need

get you one right away.” He

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

doorman appeared at the

you,” I said,

hope your father will be alright,” he called

quick nod before sliding into the back seat of