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?

cab stopped at my building, and I paid

night, miss,” the

“You too.”

23

off my shoes and dropped my purse on the counter, not bothering to turn on

bathroom. The hot shower helped clear my head, washing away the smell

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 dark room, displaying “Nicholas” and the

6:08 AM.

stomach dropped. No one calls at six in the morning

came out

it’s Nick.” My older brother’s voice was tight, controlled in that way he gets when he’s trying not

sleep evaporating instantly.

ambulance. They’ve got him stabilized, but…” He exhaled sharply. “It’s not

switching on lights, mentally cataloging what I needed to

as soon as I can. Is

together, barely. You know

the danger passed. She’d be all business now, asking doctors questions,

my way,” I

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

wouldn’t make it arrive

night doorman, his lined face creased

the hospital. I

get you one right away.”

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.

appeared at the door. “Cab’s here,

said,

father will be alright,” he called after

quick nod before sliding into

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