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?

cab stopped at my building, and I paid the driver with a generous

night, miss,” the driver said,

“You too.”

23

to turn on the lights. The glow from the street lamps filtered through my

clothes, leaving 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 taco truck grease. By the time I crawled into bed, my hair

me was of Alexander’s face when I’d told him, “Not tonight.” Had that been a

1/3

fumbled in the darkness, hand slapping blindly across my nightstand until 1 found the vibrating device. The screen

6:08 AM.

No one calls at six in the morning with

came out raspy with

tight, controlled in that way he gets when he’s trying not to

sat bolt upright, sleep evaporating

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

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

there as soon as I can. Is Mom

barely. You

passed. She’d be all business now, asking doctors questions, remembering details no

on my way,” I

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

jabbed the button repeatedly, knowing it wouldn’t make it arrive faster,

Morgan?” asked the night doorman, his lined face creased

dad’s in the hospital. I need a

right

paced in small 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

doorman appeared at the door. “Cab’s

you,” I said, rushing

hope your father will be alright,” he called after

quick nod before sliding into the back seat of the