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?

I paid the driver with

night, miss,” the driver said,

“You too.”

23

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

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

Alexander’s face when I’d told him, “Not tonight.” Had that been a disappointment in

1/3

until 1

6:08 AM.

dropped. No one calls at six in the morning

voice came out raspy

voice was tight, controlled in that way he gets when he’s trying not to panic. “Dad’s

sleep

Mom called an ambulance. They’ve got him

bed, switching on lights, mentally cataloging what I

be there as soon as

You know how

now, asking doctors questions, remembering details no one else would think to

my

Jeans, sweater, hair pulled back in a messy ponytail. No

jabbed the 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

the hospital. I need a

right away.” He stepped

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

the door.

you,” I said,

father will be alright,”

nod before sliding into the back seat

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