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?

at my building, and I paid the driver

night, miss,” the driver said,

“You too.”

23

bothering to turn on the

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 disappointment in his eyes? Or

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my nightstand until 1 found the vibrating device. The

6:08 AM.

dropped. No one calls at

My voice came

in that way he

sleep evaporating instantly.

around four with chest pains. Mom called an ambulance. They’ve got

was already out of bed, switching on

as

together, barely. You know how

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

my way,” I

practiced efficiency. Jeans, sweater, hair pulled back in a

jabbed the button repeatedly, knowing it wouldn’t make it arrive faster, but unable to stop

asked the night doorman, his lined face creased with

dad’s in the hospital. I

one right away.”

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 Dad needed.

appeared at the door. “Cab’s here,

I said,

will be alright,”

gave him a quick nod before sliding into the back seat

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