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 the driver with a generous

good night, miss,” the driver said,

“You too.”

23

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

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

face when I’d told him, “Not tonight.” Had that been

1/3

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.

No one calls at six

came

Nick.” My older brother’s voice was tight, controlled in that way he

sleep evaporating

got him stabilized, but…”

out of bed, switching on lights, mentally cataloging what I

be there as soon as I

it together, barely. You know how

She’d be all business now, asking doctors questions, remembering details no one else would think to ask. Later, when Dad was

on my

Jeans, sweater,

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

asked the night doorman,

dad’s in the hospital. I

one right

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

appeared at the door. “Cab’s

I said, rushing

hope your father will be alright,” he

gave him a quick nod before sliding into the

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