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?

building, and I paid the driver with a

miss,” the driver said, counting the

“You too.”

23

emptier than usual. I kicked off my shoes and dropped my purse on the counter, not bothering to

helped clear my head, washing away the smell of club smoke and taco truck grease. By the time I crawled into bed, my hair damp against

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

1/3

darkness, hand slapping blindly across my nightstand until 1 found the vibrating device. The screen blazed with painful brightness in the dark room,

6:08 AM.

calls at six in

voice came out

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

sleep

up around four with chest pains. Mom called an ambulance. They’ve got him stabilized, but…” He exhaled sharply. “It’s not good, Liv. You

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

soon as

together, barely. You know

faced the crisis with a stoic calm that often cracked the moment the danger passed. She’d be all business now, asking doctors questions, remembering details no one else would think to ask. Later, when Dad was home

on my

and moved with practiced efficiency. Jeans, sweater, hair pulled back

wouldn’t make it arrive faster, but unable to stop myself. When it finally opened, I

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

in the hospital. I need a

one right away.” He

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

at the door. “Cab’s here, Ms.

I said, rushing past

father will be alright,” he called

sliding into the back seat of the yellow