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

the driver

“You too.”

23

emptier than usual. I kicked off my shoes and dropped my purse on the counter, not bothering to turn on the lights. The glow from the street lamps filtered through my blinds, casting striped shadows across

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 damp against the pillow, exhaustion had fully

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

1/3

shrill ring of my phone jolted me awake. I fumbled in the darkness, hand slapping blindly across my nightstand until 1 found the vibrating device. The screen blazed with painful brightness

6:08 AM.

at six in the morning

voice came out

Nick.” My older brother’s voice was tight, controlled in that way he gets when he’s trying not

sat bolt upright, sleep evaporating

called an ambulance. They’ve got him

out of bed, switching on

there as soon as

it together, barely. You

all business now, asking doctors questions,

my way,”

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

button repeatedly, knowing it wouldn’t make it arrive faster, but unable to stop myself.

Ms. Morgan?” asked the night doorman, his

hospital.

get you one right away.”

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

at the door. “Cab’s here, Ms.

said,

your father will be alright,” he called after

sliding into the back seat of