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

good night, miss,” the driver said, counting the

“You too.”

23

my shoes and dropped my purse on the counter, not bothering to turn on the lights. The glow

them in a trail as 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.

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

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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 in the dark room, displaying “Nicholas” and the

6:08 AM.

one calls at

My voice came out raspy

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

sat bolt upright, sleep evaporating instantly.

up around four with chest pains. Mom called an ambulance. They’ve got him stabilized, but…” He exhaled

of bed, switching on lights,

be there as soon as I can. Is

You know how she

now, asking doctors questions, remembering details no one

my way,”

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

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

Morgan?” asked the night

the hospital. I

one right away.” He stepped

from Nick. Was that good or bad? The three hundred thousand from Alexander sat in my account, ready to be used. At least I

the door. “Cab’s here, Ms.

you,” I said, rushing

father will be alright,”

him a quick nod before sliding into the

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