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?

and I paid the driver

miss,” the driver said, counting

“You too.”

23

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

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 damp against the pillow, exhaustion

thought before sleep claimed me was of Alexander’s face when I’d told him, “Not

1/3

awake. I fumbled in the darkness, hand slapping blindly across my nightstand until 1

6:08 AM.

dropped. No one calls at six in the

came out raspy

older brother’s voice was tight, controlled in that way he gets when he’s trying not to panic.

bolt upright, sleep evaporating instantly. “What

ambulance. They’ve got him stabilized, but…” He exhaled sharply. “It’s not good, Liv. You should

switching on lights, mentally cataloging what I needed to

there as soon as

You know

My mother 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 and safe, she’d

on my

call and moved with practiced efficiency. Jeans, sweater, hair pulled back in a messy ponytail. No time

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

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

hospital.

get you one right away.” He

bad? The three hundred thousand from Alexander sat in my account, ready to be used. At least I wouldn’t have to worry

appeared at the door. “Cab’s here,

I said, rushing past

father will be alright,”

gave him a quick nod before sliding