The CEO's Contractual Wife

Chapter 55

Olivia

I pushed through the revolving doors of Carter Enterprises, exhaustion weighing on my shoulders like a physical burden. The past two weeks had been a whirlwind of hospital visits, work deadlines, and navigating my strange new relationship status with Alexander. Dad was home now, recovering slowly but steadily, with Mom hovering over him like a protective

hen.

“There you are!” Nova’s voice cut through my thoughts as I crossed the lobby. “I was beginning to think you’d ditched us for the day.”

“Just running late,” I explained, falling into step beside her as we headed for the elevators. “Dad had a doctor’s appointment this morning.”

“How’s he doing?”

“Better. Complaining about the diet restrictions, which Mom says is a good sign.” The elevator doors opened, and we stepped inside. “Apparently, salt–free food is ‘an abomination against God and nature.”

Nova laughed. “Sounds like he’s on the mend. And how’s things with Mr. Tall, Dark, and CEO?”

I felt my face warm. “Fine.”

“Just fine? Girl, you’re dating Alexander Carter. I need details!”

“There’s nothing to tell,” I insisted as the elevator doors opened on our floor. “We’re taking things slow.”

“Uh–huh,” Nova said skeptically. “That’s why he’s sending you flowers every other day and why I caught you two looking cozy in the break room yesterday.”

Alexander had been surprisingly attentive since Dad’s surgery, checking in daily and making sure I had everything I needed. It was part of our arrangement, I reminded myself, just for show.

Nova nudged me, nodding toward my desk, where a small package sat. “Looks like he left you something.”

I approached my desk cautiously. The box was small, wrapped in silver paper with a simple white ribbon. No card.

“Open it!” Nova urged, practically bouncing with excitement.

from anyone,” I pointed out,

leaves mystery gifts on your desk. Come on, I’m

and carefully unwrapped the package. Inside was a small velvet box.

beat.

Nova whispered,

fingers. Inside was not a ring, as Nova had clearly expected, but a delicate silver bracelet with a single

sounded disappointed.

tucked underneath. I unfolded it

1/3

Chapter 55

PM. Wear something nice. I’ll

demanded. “What does

I said, tucking the

nothing exciting? Girl, you need

laughed, slipping the bracelet onto my wrist. “Don’t you have

All of them!” She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively before sauntering off to her own

by in a series of meetings and presentations. By six, I was rushing home to shower and change, wondering what Alexander had planned. His text had been typically

one from the closet at

midnight blue gown that made me feel like a princess from a fairy tale. It was far more formal than anything I’d normally wear for dinner,

a perfectly tailored tuxedo, looking like he’d stepped

look beautiful,” he said, his eyes traveling slowly from my face down to my silver heels and back

yourself,” I managed, trying to ignore the flutter in my stomach. “Where

see.” He offered his

sleek black limousine waited at the curb, complete with a

whispered to Alexander. “A

special,” he replied, helping me into the

and toward the harbor. As we approached, I spotted

“what exactly is