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.

could be from anyone,” I pointed out,

gifts on your

sigh, I untied the ribbon and carefully unwrapped the package. Inside

beat.

that…?” Nova whispered, eyes

the box with trembling fingers. Inside was not a ring, as Nova had clearly expected, but a delicate silver bracelet with a single charm -a

sounded disappointed. “It’s pretty,

small note tucked underneath. I unfolded it quickly

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Chapter 55

tonight. 7 PM. Wear something nice.

“What

I said, tucking the

Carter is nothing exciting? Girl, you need to recalibrate your

onto my wrist. “Don’t you have

She

and presentations. By six, I was rushing

one from

several outfits at his penthouse for appearances‘ sake, including a midnight blue gown that made me feel like a princess from a fairy tale. It was

in a perfectly tailored tuxedo,

beautiful,” he said, his eyes traveling slowly from my face down to

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

see.” He offered his arm. “Shall

waited at the curb, complete with a uniformed driver

whispered to Alexander.

special,” he replied, helping

through downtown Los Angeles and toward the harbor. As we approached, I spotted dozens of luxury cars and limousines lined up, dropping off passengers dressed

said slowly, “what exactly is