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.

pointed out,

on your desk. Come on, I’m

carefully unwrapped the package. Inside was a small velvet

beat.

that…?” Nova whispered, eyes

not a ring, as Nova had clearly expected, but a delicate

disappointed.

small note tucked underneath. I

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Chapter 55

tonight. 7 PM. Wear something

“What does

tucking the note into my

Alexander Carter is nothing exciting? Girl, you

onto my wrist. “Don’t you have

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

I was rushing home to shower

dress. The one from the

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 far more formal than anything I’d normally wear for dinner,

rang. Alexander stood there in a perfectly tailored tuxedo,

eyes traveling slowly from my face down to my silver heels

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

He offered his arm. “Shall

complete with a uniformed driver who opened

I whispered to Alexander.

is special,” he replied, helping me into

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

said slowly, “what exactly is this