The CEO's Contractual Wife

I watched him walk back to the elevator before letting myself into my apartment. As I closed the door behind me, I caught myself smiling like an idiot. Tonight had been unexpected in many ways, not least in how much I’d enjoyed Alexander’s

company.

This was dangerous territory. Our arrangement was supposed to be practical and businesslike. But the way he’d looked at me on that private deck, the way he’d held me while we danced… it felt like something more.

I reminded myself sternly that Alexander Carter was a businessman first and foremost. This marriage was a transaction for him, a means to secure his inheritance. Whatever charm or kindness he showed was simply part of making our arrangemen believable.

Still, as I carefully hung up the blue dress and prepared for bed, I couldn’t help wondering what tomorrow’s surprise would be and why I was so looking forward to finding out.

The next evening. I packed an overnight bag as instructed, opting for jeans and a soft cashmere sweater, as Alexander had suggested. At precisely seven, my doorbell rang.

Alexander stood there in dark jeans and a gray henley that hugged his broad shoulders, looking so different from the tuxedo–clad CEO of the previous night that I almost did a double–take.

“Ready?” he asked, taking my bag.

‘As I’ll ever be,” I replied, locking my door. “Will you tell me where we’re going now?”

“You’ll see soon enough.”

We took the elevator down to the parking garage, where Alexander led me to a sleek black Range Rover instead of his usual

car.

“Different car tonight?” I asked as he held the passenger door for me.

This one’s better for where we’re headed,” he explained cryptically.

the coast. The sun was beginning to set, painting the ocean in shades of gold and pink. Alexander drove with one hand on

your father doing?” he asked after

surprised by the question.

And your mother? Is she

admit it. My brothers and I are taking

thoughtfully. “If they need any

I interrupted gently. “But

winding coastal road. After about an hour, Alexander turned onto a private drive that snaked up a hillside. At the top stood a modern glass and wood structure perched on the cliff’s edge with a breathtaking view

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Chapter 58

I asked as

more accurately, my escape

think. Or not think.”

said, taking

until you

the trunk and led me to

surprise. “Only a few people have

showcasing the ocean view. The

moonlight danced across the waves below, creating

as I’d like,” Alexander replied, setting our bags down. “Maybe once a month. Sometimes, when

back of a plush sofa. Everything about the place felt expensive but not ostentatious, a refined taste that surprised me. “It feels

exactly why I bought it.” Alexander moved into the kitchen area, which opened to the

growl before I could. “Starving,

massive refrigerator, which was surprisingly