The CEO's Contractual Wife

The cab lurched through LA traffic, and I leaned my forehead against the cool window, watching the buildings blur together. Work had been brutal: back–to–back meetings, a presentation that ran long, and the knowing glances every time Alexander walked past the marketing department.

My phone buzzed with a text from Alexander.

Alexander: Dinner tomorrow night. Wear the blue dress.

Not a question, of course. A statement. I sighed and typed back.

Me: I’ll check my schedule.

His response came immediately.

Alexander: No need. I already cleared it with your supervisor.

I rolled my eyes. Of course, he had. The man was nothing if not thorough.

When the cab pulled up to my apartment building. I overtipped the driver and trudged inside, my heels clicking against the lobby floor. The elevator ride felt longer than usual, my body sagging against the wall as exhaustion set in.

Inside my apartment, I kicked off my shoes and collapsed onto my couch, pulling out my phone. I needed to check on Dad.

Mom answered on the third ring. “Olivia? Everything okay?”

“Just checking in. How’s Dad doing?”

“He’s sleeping now. The medication makes him drowsy. Her voice softened. “The doctor says he’s recovering well but needs

rest.”

I closed my eyes, relief washing over me. “That’s good. Has he been taking his pills on schedule?”

“Yes, dear. I’ve set alarms on my phone.” Mom chuckled. “I’m not completely hopeless with technology, you know.”

“I know, I just worry.”

“You always do. Too much, sometimes.” She paused. “How are things with you? Is work going well? And what about that handsome boss of yours?”

I groaned. “Mom, please.”

a perfectly reasonable question. He

“He’s… complicated.”

usually are.” She laughed. “But the good ones

mind.” I rubbed my temples. “I’ll come visit

worry about us. Focus on your job. And

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“Sure, Mom.”

father and I are

in my stomach. If only she knew the truth about where Dad’s surgery money had

stop by,” I

I suspect you have

and you two are my parents. Of course, I want to visit.” I tucked my feet under me

like your father.” Mom’s voice softened. “You know

CEOS.

“Mom…”

Anyway, if you’re coming tomorrow, bring something sweet from that bakery in Wilshire. The one with those chocolate croissants your father pretends not to

“Sweet & Flour?”

father’s been good with his diet; he deserves

stop by

Now get some rest, sweetheart.

am. Love you,

“Love you too.”

the distant hum of traffic and the occasional siren. Los Angeles never truly slept, but right now, all I wanted to do was close my

clung to my skin, and my stomach rumbled in protest. I needed a shower

the couch with a groan. My muscles ached from sitting hunched over my desk all day,

maintenance about that soon. I turned

I muttered, working shampoo into my hair. “Stupid Alexander with his stupid perfect face and his

earlier, his eyes dark and intent while the marketing director droned on about quarterly projections. Like he could see right through my

conditioner from my hair and stepped out, wrapping a towel around myself. The bathroom mirror had fogged over, leaving just a blurry outline of my exhausted form. I wiped a clear spot with my palm and stared at my reflection, water droplets still clinging to

ringtone cutting

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Chapter 65