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.”

“But the

my temples. “I’ll come

us. Focus on your job.

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Chapter 65

“Sure, Mom.”

and I are fine. You’ve done more

If only she knew

stop

you must. But don’t stay long. I suspect you have

two are my parents. Of course, I want to visit.”

father.” Mom’s voice softened. “You know who else is stubborn? Women who marry rich,

CEOS.

“Mom…”

you’re coming tomorrow, bring something sweet from that bakery in Wilshire. The one with those chocolate croissants your father pretends

“Sweet & Flour?”

been good with his diet; he deserves

I’ll stop by

get some rest, sweetheart. You

Love

“Love you too.”

The silence of my apartment settled around me, broken only by the distant hum of traffic and

skin, and my stomach rumbled in protest. I needed a shower and food before I could surrender

off the couch with a groan. My muscles ached from sitting hunched over my desk all day, reviewing marketing proposals and pretending not to notice Alexander’s eyes on me during

before steadying. I’d need to call maintenance about that soon. I turned the shower to scalding and stepped

my hair. “Stupid

way he’d looked at me across the conference table earlier, his eyes dark and intent while the marketing director droned on about quarterly projections.

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

cheerful ringtone cutting through the post–shower

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Chapter 65