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.”

the good ones are worth

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

about us. Focus on your job.

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Chapter 65

“Sure, Mom.”

Olivia. Your father and I are fine. You’ve done

she knew the

still stop

long. I suspect you have better things to do than sit with your

Of course, I want to visit.” I tucked my feet under me on the couch, feeling

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

CEOS.

“Mom…”

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

“Sweet & Flour?”

the one! Your father’s been good with his diet; he

I’ll stop by

Now get some rest, sweetheart. You sound

am. Love

“Love you too.”

only by the distant hum of traffic and the occasional siren.

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

muscles ached from sitting hunched over my desk all day, reviewing

bathroom light flickered twice before steadying. I’d need to call maintenance about that soon. I turned the shower to scalding and stepped under the spray,

muttered, working shampoo into my hair. “Stupid Alexander with his

at me across the conference table earlier, his eyes dark and intent while the marketing director

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

the bedroom, the cheerful ringtone cutting through the post–shower silence. I

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Chapter 65