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.”

question.

“He’s… complicated.”

the good ones are worth figuring

that in mind.” I rubbed my temples.

worry about us. Focus on your job.

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Chapter 65

“Sure, Mom.”

Your father and I are

knew the truth about where Dad’s surgery money

stop by,”

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

old, and you two are my parents. Of course, I want to visit.” I tucked my feet under me on the couch, feeling the weight of

Mom’s voice softened. “You know

CEOS.

“Mom…”

tomorrow, bring something sweet from that bakery in Wilshire. The one with those chocolate

“Sweet & Flour?”

Your father’s been good with his diet; he deserves a little

I’ll stop

some rest, sweetheart. You

Love

“Love you too.”

settled around me, broken only by 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 eyes and drift

and my stomach rumbled in protest. I needed a shower and

a groan. My muscles ached from sitting hunched over my desk all day, reviewing marketing proposals and pretending not to notice Alexander’s eyes

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

shampoo into my hair. “Stupid Alexander with his stupid perfect face and his

eyes dark and intent while the marketing director droned on about quarterly projections. Like he could see right

blurry outline

cheerful ringtone cutting through the post–shower

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Chapter 65