The CEO's Contractual Wife

“I need another drink,” I announced, draining the last of my wine. The warmth of the alcohol was helping me forget my problems, at least temporarily.

“Coming right up,” Emilia waved at the bartender. “Hey! Another round over here!”

Claire leaned forward, her words slightly slurred. “So what’s the plan for this weekend? Any fancy dates with Mr. CEO?”

I groaned. “I thought we agreed not to talk about Alexander.”

“No, you agreed,” Ariana corrected with a smirk. “We just nodded politely.”

“You guys are the worst friends ever,” I laughed, reaching for my newly arrived wine glass.

“The best,” Emilia corrected. “We’re the best friends ever because we care enough to be nosy about your love life.”

I was about to respond when a woman stumbled toward our table, drink sloshing in her hand. Before I could move, she crashed into me, her red cocktail splashing across my emerald top.

“Oh my god!” I gasped, jumping up as the cold liquid soaked through the silk.

n

“Oops,” the woman said, her voice carrying no trace of actual remorse. She was maybe twenty–eight or thirty, expensively dressed with perfectly highlighted hair. “So sorry about that.”

I grabbed a napkin and frantically dabbed at the growing stain. “It’s fine.” I said automatically, even as I watched the red liquid seep into the delicate fabric.

“Is it?” The woman’s eyes narrowed as she looked me up and down. “That’s a cute little top. Probably from what, H&M? Target?”

Emilia stood up beside me. “Excuse me, do we know you?”

The woman ignored her, focusing on me with an intensity that made my skin crawl. “You’re Olivia Morgan, right? Alexander Carter’s latest… acquisition.”

stomach dropped. “I don’t know what

over social media. Alexander’s mysterious new girlfriend.” She made

“do you

salvage my top. “No,

a cruel smile. “Of course you haven’t. Alexander

stopped dabbing at my

patted my arm condescendingly. “Don’t take it personally. He does this with all of them. Wines and dines you, makes you feel special, then poof!” She snapped her fingers.

“Look, I don’t know who you

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Chapter 68

her, reaching into her designer purse and pulling out a crisp hundred–dollar bill.

I doubt it cost even that much. Forever 21 clearance rack?” She

rising to

she shrugged. “God knows he’s spent enough on

blonde bob and

dripping with disdain. “How much is he paying you to act as his girlfriend? Must be a decent amount to put up with his…

beside me. “Okay, that’s enough. You two need

dating,” I said, finding my voice. “And who the

blonde raised a perfectly sculpted

it out. “I don’t need your money. Take it and

it, so I crumpled it and tossed it at her feet. “I said take

stepping closer. “You have no idea who

“Enlighten me,” I challenged.

long ago. The fancy dinners, the designer clothes, the overnight stays at

How did she know about