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

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

Emilia murmured, “do you know

my head, still trying to salvage my top. “No, I’ve never seen her

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

I stopped dabbing at my

all of them. Wines and dines you, makes you feel special, then poof!” She snapped her fingers.

know who you are, but

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Chapter 68

her designer purse and pulling out a crisp hundred–dollar bill. She tossed it onto the table in front

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

rising to my

money,” she shrugged. “God knows he’s spent enough on me

polished with a sleek blonde bob and calculating eyes.

Alexander’s latest toy,” she said, her voice dripping with disdain. “How much is he paying you to act as his girlfriend? Must be a

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

said, finding my voice. “And who the

blonde raised a perfectly

hundred–dollar bill from the table and held it out. “I

so I crumpled it and tossed

your mouth,” the blonde said, stepping closer. “You have no idea who

“Enlighten me,” I challenged.

just say I was in your position not too long ago. The fancy dinners, the designer clothes, the overnight stays at his

How did she