The CEO's Contractual Wife

Chapter 80

Olivia

“Your grandmother is surprisingly nice,” I said, perched on the edge of his couch.

“Margaret’s always had good instincts about people.” Alexander loosened his tie, the simple action drawing my attention to his strong hands. “She liked you.”

“Victoria definitely didn’t.”

“Victoria doesn’t like anyone who threatens her plans. He sat beside me, close enough that our knees almost touched. “Don’t take it personally.”

I took another sip of whiskey, letting the alcohol calm my nerves. “So what’s next?”

Alexander’s eyebrow arched. “Sleep, unless you had something else in mind?”

Heat rushed to my face. “That’s not what I meant. I meant what’s next before the marriage? We’ve met your family, and then what?”

“We need to meet your family,” he said, swirling the amber liquid in his glass. “I was thinking we could have the wedding in a few weeks. It would be a small ceremony, just close family and friends”

“Okay,” I replied, the reality of our situation hitting me anew. In a few weeks, I would be Mrs. Carter, at least on paper.

Alexander set his empty glass on the coffee table and turned to face me fully. “You seem tense.”

“Meeting your family was intense.” I finished my drink and placed it next to his. “Your grandfather is something else.”

said, surprising me. He rarely compliments

me a ‘fine young woman.

His lips curved into a genuine smile. “He’s not exactly effusive with

couch cushions, suddenly exhausted. The emotional toll of the evening, pretending to be in love with Alexander, fending off Victoria’s barbs, and charming his grandparents, had drained me

well tonight,” Alexander said softly.

the vote of

it.” His hand found mine, his thumb tracing circles on my palm. “You

cower or overreact.”

tried to ignore how good his touch felt. “Your cousin is just

exactly what

tingles up my arm. I should pull away. This wasn’t part of

said finally, his voice deeper than before.

nodded, suddenly nervous about

1/3

Chapter 80

first,” I said, standing

“The closet is

down the hallway to the massive closet room, flipping on the light. The space still overwhelmed me with its boutique–like

sets in various colors and styles. My fingers traced over

not made for sleeping. I decided to

washed my face and brushed my teeth. The face wash smelled expensive and probably contained ingredients I couldn’t

out of the dress and carefully hung it up, then removed the lingerie, folding it neatly on the counter. Naked, I caught my reflection in the mirror and paused. My nipples had hardened in the cool air, my breasts fuller than I remembered. Was

shorts and buttoning up the top. The silk felt amazing against my skin, cool and

bedroom, Alexander was already in bed, shirtless with the covers pulled to his waist. The sight of his