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.”

Alexander said, surprising

a ‘fine

Harold Carter? Absolutely.” His lips curved into a genuine

the evening, pretending to be in love with Alexander, fending off Victoria’s barbs, and charming his grandparents,

said softly. “Better

the vote of confidence,”

circles on my palm. “You handled Victoria perfectly. Most

cower or overreact.”

mean girls before.” I tried to ignore how good his touch felt. “Your cousin is just a more expensive

exactly what she

fingers continued their maddening circles on my palm, each sweep sending tingles up my arm. I should pull away.

sleep,” he said finally, his voice deeper

suddenly nervous about sharing his bed

1/3

Chapter 80

first,” I

nodded. “The closet is

light. The space still overwhelmed me with its boutique–like organization of

sets in various colors and styles. My fingers traced over the delicate

the lingerie drawer. The emerald set I’d worn earlier was beautiful but definitely not made for sleeping. I

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

then removed the lingerie, folding it neatly on the counter. Naked, I caught my reflection in the mirror and paused.

up the top.

the covers pulled to his waist. The sight of his bare