The CEO's Contractual Wife

Chapter 82

Olivia

I padded to the bathroom, avoiding my reflection as I splashed cold water on my face. After using the toilet and brushing my teeth, I finally forced myself to look in the mirror.

“It was just a dream.” I told my reflection firmly. “It doesn’t mean anything.”

My reflection didn’t look convinced.

I ran my fingers through my tangled hair, trying to make myself somewhat presentable before facing Alexander. The silk pajamas had twisted around my body during the night, the top unbuttoned just enough to show a hint of cleavage. I quickly fixed it, buttoning it all the way up to my neck.

The smell of coffee lured me out of the bedroom. I followed it to the kitchen, where I found Alexander standing at the counter, already dressed in jeans and a casual button–up shirt, his hair still damp from a shower.

“Morning,” he said, glancing up from his phone. “Coffee?”

“Please,” I replied, my voice still rough with sleep.

He poured a mug and slid it across the counter to me. Our fingers brushed during the exchange, and I nearly jumped at the contact, my dream still too fresh in my mind.

“Sleep well?” he asked, a knowing smirk playing at his lips.

“Fine,” I lied, taking a large gulp of coffee to hide my face. “You?”

“Very well. His eyes traveled over me, lingering on the silk pajamas. “You look good in blue.”

1 shifted uncomfortably under his gaze. “Thanks.”

“Hungry?” Alexander asked, moving to the kitchen with casual confidence. “I can make eggs. Or we could order something.”

“Eggs are fine,” I replied, following him. “I should probably head home after breakfast. I need to check on my dad.”

ingredients from the refrigerator. “How

well.” I leaned against the counter, watching Alexander crack eggs into a bowl

me. “I’m glad

the moment struck me. Standing in his kitchen, discussing my father’s health while

blur of work, family visits, and carefully orchestrated public appearances

news after we were spotted having dinner. The photos showed Alexander whispering something in my

intense work. We often spent evenings at Alexander’s penthouse, reviewing our “relationship

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8:07 pm

Chapter 82

it all, we maintained a careful physical distance. No more waking up tangled together. No more sitting on his lap. Just the occasional touch for the benefit of photographers or

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looked the same as always: white picket fence, well–tended garden, and the welcome mat Dad insisted on keeping despite Mom’s protests. Alexander parked his sleek

small of my back as we walked up

I muttered. “Just remember, my dad’s

an eyebrow. “I’m

I’m

door swung open before we could knock, revealing my mother in her favorite apron. Her face lit up at the sight of

She pulled me into a hug before turning to Alexander. “So good

and a bottle of

exclaimed, examining the expensive wine with wide eyes. “You didn’t need to bring

course I did,” Alexander replied smoothly.

inside. Dad was sitting in

crinkling into a smile as

you feeling,

patting his chest. “Dr. Weaver says I’m recovering faster