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.”

nodded, pulling ingredients from the refrigerator. “How

counter, watching

me.

his kitchen, discussing my father’s health while

weeks passed in a blur of work,

were spotted having dinner. The photos showed Alexander whispering something in my ear, my

Alexander’s penthouse, reviewing our “relationship timeline” and preparing for upcoming events. Weekends were split between family visits and public

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8:07 pm

Chapter 82

careful physical distance. No more waking up tangled together. No more sitting on his lap. Just the occasional touch

23

fence, well–tended garden, and the welcome mat Dad insisted on keeping despite Mom’s protests. Alexander parked

asked, his hand finding the small of my

I’ll ever be.” I muttered. “Just remember, my dad’s still recovering. No

an eyebrow.

what I’m

door swung open before we could knock, revealing my mother in her favorite apron. Her face lit

into a hug before turning to Alexander. “So good to see

her a bouquet of flowers and a bottle of wine. “Thank

exclaimed, examining the expensive wine

I did,” Alexander replied smoothly. “My mother

inside. Dad was sitting in his recliner, looking much better

his face crinkling into a smile as I leaned down

are you feeling,

man,” he replied, patting his chest. “Dr.