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 is he

The doctor says he’s recovering well.” I leaned against the counter,

He glanced up at me.

Standing in his kitchen, discussing my father’s health while

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

we were spotted having dinner. The photos showed Alexander whispering

into a strange new pattern. Weekdays were filled with intense work. We often spent evenings at Alexander’s penthouse, reviewing our “relationship timeline” and preparing for upcoming

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8:07 pm

Chapter 82

maintained a careful physical distance. No more waking up tangled together. No more sitting

23

insisted on keeping despite Mom’s protests. Alexander

hand finding the small of

“Just remember, my dad’s still

an eyebrow.

I’m afraid

before we could knock, revealing my mother in her

hug before turning to Alexander. “So good to see

and a bottle of wine. “Thank you for

these are beautiful!” Mom exclaimed, examining the expensive wine with wide eyes. “You didn’t need

Alexander replied

Mom inside. Dad was sitting

Dad said, his face crinkling into a smile as I leaned down

are you

new man,” he replied, patting his chest. “Dr. Weaver says