The CEO's Contractual Wife

Chapter 86

Olivia

“The car is here!” Ariana called from the living room.

My heart jumped into my throat. This was it. No turning back.

The drive to the Carter estate passed in a blur of nerves and champagne. The sprawling property had been transformed for the occasion, with white roses and delicate fairy lights adorning the entrance and garden paths.

“Wow,” Emilia breathed as we pulled up to the private entrance. “This is like a fairytale.”

It was beautiful, I had to admit. Elegant and understated, exactly as I would have chosen if this had been real.

We were escorted to a luxurious suite where I could wait until the ceremony. Alexander had arranged every detail, from the chilled champagne to the fresh flowers matching my bouquet.

“Nervous?” Emilia asked, helping me with a final touch–up to my makeup.

“A little,” I admitted. “It’s all happening so fast.”

“When it’s right, it’s right,” she said, echoing the line Alexander and I had rehearsed for our families. “And you two are definitely right.”

A knock at the door interrupted us. My father entered, looking handsome in his new suit, another gift from Alexander.

“There’s my girl,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “You look beautiful, Olivia.”

Thanks, Dad.” I hugged him carefully, mindful of my dress. “How are you feeling?”

assured me, patting his chest. “That doctor Alexander found

washed over me. At least that part wasn’t a lie; Alexander had arranged for the best cardiologist to treat my

announced, poking her head

offered his

breath and nodded, not trusting my

had planned, or rather, as Alexander had planned and I had approved. White chairs arranged in neat rows

turn. All eyes turned to me as the music changed.

eyes locked with mine, something unreadable in their depths. For a

All I could see was Alexander, watching me with an intensity that made my heart

be married?” the officiant asked

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my hand in Alexander’s.

closed around mine, warm and steady. “You look incredible,”

you,” I replied, surprised by the

that sounded sincere enough to convince everyone present but vague enough that we weren’t actually lying. The ring Alexander slid onto my finger was a stunning platinum band set with diamonds. “Worthy of

earlier that week.

now pronounce you husband and wife,” the officiant declared.

leaned in. We’d kissed before, of course, quick pecks for the benefit of family or

His hand came up to cup my face, and I found myself leaning into him, my free hand resting on his chest. The

smiled, a genuine smile that reached his eyes, and squeezed my

“I present to you

to face our guests, and I was struck by the sea of smiling faces. My family, his family, colleagues, and friends all believed in this perfect love story. I spotted Emilia wiping

walked back down the aisle, Alexander leaned close. “You’re doing great, Mrs.

sent a