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?”

doctor Alexander found did wonders. I’ll be

a lie; Alexander had arranged for the best cardiologist to treat

planner announced, poking her

his arm. “Ready,

a deep breath and nodded, not trusting

approved. White chairs arranged

turn. All eyes turned to me as the music changed. Dad squeezed my arm

stood tall and impossibly handsome in his custom tuxedo. His eyes locked with mine, something unreadable in their depths. For a moment, the rest of the world fell away, and it was just the

the perfect blue sky above us. All I could see was

married?” the officiant

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my hand in Alexander’s.

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

I replied, surprised

beautiful promises 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

earlier that week.

pronounce you husband and wife,” the

as Alexander leaned in. We’d kissed before, of course, quick pecks for the benefit of family or cameras. But this was different. This was

him, my free hand resting on his chest. The kiss deepened for

Alexander smiled, a genuine smile that reached

gentlemen,” the officiant announced, “I present to

family, colleagues, and friends all believed in this perfect love story. I spotted Emilia wiping away tears, my mother clutching my

Alexander leaned close. “You’re doing

Carter. The name sent a shiver down my