The CEO's Contractual Wife

Victoria

Rain tapped against the floor–to–ceiling windows of my penthouse as I swirled the dark red wine in my glass. The city lights blurred through the droplets, creating a kaleidoscope of colors that matched my turbulent thoughts.

I took another sip, savoring the rich cabernet. At least I could count on this thousand–dollar bottle to deliver satisfaction, unlike my current schemes.

Behind me, the balcony door slid open. Thomas stepped out, the cool night air following him as he closed the door. He was still in his work clothes, though he’d loosened his tie and unbuttoned his collar.

“Drinking alone again?” he asked, settling into the chair beside me.

I didn’t look at him. “There’s another glass inside if you want to join me.”

Thomas disappeared briefly, returning with a full glass. He sat down and crossed his legs, looking annoyingly relaxed for someone whose wife was plotting a corporate takeover.

“What’s got you thinking so hard?” he asked after a lengthy silence. “You’ve barely touched your phone all evening, which means either you’re plotting something or the world is ending.”

I shot him a sideways glance. “Carter Enterprises.”

“Ah.” He nodded knowingly. “Still obsessing over your cousin’s new marriage?”

“I’m not obsessing,” I snapped. “I’m strategizing.”

Thomas took a slow sip of his wine. “Is that what we’re calling it now?”

The rain picked up, creating a soothing white noise that contrasted with my irritation.

‘You don’t understand what’s at stake,” I said. “The controlling shares of a multi–billion dollar company. My birthright.”

“Your birthright?” Thomas raised an eyebrow. “I’m pretty sure Alexander is Harold’s firstborn grandson, not you.”

‘Gender shouldn’t matter in succession,” I retorted. “I’m smarter, more qualified, and actually committed to the company’s legacy.”

Thomas leaned back in his chair. “So what’s the plan? Are you planning to destroy Carter Enterprises if you can’t have it?”

I meant to. “I’m being serious here, and

He rubbed his arm, looking wounded. “Destroying

to destroy the company. I want to run it.” I sighed

what exactly?” Thomas looked genuinely confused. “Alexander beat you to the punch.

glass down with more force than necessary. “They’re not in love. I’m

can you possibly know

leaned forward, warming to

1/3

Not dating anyone seriously. Then suddenly, what, a few weeks later, he’s madly in love with some nobody from

Maybe they were dating secretly. Maybe he fell in love

never been in love with anyone but himself and that company. This

what if it’s not?” Thomas countered. “What if they’re actually in love? Did you see them at the wedding? They looked pretty convincing

Something Alexander excels at in boardrooms. He just applied those skills

think you’re reaching,” he said, taking another sip of wine. “Maybe it’s time to

you supporting me or trying to drag me down?” I demanded, my voice rising.

raised his hands in surrender. “I’m trying to help you not get admitted to a mental hospital with all this overthinking. You’re seeing conspiracies where there might just be a simple love

story?” I laughed bitterly. “Between my cousin and

Thomas shrugged. “Office romances are

Alexander. He’s too careful, too calculating.” I picked up

situation.”

said, “what can you do

stay married for a year. That’s the stipulation in

you think they’ll

I took a long sip of my wine,

me with

going to do anything illegal. Just… apply a little

union.”

sounds dangerously close

intervention,” I replied. “If their marriage is real, they have nothing