The CEO's Contractual Wife

Chapter 112

Olivia

25%

I stared out the jet window as Los Angeles sprawled beneath us, the city glittering like scattered diamonds against the dusk. The pilot announced our descent, and I reluctantly pulled myself away from the view, turning to Alexander.

“Back to reality,” I sighed, stretching in my seat.

Alexander looked up from his laptop. “Not a fan of the real world?”

“Not when the alternative is a private island with infinity pools and a personal chef.”

“We can go back anytime,” he said, closing his laptop. “Just say the word.”

The jet touched down with barely a bump, taxiing to a private hangar where a black Escalade waited on the tarmac. Alexander’s driver greeted us with a professional nod, taking our luggage and stowing it in the trunk.

“Welcome back, Mr. and Mrs. Carter.”

Mrs. Carter. The title still felt foreign, like someone else’s name tag that had accidentally been pinned to my shirt.

+23

The drive to Alexander’s penthouse was quiet, and both of us were tired from travel. I watched familiar landmarks pass by: palm trees silhouetted against the sunset, billboards advertising the latest blockbusters, and cars inching along in the eternal LA traffic.

“You’re quiet,” Alexander observed, his hand finding mine in the darkness of the backseat.

“Just tired,” I said, letting my head rest against his shoulder. “And maybe a little sad the honeymoon’s over.”

His thumb traced circles on my palm. “Who says it has to be?”

I smiled despite my exhaustion. “Pretty sure your grandfather expects you back at work tomorrow.”

“Probably,” he conceded. “But nights are still ours.”

When we arrived at the penthouse, I headed straight for the shower while Alexander dealt with our luggage. The hot water soothed my travel–stiff muscles, washing away the airplane staleness.

1 emerged wrapped in a towel to find Alexander sprawled on the bed, eyes closed. For a moment, I thought he was asleep, but then he spoke without opening his eyes.

“Feel better?”

overnight bag for clean underwear.

he murmured. “Just resting

1

me. By the time I finished combing my hair, Alexander’s breathing had deepened into the rhythm of

myself, I tucked a blanket around him and padded to

Girls‘ night

176

18:35 Fri, 22 Aug

Chapter 112

at the time. Only 7:30. I could

Just landed. Can be there by

Perfect! Leave the CEO sleeping beauty and come drink with us. We

confirmation, then scribbled a note for Alexander in case he woke

jeans and a soft sweater, I called a cab and

was packed, with the usual night crowd spilling onto the sidewalk. I spotted Emilia, Claire, and Ariana at our usual

returns!” Emilia crowed, jumping up to hug

explained, sliding into an empty chair. “Fell asleep

raising an eyebrow. “So it’s ‘home‘

felt my cheeks

toward me. “We ordered for you. Now

took a long sip before answering. “It was incredible. The island was

the island,” Emilia leaned forward.

glancing around to make sure no one

expect to run off with Alexander Carter to a private island and not

can and I will,” I said primly. “Some things are

there are things to keep private,” Claire observed with a

my eyes. “You

her glass. “To Olivia’s

twenty blissful minutes,

Until Emilia circled back.

Liv,” she said, refilling my wine glass. “We’re dying here. Give

they wouldn’t let up. “Fine. The island was incredible. Private chef, infinity pool, beach

attentive.”