The CEO's Contractual Wife

Chapter 113

Olivia

Two hours and several drinks later, Claire and Ariana announced they needed to leave.

“Early meeting tomorrow,” Claire explained, gathering her purse. “Some of us don’t get to take off for tropical honeymoons.”

“Rub it in,” Ariana grumbled good–naturedly. “I haven’t had a day off in weeks.”

After hugs and promises to meet up again soon, they left, leaving just Emilia and me at the table.

“So,” she said, sipping her cocktail. “Now that the others are gone, tell me the truth. How’s married life really treating you?”

I traced the rim of my wine glass. “It’s different from what I expected.”

“Good different or bad different?”

“Just different.” I struggled to find the right words. “Alexander is not who I thought he was.”

“Most men aren’t,” Emilia said sagely. “The question is whether the reality is better or worse than the expectation.”

I thought about Alexander, his intensity, his surprising moments of tenderness, the way he’d looked at me under the stars on the island.

“Better,” 1 admitted. “Different, but better.”

“Good,” Emilia nodded. “After the Ryan disaster, you deserve better.”

The mention of Ryan sent a familiar pang through me, but it was duller now, more distant. “Have you heard from him?”

“He tried to corner me at the grocery store last week,” Emilia rolled her eyes. “Wanted to know if you were really married or if it was just social media bullshit.”

“What did you tell him?”

“To fuck off and die,” she said cheerfully. “Then I asked if his dick had fallen off from whatever STD Sophia gave him.”

I burst out laughing. “You didn’t.”

“I absolutely did,” she confirmed. “The look on his face was priceless.”

“God, I love you,” I said, still chuckling.

“Love you too, which is why I need to ask…” She leaned forward, suddenly serious. “Are you really okay? This whole whirlwind romance and marriage, it’s not like you.”

I met her gaze steadily. “I’m okay, Em. Really.”

“Promise? Because if he’s pressuring you or moving too fast-”

“He’s not,” I interrupted. “I’m exactly where I want to be.”

for a moment, then nodded. “Okay. I believe you. But if

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Chapter 113

the first to know,” I

her glass. “Now, back to the important stuff.

I laughed, shaking

question. Man’s got

not discussing my

at least tell me if he knows how to use it.

felt my cheeks burn. “He

pussy like a

I groaned, burying my face in my

you give me something,” she insisted. “One

a fantasy

woman does. Where do you think I go during

to make sure no one was listening.

Emilia leaned forward eagerly.

I said, feeling my cheeks flush at the memory. “And he likes to take

knew it,” Emilia sat

“I didn’t say that.”

She wiggled her eyebrows. “He definitely

not

25%

the last of her drink. “Alright, alright. But be safe, okay? Those fancy

capable of handling myself,” I said, straightening

deep male voice cut

James Westbrook standing beside our table, martini

Westbrook,” Emilia greeted him with exaggerated formality.

chuckled, his eyes never leaving mine. “Please, I’ve told you before, it’s James

flashed back to our first encounter

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Chapter 113

announced, returning from the bathroom. “The

that about every bartender,” I laughed, finishing

who can make a good

Ariana

solemnly. “Studies have been done. Very

into her drink. “By

were all laughing when a tall figure appeared at our

smooth as velvet. “I couldn’t help noticing you from across the