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.”

my face for a moment, then nodded. “Okay.

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Chapter 113

first to know,” I

She drained her glass. “Now, back to the important stuff. Is his dick as

I laughed,

Valid question. Man’s got

my

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

cheeks burn. “He

pussy

face in my hands. “Can we please

me something,” she insisted. “One

have a fantasy

Where do you think I go during boring meetings?

around to make sure no one was

Emilia leaned forward eagerly.

my cheeks flush at the memory. “And he likes

Emilia sat

“I didn’t say that.”

have to.” She wiggled her eyebrows. “He definitely ties you to the bed, doesn’t

are not

25%

drink. “Alright, alright. But be

straightening up and smoothing my hair. “And Alexander is-”

what?” A deep male voice

my eyes widening as I looked up to find James Westbrook standing beside our table, martini in hand

Emilia greeted him with exaggerated formality. “Fancy seeing

leaving mine. “Please, I’ve told you before, it’s James

to our first encounter

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Chapter 113

from the

bartender,” I laughed,

it’s always true,” she defended herself. “Men who can make a good cocktail

Ariana asked,

have

snorted into her drink. “By who?

tall figure appeared at our table, casting a shadow

“I couldn’t help noticing you from across the