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.”

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

1/4

18:36 Fri, 22 Aug

Chapter 113

be the first

back to the important

I laughed, shaking my

Man’s

not discussing my husband’s… dimensions

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

burn. “He knows what he’s

pussy like

burying my face in my hands. “Can we please change the

until you give me something,” she insisted. “One

a

think I go

sure no one was listening. “Fine.

Emilia leaned forward eagerly.

with his hands,” I said, feeling my cheeks

sat

“I didn’t say that.”

to.” She wiggled her eyebrows. “He definitely ties

not having this

25%

last of her drink. “Alright, alright.

I said, straightening up and smoothing my hair. “And Alexander

A deep male voice cut through our

looked up to find James Westbrook standing beside

greeted him with exaggerated formality. “Fancy

eyes never leaving mine. “Please, I’ve told

back to our first encounter a few weeks

214

18:36 Fri, 22 Aug

Chapter 113

announced, returning from the bathroom. “The bartender is absolutely

that about every bartender,” I laughed, finishing my

defended herself. “Men who can make a

Ariana asked,

solemnly. “Studies have been done. Very

snorted into her drink.

laughing when a tall figure appeared at our table, casting a shadow over

me,” he said, voice smooth as velvet. “I couldn’t help noticing you from