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

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Chapter 113

first to know,” I

back to the important stuff. Is his dick

I laughed, shaking

question. Man’s got

discussing my husband’s… dimensions with

pouted. “But at least tell me if he knows how

cheeks burn. “He

he eats pussy like a

my god,” I groaned, burying my face in my hands. “Can

me something,” she insisted. “One detail. For my

a

you think I go during boring

make sure

Emilia leaned forward eagerly.

with his hands,” I said, feeling my cheeks flush at the

fucking knew it,” Emilia sat back, looking smug. “He’s

“I didn’t say that.”

She wiggled her eyebrows. “He

not having this

25%

drink. “Alright, alright. But be safe, okay?

perfectly capable of handling myself,” I said, straightening up and smoothing my hair. “And Alexander is-”

male voice cut through

as I looked up to find James Westbrook standing beside our table,

Westbrook,” Emilia greeted him with exaggerated formality. “Fancy seeing

“Please, I’ve told

to our first encounter a few

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Chapter 113

returning from the bathroom.

say that about every bartender,” I laughed,

true,” she defended herself. “Men who can make a good cocktail are automatically

scientific?” Ariana asked,

have been

into her drink. “By

tall figure appeared at our table, casting a shadow

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