The CEO's Contractual Wife

Chapter 123

Olivia

After a quick lunch with my parents, I headed to the estate, anxious to see how my belongings would look in my new home. The gates swung open as the car approached, and I felt a strange mix of excitement and trepidation. This was really my life

now.

Alfred met me at the door, his expression as impassive as ever. “Mrs. Carter, the movers have delivered your items. I’ve directed them to place the boxes in the designated areas as Mr. Carter instructed.”

“Thank you, Alfred,” I said, still uncomfortable with being waited on. “I can take it from here.”

“Very good, ma’am. Chef will serve dinner at seven, unless you’d prefer a different time?”

“Seven is fine,” I assured him, already heading for the stairs. “I’ll just start unpacking.”

I found my clothes already hanging in the enormous walk–in closet, taking up maybe a tenth of the available space. My books had been arranged on shelves in the library, and my toiletries were placed neatly in the bathroom cabinets. It was like magic, if magic were performed by highly efficient moving professionals.

The only boxes left untouched were the ones containing my personal items, which had been placed discreetly in the corner of the bedroom. I spent the afternoon arranging photos and keepsakes to make the massive space feel more like mine.

By six, I was showered and changed, wandering through the house that was now supposedly my home. It still felt surreal, like I was playing house in someone else’s life.

My phone buzzed with a text from Alexander: Running late. Start dinner without me. Miss you.

The unexpected sentiment made me smile. I replied: Your loss. I’ll eat all the good parts.

His response came quickly: Save room for dessert. I have plans for you later.

My body responded instantly to his suggestive tone, remembering exactly what kind of “dessert” he’d given me last night.

Dinner was a solitary affair in the massive dining room, though Chef Marcelo’s food was exceptional as always. I was just finishing when I heard the front door open and Alexander’s voice echoing through the foyer.

“Liv?” he called, his footsteps approaching the dining room.

“In here,” I replied, taking a final bite of the chocolate soufflé that had appeared as if by magic after my main course.

entered, looking tired but pleased to see me. He loosened his

asked,

your

“They’re the best

already hanging in the closet, looking pathetically inadequate next to

had nothing to do

1/2

7:58 pm P

Chapter 123

I tried to sound casual, though my pulse

in. his lips brushing my car. “The kind that involves you screaming

breath caught.

replied, his hand sliding along my

a boldness that surprised even me. “Then

have no idea what

me,” I challenged, taking his hand and leading him toward the stairs. “Show me exactly what I’ve gotten myself into.” He followed willingly, his grip on my hand tightening as we climbed the stairs to our bedroom. Our bedroom, in our home. Morning arrived with

me, scrolling through emails on his phone. His hair was adorably mussed, contrasting with

my arms

smile spreading across his face. “Good morning, Mrs.

a rock,”

his phone down and rolled toward me. “We

I protested, snuggling deeper under the

He planted a quick kiss

But I want the fancy

instant coffee in this

dressed and heading downstairs. Alexander looked impeccable in a tailored navy suit, while I’d opted for a

the bottom of the staircase, holding a tray with two travel mugs. “Your coffee

said, taking the mug. The smell alone was enough to make my

watch. “We should

under the recessed lighting. He stopped halfway down