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.

looking tired but pleased to see me. He loosened his tie as

move?” he asked, stealing a bite of

thanks to your

laughed. “They’re the best

already hanging in the closet, looking pathetically inadequate

fix that.” His eyes raked over me, heating in a way that had nothing to do with

1/2

7:58 pm P

Chapter 123

tried to sound casual, though my

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

caught.

his hand sliding along my thigh under the table. “Very,

even me. “Then what are we waiting for? I’m

idea what you’re in

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 sunlight streaming through the bedroom windows. I blinked, momentarily disoriented by the unfamiliar surroundings before remembering where I was. The Carter

already awake beside me, scrolling through emails on his phone. His hair was adorably mussed, contrasting

I mumbled, stretching my arms above my

smile spreading across his face.

rock,”

down and rolled toward me. “We should

more minutes,” I protested, snuggling deeper

at nine.” He planted a quick kiss on my forehead before sliding out of bed.

But I want the fancy coffee. Not that

have instant

were both dressed and heading downstairs. Alexander looked impeccable in a tailored navy suit, while

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

smell alone

checked his watch. “We should

collection of luxury vehicles gleamed under the recessed lighting. He stopped halfway down the