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.

tired but pleased to see me. He loosened his tie

was the move?” he asked, stealing a bite

to your army of efficient

the best in

can tell. My clothes are already hanging in the closet,

His eyes raked over me, heating in a way that had nothing to do with shopping. “But not tonight. Tonight

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7:58 pm P

Chapter 123

to sound casual, though my pulse had

his lips brushing my car. “The kind that involves you screaming my name until your throat

caught. “Confident, aren’t

replied, his hand sliding along

a boldness that surprised even me. “Then what are we

no idea what

grip on my hand tightening as we climbed the stairs to our bedroom. Our bedroom, in

me, scrolling through emails on his phone. His hair was

mumbled, stretching my

a slow smile spreading across his face. “Good morning, Mrs. Carter. Sleep

rock,” I

rolled toward me. “We should get up. We have

protested, snuggling

kiss on my forehead

groaned but forced myself to sit up. “Fine. But I want the fancy

don’t have instant coffee in

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

holding a tray with two travel mugs. “Your coffee for the road, sir.

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

his watch. “We should get

followed him to the garage, where his collection of luxury vehicles gleamed under the recessed lighting. He stopped halfway down the row and turned to me with a