The CEO's Contractual Wife

Chapter 133

Olivia

I inhaled deeply, letting the earthy aroma fill my senses before taking a bite.

“Oh my god,” I moaned, eyes closing involuntarily. “This is incredible.”

Alexander watched me with amusement. “I take it you approve?”

“I might need a moment alone with this food,” I joked, taking another bite. “What is this exactly?”

“Risotto with black truffles and a hint of aged parmesan.” He took a bite himself, nodding appreciatively. “The chef here imports the truffles directly from Italy.”

“Of course he does.” I rolled my eyes playfully. “Do you ever do anything that isn’t ridiculously extravagant?”

“I married you, didn’t I?” Alexander quipped, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

“Are you calling me cheap, Mr. Carter?” I gasped in mock offense.

“Not cheap. Priceless.” He leaned forward, his voice dropping. “And that’s exactly why you deserve extravagant things.”

The sincerity in his voice caught me off guard, sending an unexpected flutter through my stomach. I busied myself with another bite of risotto to hide my reaction.

“So,” I said, changing the subject, “what are you working on at the office these days?”

Alexander accepted the pivot gracefully. “Acquiring a tech startup. And expanding our sustainable energy division.”

“That sounds fascinating. Is that why you were so quick to approve of the electric Porsche?”

“Partially,” he admitted. “But mostly I just liked seeing you so excited about it.”

The rest of dinner passed pleasantly, with conversation flowing easily between business topics and more personal discussions.

As we drove home, I found myself stealing glances at Alexander’s profile, illuminated by the passing streetlights. I noticed the strong line of his jaw and the slight curl at the corner of his mouth when he caught me looking.

“What?” he asked finally.

“Nothing,” I replied. “Just… thank you. For dinner. For the car. For everything.”

He reached across the console and took my hand, bringing it to his lips for a brief kiss. “You’re welcome, Liv.”

The office buzzed with energy as I settled at my desk the next morning.

Dylan appeared at my door with his usual impeccable timing, balancing a coffee and a stack of files.

Carter. I’ve organized the preliminary sketches from Ava

Dylan.” I accepted the coffee

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I’d envisioned: a perfect blend of heritage luxury with modern, clean aesthetics. I was jotting notes when my phone buzzed with

name flashed

at it. What could he possibly want? It had been months since I’d caught him with Sophia. Months since

my hand. After a moment’s hesitation, I hit decline and set it down, trying to refocus on the work in front

seconds later, it buzzed

time. I opened my contacts, finger hovering over the block button when a

need to talk

Whatever it is, I’m

Just 15 minutes. It’s

have to say is important

i

and turned back to my computer. The Thompson project needed my full attention, not whatever drama Ryan was trying to

productive work later, my phone buzzed again. I ignored it. Then it buzzed again. And

muttered, finally fishing it out. Three

I won’t take up more of your

It’s important.

I’ll come to you.

my desk. What could possibly be so urgent? Ryan and I were done. Completely, utterly

me wanted him to see exactly

minutes. Baker’s Cafe across from CE. 1 PM.

Thank you.

could handle it. This was my

headed for the elevator. My stomach was in knots, which was ridiculous. I had nothing to be nervous about. I was a Carter now. I ran a major marketing

I arrived, Baker’s Cafe was busy with the lunch crowd. I spotted an empty table in the corner and

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me, and a

the familiar stubble on his jaw. He wore a button–down

he said, sliding into the seat across from me. “Thanks for meeting

I corrected. “And you have fourteen minutes

winced. “Can I get