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 and the digital strategy notes

Dylan.” I accepted

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Chapter 133

what I’d envisioned: a perfect blend of heritage luxury

name flashed on the

had been months since

vibrate in my hand. After a moment’s hesitation, I hit decline

thirty seconds later,

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

Liv. I need to talk

is,

Just 15

to say is important

i

turned back to my computer. The Thompson project needed

minutes of productive work later, my phone buzzed again.

sake,” I muttered, finally fishing it

Please, Liv, just 15 minutes. I won’t take up more

It’s important. Really

I’ll come to you. Just name the

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

curiosity gnawed at me. And honestly, maybe a part of me wanted him to

Baker’s Cafe across from CE. 1 PM.

Thank you. I’ll

again, annoyed at myself for giving in. Whatever he wanted, I could handle it. This was my chance to show him I had moved on completely. The Olivia who would have taken him back after his betrayal was

and headed for the elevator. My stomach was in knots, which was ridiculous. I had nothing to be nervous about. I was a

spotted an empty table in the corner and claimed

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me,

hair and the familiar stubble on

seat across from me. “Thanks for

corrected. “And you have fourteen minutes

“Can I get you a