The CEO's Contractual Wife

Chapter 156

Olivia

“That’s not what I meant,” he said quickly.

“Isn’t it?” I challenged. “You’re implying that I have all this free time to read trashy novels while you’re too busy running your empire.”

“Olivia, that’s not-”

“Because I’ve been working just as hard on the Thompson account,” I continued, my voice rising slightly. “Not to mention dealing with family stuff and adjusting to this whole… situation.” I gestured vaguely between us.

Alexander sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I wasn’t implying you have more free time. I just meant that I personally don’t read fiction. It was a statement about me, not you.”

“It didn’t sound that way,” I muttered, knowing I was probably overreacting but unable to stop myself.

“I apologize if it came across wrong,” he said, his voice softening. “I’m genuinely interested in how your book ends. The plot sounds… relevant.”

The hint of vulnerability in his tone defused my irritation. “Fine. I’ll let you know when I finish it.”

“Thank you.” He stood up, stretching slightly. “I should probably review those contracts for tomorrow’s meeting.”

“Right,” I nodded, still feeling a bit prickly. “I’ll just stay here and enjoy my frivolous reading time.”

Alexander paused, giving me a searching look. “Are you okay? You seem… tense.”

“I’m fine,” I said automatically. “Just tired. It’s been a long day.”

He studied me for a moment longer, then nodded. “Get some rest. I’ll try not to wake you when I come to bed.”

As he walked toward his office, I felt a twinge of guilt for snapping at him. The comment about reading time had struck a nerve, echoing Ryan’s constant jabs about my “useless” fiction reading habit and his complete inability to understand my love for books.

I picked up the romance novel again, staring at the cover. The contract marriage plot had seemed ridiculous when Emilia first handed me the book. Now it felt uncomfortably close to home.

With a sigh, I set the book aside and stretched out on the couch, pulling a throw blanket over my legs. I’d just rest my eyes for a moment before heading to bed…

Sunlight streamed through the curtains, bathing the bedroom in a soft golden glow. I blinked awake, disoriented and confused. This wasn’t the couch where I’d fallen asleep. I was in our bed, tucked beneath the luxurious sheets.

I glanced at the clock on the nightstand.

Alexander’s side of the bed was empty, the sheets cool to the touch. I ran my hand over the spot where he should have been, trying to piece together how I’d ended up here. Had he carried me? The last thing I remembered was closing my eyes on the couch, the romance novel still on the coffee table.

except for the distant hum of the air conditioning. Alexander must have carried me to bed sometime during the

out, my voice still husky with

No answer.

from last night. Definitely carried me then. The thought of Alexander lifting me in his arms, careful

padded through the mansion in search of my husband. The living room was empty, as was the kitchen,

I tried again, moving toward

on the desk. Where was he? It wasn’t like him to

my phone.

morning air was crisp and cool. I leaned against the railing, my coffee mug cradled between my hands, watching a hummingbird dart between the vibrant flowers in the garden below. The Carter

my coffee, letting the

broke the morning silence. I turned to see Alexander walking onto the balcony, his hair damp with sweat, wearing only athletic shorts

from the table. “Didn’t

look at his face instead of his impressively sculpted torso.

throat working as he swallowed. “Sorry about that. Needed to clear my head with a run. Didn’t want

last night,” I said,

smiled. “You looked uncomfortable on

sure if that’s a compliment or not.” I took another sip of

moved closer, leaning against the railing beside me. “Sleep

“Very.”

You needed the

“How was your run?”

did the job.” He stretched his arms overhead, causing

have fooled me,” I muttered before

on

I corrected, feeling heat rise to my cheeks. “You’re clearly not out

he repeated, his smirk widening into a full grin. “And here I was, worried you

ego doesn’t need stroking,

moved a step closer,

took

I need to

nodded, though his eyes still held that amused gleam. “Of

on your

and conference calls

“Sounds thrilling.”

Victoria complain about

“At least you’re not prepping for a presentation that