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.

my tangled hair away from my face. The bedroom was silent except for the distant hum of the air conditioning. Alexander must have carried

I called out, my voice still husky with

No answer.

I was still wearing my clothes from last night. Definitely carried me then. The thought of Alexander lifting me in his arms, careful

water on my face and brush my teeth, I padded through the mansion in search of my husband. The living room was empty, as was the kitchen, where a fresh pot of coffee sat ready. I poured myself

again, moving toward his

empty, and his laptop was closed on the desk. Where was he? It wasn’t like him

checked my phone.

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 estate grounds stretched out before me, perfectly manicured and peaceful in

took a long sip of my coffee, letting the rich flavor wake up

onto the balcony, his hair damp with sweat, wearing only athletic shorts and running shoes. His

bottle from the

look at his face instead of his impressively sculpted torso. “I woke up and you were gone. No note,

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

carried me to bed last night,” I said, remembering how I’d fallen asleep on the

“You looked uncomfortable on the couch. Besides, you’re surprisingly

another sip of coffee, trying to appear casual

moved closer, leaning against the railing beside

“Very.”

needed

“How was your run?”

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

could have fooled me,” I

a smirk playing on his lips.

heat rise to

smirk widening into a full grin. “And

ego doesn’t need

you sure about that?” He moved a step closer,

suddenly felt charged with electricity. I took a deliberate step back,

should get ready for work. I need to finalize

that amused gleam. “Of course. Work

on your

ten, lunch with Senator, and conference

“Sounds thrilling.”

than listening to Victoria complain

myself. “At least you’re not prepping for a presentation that could make or