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.

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

I called out, my

No answer.

my legs over the side of the bed, noticing I was still wearing my clothes from last night. Definitely carried me then. The thought of Alexander lifting me

bathroom to splash 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

again, moving toward his

but the room was empty, and his laptop was closed on the desk. Where was he? It wasn’t like him to disappear without leaving a note or sending a

checked my

cradled between my hands, watching a hummingbird dart between the vibrant flowers in the garden below. The

coffee, letting the rich flavor wake

of footsteps behind me broke the morning silence. I turned to see Alexander walking onto the balcony, his hair damp with sweat, wearing only athletic shorts and running shoes. His chest glistened with

from the table. “Didn’t

of his impressively sculpted torso. “I woke up and

deeply from the water bottle, his throat working 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,

uncomfortable on the couch. Besides,

not.” I took another sip of coffee, trying to appear casual despite

moved closer, leaning against

“Very.”

needed the

“How was your run?”

Not my best time, but it did the job.” He stretched his arms overhead, causing his muscles to flex impressively. “I’ve been slacking on

me,” I muttered

eyebrows shot up, a smirk playing on his

corrected, feeling heat rise to my

into a full grin. “And here

ego doesn’t

about that?” He moved a step closer, his eyes darkening slightly. “I find your… observations quite

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

get ready for work. I need to finalize

eyes still held that amused gleam. “Of course.

on your

Senator, and

“Sounds thrilling.”

Victoria

prepping for a presentation that could make or break your