The CEO's Contractual Wife

Chapter 174

Chapter 174

After my second glass of wine, I found myself stifling a yawn. The adrenaline from the confrontation with Ryan had worn off, leaving exhaustion in its wake.

“Getting sleepy there, Liv?” Emilia asked, noticing my struggle to stay engaged.

“Just been a long day,” I admitted, checking the time on my phone. Nearly midnight. “I should probably head home soon.”

“But we’ve barely started girls‘ night!” Ariana protested, already signaling the waitress for another round.

“I hate to say it, but I think tonight’s girls‘ night is kind of shot,” I said with an apologetic smile. “Between Ryan’s drama and these two crashing the party…” I tilted my head toward Alexander, who looked completely unrepentant.

Claire pouted dramatically. “Fine, abandon us for your gorgeous husband. We understand.”

“We’ll plan another night soon,” I promised, gathering my purse. “One without ex–boyfriend ambushes and surprise husband appearances.”

“Good luck with that,” Emilia snorted. “Your life seems to be nothing but surprises lately.”

If she only knew the half of it.

“Come on,” I said, standing up and smoothing my dress. “I’ll text you tomorrow and we’ll set something up.”

The girls exchanged knowing glances before nodding in unison. “Alright,” Emilia conceded. “Go home with your hot husband. We’ll survive somehow.”

“Thanks for understanding,” I said, giving each of them a quick hug.

said politely, shaking hands with Claire and Ariana before giving Emilia a brief hug. “I’ll make sure she gets home

warned, pointing a finger at him.

Alexander replied with a smile

exit. Alexander’s hand rested on the small

night air felt refreshing after the warmth of the bar. I took a deep breath, letting

mine?” Alexander asked as we walked across the parking

well take yours,” I replied. “I can grab

sleek Aston Martin parked near the entrance. The car beeped as he unlocked it, holding the passenger door

I couldn’t help but wonder about the evening’s strange

parking lot, “are you going to tell me how you knew to

into a small smile as he kept his eyes on the road. “I have

“That’s not an answer.”

glanced over at me. “You want the

would be

wheel, his eyes still fixed on

up straight, my voice rising an

A small team.

By strange men I don’t know about?” I

his tone frustratingly calm. “They’re professionals. You never even

point is, you have people tracking my movements without

who’d love

on me? Without even mentioning

had?” He glanced at me,

I probably wouldn’t have.

looked contrite. “I should have mentioned it. But after what happened with Ryan tonight, aren’t you glad someone was

they even know I was in

O’Malley’s, but they keep an eye on the outside.

you just happened to be in

at the office. Dropped everything and came

at the invasion of privacy and a reluctant gratitude that

someone’s watching me?” The thought

and took my hand. “It’s standard for anyone in my position. My family has always

not part of your

makes you a target whether you like it or

drove in silence for a few minutes, the city lights blurring past the windows. I was still processing the revelation that my movements had

I

“Since the wedding.”

my head. “So my coffee runs, shopping trips, visits to

move,” Alexander clarified.

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