The CEO's Contractual Wife

Chapter 171

Chapter 171

Olivia

I pulled into O’Malley’s parking lot, scanning for a spot amid the usual Friday night crowd. The neon sign buzzed overhead, casting a red glow across the cars.

My phone buzzed with a text from Emilia: “Got us seats at the bar. Hurry before someone steals them!”

I smiled, already feeling lighter at the prospect of drinks with my best friend. After the drama with Penelope and that horrible gossip article, I needed this night out.

I found a spot near the back and pulled in, grabbing my purse from the passenger seat.

The cool evening air hit my face as I stepped out. I locked the Porsche with a beep, still not quite used to driving such a luxury vehicle, and headed toward the entrance.

“Liv?”

I froze at the familiar voice behind me. Ryan. Perfect timing, as always.

Turning, I found him standing a few feet away, hands shoved in his pockets. He looked exactly like he had the last time I’d seen him, slightly disheveled in that calculated way he thought made him look artistic.

“What do you want, Ryan?” I asked, not bothering to hide my impatience.

He moved closer, that half–smile playing on his lips. “Just saying hi. Fancy running into you here.”

“Yeah, what a coincidence.” I crossed my arms. “At the bar I’ve been coming to for years.”

good,” he said, eyes traveling over my body in a way that made my skin crawl.

need to go inside. Emilia’s waiting.”

“Come on, Liv. Five minutes? For

that great, remember?” I

He nodded toward my

in his voice made my blood boil.

conversation. Can’t a guy talk to his ex without

when that guy cheated on me with

months ago.

meeting someone inside.” I tried to step

my path, less casual now. “I don’t

for boundaries? I’m not having this conversation in a

Ryan pressed, his tone sharpening. “Because that’s what everyone’s

my chest. “What did you just

you’re Mrs. Billionaire Carter.” His face contorted with bitterness. “What, did you

sound harsh even to my own ears. “You’re

quickly. “Moving on is one thing. Marrying the richest guy three months later?

the knot. I don’t care what you believe.” I tried to push

his fingers digging in slightly. “What’s the rush? Afraid your rich husband might see you talking to

away. “Don’t touch

real. Now you’re

that I upgraded.” The words flew out before

you admit it? Is it about the

back, putting distance between us. “Something you

bullshit and you know it.” Ryan moved closer, invading my space again. “I respected you. I

funny way of showing it. With

red. “I

I interrupted. “Who knows how many others

swear.” His eyes pleaded with me. “We were together for years, Liv. Does that

entrance, wishing Emilia would come looking for me. “Now please move. I’m meeting

it? You’re just

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