The CEO's Contractual Wife

Chapter 183

Olivia

I pushed open the door to Skyline, the rooftop bar Emilia had chosen for our girls‘ night. Floor–to–ceiling windows offered a breathtaking panorama of Los Angeles at night, city lights twinkling like fallen stars across the landscape.

“Liv! Over here!” Emilia waved enthusiastically from a corner table near the edge of the rooftop.

I made my way through the stylishly dressed crowd, already feeling more relaxed than I had at O’Malley’s. The hostess led me to our table, where Emilia, Claire, and Ariana were already sipping colorful cocktails.

“This place is amazing,” I said, sliding into the empty seat beside Emilia. “Much better than our usual haunts.”

“Right?” Claire gestured around with her martini glass. “I feel like I should be in a movie scene up here.”

A server appeared almost instantly. “Can I get you something to drink?”

“I’ll have whatever they’re having,” I said, nodding toward my friends‘ vibrant concoctions.

“Skyline Spritz,” Ariana informed me. “Gin, elderflower, and something magical they won’t tell us about.”

“Perfect,” I confirmed to the server, who disappeared with a professional nod.

“So,” Emilia leaned in as soon as the server was out of earshot. “Can we talk about how James Westbrook just happened to be in that parking lot exactly when you needed rescuing?”

I rolled my eyes. “Not you too.”

“Because it’s suspicious!” Emilia insisted. “Hot billionaire rival of your husband just happens to be at the right place at the right time? That doesn’t strike you as odd?”

“It was a coincidence,” I said firmly. “James was heading into O’Malley’s for a drink. He saw what was happening and stepped in. End of story.”

“Hmm.” Claire tapped her glossy nail against her glass. “Does he show up in other places you go? Maybe bump into you at coffee shops or restaurants?”

“Well, there was that time

me triumphantly. “He’s totally

not stalking me,” I protested. “LA is a big city, but the social circles we move in are pretty small. Of

lavender. I took a grateful sip, the light floral notes mixing perfectly with the

that if he shows up here tonight, we can officially call

I said confidently. “And if he did, it would definitely be a huge

gleamed with mischief. “Let’s change the subject. How’s married life

up my neck at the memory of exactly how blissful things had

it?” Claire looked unimpressed. “You marry the hottest CEO in Los

the dream? That I

leaning forward eagerly. “That’s exactly what we want to hear. Give us all

Marriage is incredible. Alexander is incredible.” I couldn’t help the smile that spread across my face. “He’s attentive and

raised an eyebrow. “Did you expect

mean, he’s known for being ruthless in the boardroom. But at home, he notices everything. Last week, I mentioned wanting to try this obscure French pastry I read about in a magazine. The next morning, there was a box of

that’s officially adorable,” Ariana

taking a sip

works ridiculous hours,

over and squeezed my hand. “I’m just happy you found someone

anymore.” I sat up straighter, suddenly remembering my news. “Actually, I have

pairs of eyes widened

the

Nebraska,” Emilia

Paris, and Milan. Ten days for meetings and

shit,” Ariana breathed. “That’s not

admitted. “I still

what’s the occasion?” Claire asked. “Anniversary?

but he wants

skeptical. “No special reason?

a lot for work, and this time he doesn’t want to

her expression serious, “do you have any idea how many women would kill to be in your position right now? Whisked away to Europe by a

aware of my