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?”

thought about it. “Well, there was

at me triumphantly. “He’s totally stalking

me,” I protested. “LA is a big city, but the social circles we move in

concoction garnished with a sprig of lavender. I took a grateful sip, the light floral

saying,” Emilia continued, “is that if he shows

said confidently. “And if he did, it

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

crept up my neck at the memory of exactly how

CEO in Los Angeles and all we get is

of my drink. “That I’m living the dream? That I wake up every morning pinching myself because I can’t believe this is my

leaning forward eagerly. “That’s exactly what we want

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

an eyebrow. “Did you expect him to be some

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,

adorable,” Ariana sighed

Claire said, taking a

He’s stubborn, works ridiculous hours, and can

squeezed my hand. “I’m just happy you found someone who treats you right after everything that happened with

about him anymore.” I sat up straighter, suddenly remembering my news. “Actually, I have some news. I’m going to Europe with Alexander next

pairs of

“Like, the actual

Europe in Nebraska,” Emilia

Paris, and Milan. Ten days for

breathed. “That’s not a trip, that’s

know,” I admitted. “I

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

has business meetings, but he wants me to come along.

skeptical. “No special reason? Just

for work, and this time he

how many women would kill to be

of my