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

pointed at me

the social circles we move in are pretty

drink arrived, a pale pink concoction garnished with a sprig of lavender. I took a grateful sip, the light floral notes mixing perfectly with

Emilia continued, “is that if he shows up here tonight, we can officially call it

I said confidently. “And if he did, it

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

the memory of exactly how blissful things had been since our marriage. “It’s good.

CEO in Los Angeles and

sip of my drink. “That I’m living the

what we want to hear. Give

table. “Fine. Marriage is incredible. Alexander is incredible.” I couldn’t help the smile

“Did you expect him to be some

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

that’s officially adorable,”

perfect,” Claire said, taking a sip

He’s stubborn, works ridiculous hours, and can be frustratingly overprotective. But he’s

just happy you found someone who treats you right after everything that happened

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

of eyes

the actual

Nebraska,” Emilia deadpanned. “Of course, the actual

at their reactions. “London, Paris, and Milan. Ten days

“That’s not a trip,

admitted. “I

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

meetings, but he wants me to come along.

special reason? Just

for work, and

have any idea how many women would kill to be in your position right now?

of my good fortune,” I assured