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

pointed at me triumphantly. “He’s

the social circles we move in are

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

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

“And if he

change the subject. How’s married

how blissful things had been since our marriage.

the hottest CEO in

I laughed, taking another sip of my drink. “That I’m living the dream? That I wake up

exactly what we want

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

you expect him to be some cold business

week, I mentioned wanting to try this

adorable,” Ariana

Claire said, taking a sip of her

hours,

hand. “I’m just happy you found someone who treats you right after everything

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

of

the actual continent

the Europe in Nebraska,” Emilia

“London, Paris, and Milan. Ten days for

not a trip, that’s a

I admitted. “I

occasion?” Claire asked. “Anniversary?

head. “Alexander has business meetings, but he wants me to come along. Said I

it?” Emilia looked skeptical. “No special reason? Just ‘hey

shrugged. “He travels a lot for work, and this time

many women would kill to be in your

well aware of my good