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?”

it. “Well, there was that

pointed at me triumphantly.

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

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

I’m saying,” Emilia continued, “is that if he shows

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

change the subject.

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

“You marry the hottest CEO in Los Angeles and all we get

living the dream?

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

incredible.” I couldn’t help the smile

expect

everything. Last week, I mentioned wanting to try this obscure French pastry I read

officially adorable,” Ariana

perfect,” Claire said, taking a sip

far from perfect. He’s stubborn, works ridiculous hours, and can be frustratingly overprotective.

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

up straighter, suddenly remembering my news. “Actually, I have some news.

pairs of eyes

gasped. “Like, the actual

the Europe in Nebraska,” Emilia deadpanned.

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

shit,” Ariana breathed. “That’s not a trip, that’s a

admitted. “I

occasion?” Claire asked.

has business meetings, but he wants me to come along. Said I deserve a

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

for work, and this time he doesn’t want

how many women would kill to be in your position

my good fortune,” I assured