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

at me triumphantly. “He’s

city, but the social circles we move in are pretty small. Of course, we’re going to run into

pale pink concoction garnished with a sprig of lavender. I took a grateful sip, the

shows up here tonight, we can officially

show up here,” I said confidently. “And if

the subject. How’s married life treating

my neck at the memory of exactly how blissful

“You marry the hottest CEO

taking another sip of my drink. “That I’m living the dream? That I wake up every morning pinching myself

eagerly. “That’s exactly what we want to hear. Give

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

you expect him to be some cold business

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

officially adorable,” Ariana sighed

sounds perfect,” Claire said, taking a sip

he’s far from perfect. He’s stubborn, works ridiculous hours, and can

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

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

pairs of eyes widened

the

Emilia deadpanned. “Of course, the actual

and Milan. Ten

“That’s not a trip, that’s

I admitted. “I still can’t

the occasion?” Claire asked.

has business meetings, but he wants me to come

“No special reason? Just ‘hey honey, want

“He travels a lot for work, and this time he doesn’t want to go

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

well aware of my good fortune,” I assured