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 that

me triumphantly.

not stalking me,” I protested. “LA is a big city, but the social circles we move in are pretty

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

saying,” Emilia continued, “is that if he shows up here tonight, we

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

eyes gleamed with mischief. “Let’s change the subject. How’s married life treating you, Mrs. Carter? Still

up my neck at the memory of exactly how blissful things had been since

looked unimpressed. “You marry the hottest CEO in Los Angeles and all

you want me to say?” I laughed, taking another sip of my drink. “That I’m living the dream? That I wake up every morning pinching myself because I can’t

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

my 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

an eyebrow. “Did you expect him to be some cold

mentioned wanting to try this obscure French pastry I read about in a magazine. The next morning, there was a box of them waiting for me on

officially adorable,” Ariana

sounds perfect,” Claire said, taking

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

reached over and squeezed my hand. “I’m just happy you found

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

of

Claire gasped. “Like, the actual continent across the

Emilia deadpanned. “Of course,

reactions. “London, Paris, and Milan. Ten days for

not

admitted. “I still can’t believe

occasion?” Claire

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

looked skeptical. “No special reason? Just ‘hey honey,

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

idea how many women would kill to be in your position right now? Whisked away to Europe by a hot

my good fortune,”