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

me

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

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

“is that if he shows up

here,” I said confidently. “And if he

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

at the memory of exactly how blissful things

it?” Claire looked unimpressed. “You marry the hottest CEO in Los Angeles

the dream? That I wake up every morning pinching

forward eagerly. “That’s exactly what we want to

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

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

the boardroom. But at home, he notices everything. Last week, I mentioned wanting to try this obscure French pastry I read about in a magazine. The next morning, there

officially adorable,” Ariana

sounds perfect,” Claire said, taking a sip

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

my hand. “I’m just happy you found

anymore.” I sat up straighter, suddenly remembering my news. “Actually, I have some news. I’m going to Europe with Alexander next

pairs of

Claire gasped. “Like, the

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

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

“That’s not a trip, that’s a

I admitted. “I

the occasion?” Claire asked. “Anniversary?

he wants me to come along.

special reason? Just ‘hey honey, want

for work, and this time

many women would kill to be in your position right now? Whisked away to Europe

aware of my good fortune,”