The CEO's Contractual Wife

Chapter 198

Chapter 198

Olivia

“Alex?” she purred, tilting her head as her perfectly glossed lips curved into a smile. “Is that really you? I almost didn’t recognize you in this… quaint little establishment.”

Alexander stiffened, his jaw tightening for a fraction of a second before his polite mask slid into place. He turned to face her, his expression carefully neutral.

“Sophie,” he acknowledged, his tone flat.

“It is you!” She laughed, a tinkling sound that grated on my nerves. “God, how long has it been? Two years? Three?” Her hand landed on his shoulder, fingers trailing down his bicep in a way that was far too familiar. “You look absolutely delicious, as always.”

I felt my spine straighten, my grip tightening on my fork. Who the hell was this woman, and why was she touching my husband like she had every right to?

“It’s been a while,” Alexander replied, pointedly shifting away from her touch. “Sophie, this is Olivia. My wife.”

The word “wife” hung in the air between us like a grenade. Sophie’s eyes widened for a split second before she turned to me. Her smile never wavered, but her eyes were calculating as they swept over me from head to toe.

“Wife?” She let out another laugh, this one with a sharp edge. “Well, isn’t that unexpected. I had no idea you’d finally settled down, Alex.”

“It’s Alexander,” he corrected, his voice cool. “And yes, we got married recently.”

Sophie’s gaze lingered on me, taking in my fish, chips, and half-empty pint of Guinness with barely concealed

amusement.

“How… charming,” she said, though her tone suggested she found it anything but. “It’s lovely to meet you, Olivia. I’m Sophie Hartwell. Alex and I used to know each other quite well.”

The emphasis on “quite well” made her meaning crystal clear. This was an ex. Or at least a former hookup.

keeping my voice pleasant despite wanting to dump my beer

pleasure?” Her hand found his

repeated, more firmly this time. “And it’s

dropped to a sultry purr. “Almost as seriously as you

wanted to stab

his patience clearly wearing thin, “we’re in the

move. “I just couldn’t believe it was really you. You look incredible. That suit fits you perfectly. Have

his tone

ignoring my presence. “You know, we should catch up properly while you’re in town. Have drinks, reminisce about

a business card, pressing it into Alexander’s hand. Her fingers lingered against

her voice dropping to what she probably thought was a seductive whisper. “My number’s on there. I’d

attempting to

pushed his hand away with a laugh. “I know, darling. I’m not suggesting anything inappropriate. Just two old friends catching up over cocktails. I’m sure your wife

to me briefly,

in, my voice saccharine sweet, “his wife would mind very much. We’re on

smile faltered for a fraction of a second. “Your honeymoon? In

keep things authentic,” I replied, matching her fake smile with one of my own. “Not everything needs to

Her

slightly.

Sophie could launch another volley, a tall man in an expensive suit

darling,” he said to Sophie, his British accent crisp. “I’ve been waiting in

annoyance flashing across her features before she smoothed

is Alex Carter, an old friend. Alex,

husband? She’d been throwing

outside?

extending his hand to Gerald with considerably more warmth than he’d

Carter,” he corrected once more, shaking Gerald’s hand. “Nice to meet you. This is my

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