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.

voice pleasant despite wanting

to London? Business or pleasure?” Her hand found his arm again, fingers walking up toward his

time. “And it’s a combination.

your work.” Her voice dropped to a sultry purr. “Almost as seriously as you take your…

stab her with

clearly wearing thin, “we’re in the middle of dinner.”

hand but didn’t move. “I just couldn’t believe it was really you. You look incredible. That suit

regularly,” Alexander replied, his tone clipped. “Same as I always

presence. “You know, we should catch up properly while

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

she said, her voice dropping to what she probably thought was

Alexander said flatly, attempting to

away with a laugh. “I know, darling. I’m not suggesting anything inappropriate. Just two old friends

to me briefly, challenge glinting

“his wife would mind very much. We’re on our

a fraction of a second. “Your honeymoon? In a

fake smile with one of my own. “Not everything needs to

Her

slightly. “How…

volley, a tall man in an expensive suit approached

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

across her features before

timing. This is Alex Carter, an old friend.

been throwing herself at Alexander while

outside?

to Gerald with considerably more warmth

he corrected once more, shaking Gerald’s hand. “Nice to

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