Chapter 19

Olivia

"Honey, you can focus on your career and still get laid," Emilia replied bluntly. "In fact, I think you need both. Some mind-blowing sex would do wonders for your stress levels."

"Em!" I gasped, glancing around my empty apartment as if someone might overhear.

"What? I'm just saying Alexander Carter looks like he could rock your world. Did you see those hands? Men with big hands know what they're doing."

"I'm not jumping into another relationship. Ryan and I just broke up last week."

"Who said anything about a relationship? I'm talking about sex, Olivia. Fun, no-strings-attached, orgasm-inducing sex."

"With my boss? Are you insane?"

"Slightly," she admitted. "But you're working too hard. Sixty-hour weeks at the office plus freelancing on weekends? You need something or someone to help you forget about Ryan."

"No." I clutched the phone tighter. "Absolutely not. I'm not sleeping with my boss, Em. That's career suicide."

"Fine, fine," Emilia sighed dramatically. "I'm not forcing you to do anything. Just throwing suggestions out there. For all we know, Alexander Carter might be single and looking."

"And I might sprout wings tomorrow," I countered. "Besides, a CEO dating his employee? That's the stuff of romance novels, not real life."

"Exactly why it would be so hot," Emilia said with a laugh. "The forbidden office romance, secret elevator kisses, steamy encounters in the copy room—"

"Stop!" I groaned. "You've been reading too many trashy books again."

"They're not trashy, they're literature," she defended. "With sex scenes."

I snorted. "Right. Literature."

"But seriously, Liv, what's your plan then? You can't work yourself to death forever."

I sighed, my mood shifting. "I just want to focus on my career right now. The promotion to senior marketing executive opens up next quarter, and I need that raise." I paused, my throat tightening. "Dad's medical bills aren't going away."

There was a brief silence on the other end. "How are you holding up with all that? We haven't talked about your dad in weeks. How is he?"

"He's... better, I guess. The medication is helping with the symptoms, but the doctors still say he needs the surgery eventually. We just don't know when." I swallowed hard. "Nicholas is trying to get money from friends and taking out loans. I've saved some, but it's nowhere near enough."

"Oh, Liv," Emilia's voice softened. "I'm so sorry. This is a lot for you to deal with on top of the Ryan situation."

"Yeah, well. Life doesn't exactly wait for convenient timing."

"Listen, if you need money, I can help. It won't be much, but—"

"No," I cut her off firmly. "I appreciate it, but no."

"Olivia, you're not a burden," Emilia insisted. "You're my best friend. Friends help each other."

"I know, but..." I sighed, running my fingers through my hair. "This is my problem to solve. Dad's medical bills, my career, all of it."

"You don't have to shoulder everything alone. That's what friends are for."

"Em—"

"Jake and I have been talking," she continued, her voice gentle but determined. "We both want to help. Jake got a bonus last month, and I've been saving up for a new car, but honestly, your dad's heart surgery is way more important than me getting a fancy vehicle."

My throat tightened. "That's sweet, but I can't take your money."

"It's not taking, it's borrowing. Or consider it a gift. Whatever makes you feel better about it."

"Emilia..."

"Just think about it, okay? No pressure, but the offer stands. Jake says the same."

I blinked back tears, staring at the ceiling. The weight of everything pressed down on me like a physical force. Ryan's betrayal, Dad's health, my financial struggles, and now Alexander's bizarre proposal

"Tell Jake I said thank you," I managed. "And thank you too. But I'll figure something out."

"You always do," Emilia said softly. "But even superwoman needs backup sometimes."

I smiled despite myself. "I'm hardly superwoman."

"Please. You work sixty-hour weeks, take care of your family, and somehow still remember my birthday every year with the perfect gift. You're basically a superhero with better fashion sense."

I laughed, the sound surprising me. "A superhero wouldn't have spent the weekend crying over a cheating ex."

"Even Wonder Woman has bad days," Emilia countered. "Remember that time she got dumped by Steve Trevor? Total mess."

"I'm pretty sure that's not canon."

"Whatever. My point is, you're allowed to struggle sometimes. And when you do, I'm here. Jake's here too."

"I know. And I love you guys for it."

"Good. Now stop overthinking everything and get some sleep. Tomorrow's a new day."

"Is that your profound wisdom for the night?" I teased.

"Hey, I'm trying to be supportive here!" Emilia laughed. "What do you want, Shakespeare?"

"'To sleep, perchance to dream,'" I quoted dramatically.

"Show-off. But seriously, things will look better in the morning. They always do."

"Thanks, Em." I hesitated, almost telling her about Alexander's proposal, but something held me back. "I'll try to get some rest."

"That's my girl. Sweet dreams. Don't let the bed bugs bite. Or the thoughts of sexy CEOs keep you up."

"Emilia!"

"What? Just saying, if you have hot dreams about Alexander Carter, I want all the details tomorrow."

"Goodbye, Emilia," I said firmly, but couldn't help smiling.

"Night, Liv."

The call ended, and I stared at my phone screen for a long moment.

I tossed my phone aside and padded to the bathroom. The woman in the mirror looked tired, hair pulled back in a messy bun, wearing an oversized t-shirt that had seen better days.

Would Alexander still want to marry this version of me? The real me, not the polished professional he saw at the office or the dressed-up woman from tonight's dinner?

I splashed cold water on my face and tried to clear my head. This was insanity. Complete madness. People didn't just marry strangers for money... did they?

But he wasn't exactly a stranger. He was Alexander Carter, CEO of Carter Enterprises. My boss. The man who'd rescued me from drunk harassers on the street when I was at my lowest point.

The man who'd researched my personal life without my permission.

I dried my face and returned to bed, pulling the covers up to my chin. The sheets felt cool against my skin, and I sank into the mattress with a sigh. My mind buzzed with Alexander's proposal, the contract, the money... so much money.

"Tomorrow," I whispered to myself. "I'll think about it tomorrow."

I closed my eyes, expecting another night of tossing and turning, but exhaustion pulled me under almost immediately. For once, I slept deeply and dreamlessly.