Semua Bab The CEO's Contractual Wife: Bab 71 - Bab 80

OliviaI woke with a start at 5:43 AM, seventeen minutes before my alarm. My mouth felt like sandpaper, and my head throbbed with the beginnings of a hangover. "Coffee," I croaked, dragging myself out of bed. "Need coffee." The bathroom mirror revealed the full extent of my poor life choices: mascara smudged under my eyes, hair tangled in a nest that would make birds jealous, and a crease mark on my cheek from my pillowcase. "Gorgeous," I told my reflection sarcastically. "Absolutely stunning." I grimaced at my tangled hair, then stepped into the shower, letting the hot water wash away last night's makeup and drama. The memory of Madison and Stella's words lingered like the wine headache pulsing at my temples. "Not thinking about that now," I muttered, working shampoo into my hair. "Nope. Not today." By the time I stepped out, wrapped in my towel, I felt marginally more human. I blow-dried my hair into submission and applied minimal makeup, just enough to look professional witho

OliviaSaturday morning brought a cloudy sky and a text from Alexander: "Car will pick you up at 5 PM. Wear something casual. Bringing you to my place first." I stared at the message, my stomach doing that annoying flip it always did when Alexander texted. Tonight was the night I'd meet his family. The Carters. The people who could potentially become my in-laws through this bizarre arrangement. "Fuck," I muttered, dropping my phone on the kitchen counter. I spent the day in a state of controlled panic, cleaning my already tidy apartment and trying not to overthink the evening ahead. By four o'clock, I'd showered, blow-dried my hair into submission, and applied light makeup. The "casual" directive from Alexander left me standing in front of my closet, scowling at my options. "Casual for normal people or casual for millionaires?" I asked my reflection, holding up a simple black dress against my body. I finally settled on dark jeans, a silk camisole, and a blazer. They were elegant

Olivia"Nice to meet you," I said, matching her fake smile with one of my own. "Alexander's told us so little about you," Victoria continued, her voice honey-sweet with underlying venom. "Just that you work in the marketing department at Carter Enterprises." "Junior executive," I confirmed, lifting my chin slightly. "How quaint," Victoria sipped her champagne. "Dating the boss. Very... traditional." Alexander's arm tightened around me. "Olivia is exceptionally talented. She's being considered for a promotion." "Is she?" Victoria raised a perfectly groomed eyebrow. "How fortunate for her to have such a supportive boyfriend." Before I could respond, a man who looked like an older version of Alexander stepped forward. "Charles Carter," he introduced himself. "Alexander's father. This is my wife, Julia." A stunning woman with ash-blonde hair nodded coolly. "Welcome to our home, Olivia." "Thank you for having me," I replied automatically. "Drink?" Alexander asked, gesturing toward

Olivia"You were amazing in there," he continued, oblivious to my thoughts. "The way you handled Victoria and talked about your work... my grandfather was impressed." "Really?" "He doesn't compliment people often. Trust me, calling you a 'fine young woman' is high praise from Harold Carter." I smiled despite myself. "Your grandmother hugged me goodbye." "Another good sign. Margaret's very protective of the family." "She told me not to let Victoria get to me." Alexander glanced over, his expression softening. "Smart advice. Victoria's all bark and no bite." "Those friends of hers had plenty of bite," I muttered, remembering Madison and Stella at the bar. "They won't bother you again," Alexander said, his voice hardening. "I've made sure of it." Something in his tone sent a shiver down my spine. I changed the subject. "So what did your grandfather want to discuss in private?" Alexander's mouth quirked. "You, actually. He wanted to know if I was serious about you." "And what d

Olivia"Your grandmother is surprisingly nice," I said, perched on the edge of his couch. "Margaret's always had good instincts about people." Alexander loosened his tie, the simple action drawing my attention to his strong hands. "She liked you." "Victoria definitely didn't." "Victoria doesn't like anyone who threatens her plans." He sat beside me, close enough that our knees almost touched. "Don't take it personally." I took another sip of whiskey, letting the alcohol calm my nerves. "So what's next?" Alexander's eyebrow arched. "Sleep, unless you had something else in mind?" Heat rushed to my face. "That's not what I meant. I meant what's next before the marriage? We've met your family, and then what?" "We need to meet your family," he said, swirling the amber liquid in his glass. "I was thinking we could have the wedding in a few weeks. It would be a small ceremony, just close family and friends." "Okay," I replied, the reality of our situation hitting me anew. In a few we