The CEO's Contractual Wife (Olivia and Alexander) novel Chapter 262

Olivia

We took the elevator down to the lobby, where a sleek black Mercedes waited at the curb. The hotel had arranged it, another perk of staying in the Presidential Suite. The driver, a middle–aged man with kind eyes, held the door open.

“Good afternoon, Mr. and Mrs. Carter. Where would you like to go today?”

Alexander glanced at me, then back to the driver. “Ristorante Pappagallo.”

The drive took about fifteen minutes, the car cutting through palm tree lined streets. I pressed my face to the window like a kid, drinking in the sight of colorful buildings and crystal blue water peeking between structures.

“You look like you’ve never seen the ocean before,” Alexander teased.

“Not water that color. It’s like someone dumped food coloring in it.”

He laughed, his hand finding mine on the seat between us. “Wait until you swim in it. It’s even better.

The restaurant sat right on the water, an elegant open–air space with white tablecloths and panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea. The hostess recognized Alexander immediately, her smile brightening.

“Mr. Carter, welcome. We have your unazal table ready

“Usual table?” I whispered as we followed her through the dining room.

“I’ve been here a few times for business.”

The table overlooked the water, positioned perfectly to catch the breeze while staying shaded. I settled into my chair, unable to stop staring at the view. Boats bobbed in the distance, their white sails stark against the blue.

“This is incredible,” I breathed.

Alexander ordered wine without looking at the menu, clearly familiar with the restaurant’s offerings. When the waiter left, he leaned back in his chair, looking more relaxed than I’d seen him in weeks.

“No work talk today,” he announced “Just us and the ocean

“Really? The great Alexander Carter taking a day off from business?

“Even I need a break occasionally. His eyes crinkled with amusement. “Besides, I have more interesting things to focus on right now.”

Heat crept up my neck at the way he was looking at me. “Such as?”

“Such as watching my wife enjoy herself. It’s surprisingly entertaining”

The wine arrived, a crisp white that paired perfectly with the heat. I took a sip, savoring the cool liquid.

“What looks good to you?” Alexander asked, scanning the menu.

“Everything How am I supposed to choose?”

“We could get multiple dishes. Share them”

14

Chapter 262

“I like that plans”

We ordered far too much food grilled octopus, fresh pasta with lobster, risotto with local seafood, and a whole grilled fish, the waiter promised, caught that morning. When he left with our order. Alexander raised his wine glass

I clinked my glass against his.

The first course arrived quickly, the octopus tender and perfectly charred. I moaned around the first bite.

“That good?” Alexander asked, watching me with obvious amusement.

“Better. Oh my god, try this.”

I held out my fork, and he leaned forward to take the bite. His lips closed around the fork. his eyes never leaving mine

“Delicious,” he said, his voice dropping lower.

“Stop that.”

“Stop what?”

“Looking at me like that. We’re in public.”

His smile turned wicked. “I can look at my wife however I want.”

The pasta arrived next, steaming and fragrant. We ate in comfortable silence for a while, passing plates back and forth, stealing bites from each other’s forks.

“This is the best meal I’ve had in months,” I said, twirling pasta around my fork.

“Better than the gala dinner?”

“Way better. That was fancy, but this is actually delicious.”

Alexander laughed. “Fair distinction.”

“Tell me something.” I said, taking another sip of wine. “Why the Caymans for this business trip? Couldn’t you handle everything from LA?”

“Some things require face to face meetings. And the tax advantages of having entities here are significant.”

“Of course, there’s a business reason.”

“There’s always a business reason.” He refilled my wine glass. “But I’ll admit, the beach access doesn’t hurt.”

“When’s the meeting exactly?”

“Tomorrow afternoon. Two o’clock.”

“So we have the rest of today free?”

“Completely free.”

I grinned. “What should we do?”

“Whatever you want. Beach, shopping, exploring. Your choice.”

2/4

pm

Chapter 262

‘All of the above?”

“Ambitious. I like it.”

The fish arrived, presented whole on a platter with roasted vegetables and herbs. The waiter expertly filleted it tableside, the white flesh flaking perfectly.

“This is obscene,” I said after the first bite. “Nobody should be allowed to cook fish this well

“I’ll pass your compliments to the chef.”

“Do it. Tell him I’m never leaving.”

Alexander chuckled. “We have to leave eventually.”

“Says who?”

“My grandfather, for one. He’d have my head if I disappeared to the Caribbean permanently

“Right. Family obligations.” I took another bite of fish, savoring it.

We finished eating, both of us groaning with fullness. The waiter cleared our plates and returned with a dessert menu.

“I can’t,” I protested. “I’m going to explode.”

“We could share something,” Alexander suggested. “Tiramisu?”

“You’re evil. You know I can’t resist tiramisu.”

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