The CEO's Contractual Wife (Olivia and Alexander) novel Chapter 263

Chapter 263

Olivia

We browsed in silence, stopping occasionally when something caught our eye. I paused in front of a painting of Seven Mile Beach at sunset, the sky painted in shades of orange and pink.

“That one,” Alexander said from behind me. “You like it.”

“It’s gorgeous. The colors are incredible.”

He signaled the gallery owner. “We’ll take this one.”

“Alexander, you don’t have to-”

“I want to.” He gave the woman his credit card without even asking the price. “You’ll think of me every time you look at it.

“That’s incredibly generous.” The gallery owner beamed, processing the transaction with practiced efficiency. “Shall we arrange delivery?”

“Have it sent to the Carter estate in Los Angeles,” Alexander told her. “Security handled, insurance coverage, the works.”

“Of course. We’ll take care of everything.”

We left the gallery, stepping back into the afternoon heat. The sun beat down relentlessly, making the ocean breeze a welcome relief.

“You didn’t have to do that,” I said, linking my arm through his.

“I know,”

“But you did anyway.”

“I like spoiling you.” His hand covered mine. “Problem with that?”

“Not really. Just unexpected.”

“You better get used to it.”

We wandered through more shops, ducking in and out of air conditioned boutiques. Alexander pointed out items he thought I’d like, completely unbothered by price tags that made my eyes water.

“Try this one,” he suggested, holding up a sundress in coral.

I took it, feeling the soft fabric. “It’s beautiful.”

“So get it.”

‘Alex, I already have plenty of dresses.”

“You can never have too many dresses.” He grabbed two more off the rack. “These too.”

I rolled my eyes but took the dresses into the fitting room. The coral one fit perfectly, hugging my curves in all the right places. I stepped out to show Alexander, who was sprawled in a chair, looking bored until he saw me.

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Chapter 263

His expression shifted immediately. “Fuck.”

“Good fuck or bad fuck?”

Very good fuck. His eyes traveled slowly down my body. “Get it.”

“You haven’t even seen the others yet.

“Don’t need to. That one’s perfect.”

I tried on the other two anyway, both equally flattering. Alexander approved of all three without hesitation, pulling out his credit card before I could protest.

“This is getting out of hand,” I said as we left with multiple shopping bags.

“We’re just getting started.”

Alexander’s hand found the small of my back, guiding me out of a boutique with its bags of expensive dresses I hadn’t needed but he’d insisted on buying anyway.

“Where to next?” I asked, adjusting my sunglasses.

“There’s a lingerie shop a few blocks down. Heard they have an excellent selection.”

I stopped walking. “Lingerie? Seriously?”

“What’s wrong with lingerie?” His eyes gleamed with mischief behind his own sunglasses. “Every woman needs quality undergarments.”

“Quality undergarments,” I repeated. “Is that what we’re calling it?”

“Unless you prefer I call it what it is. Expensive fabric designed to drive me fucking insane when I peel it off you later.”

Heat rushed to my face.

He tugged me forward. “Come on. It’ll be fun.”

The shop he led me to was called Désir, tucked between a high end jewelry store and an art gallery. Mannequins in delicate lace and silk adorned the windows, showcasing items that likely cost a fortune.

A bell chimed as we entered. The interior was all cream and gold, plush carpet beneath my feet, and soft classical music playing from hidden speakers. Delicate pieces hung on satin covered hangers, organized by color and style.

“Good afternoon,” came a voice from behind a counter. A woman approached, middle aged with perfectly styled blonde hair and a tailored suit. “Welcome to Désir. How can I help you today?”

“We’re looking for something special,” Alexander said smoothly.

The woman’s eyes lit up with recognition. “Mr. Carter! What a pleasant surprise.”

I glanced at Alexander, who didn’t seem fazed by being recognized.

“It’s lovely to see you again,” the woman continued, her smile widening. “Last year, you came in with that brunette, if I remember correctly. You requested our most revealing pieces. Very exposing, very bold. The sheer collection with the cutouts?” She turned to me, her expression brightening. “Would you like similar pieces for this new lady?”

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Chapter 263

The words hit me like ice water.

Alexander’s jaw tightened. “She’s my wife.”

The woman’s smile froze, her face flushing pink. “Oh. Oh my goodness, I apologize. I didn’t realize you were married. Mr. Carter. Congratulations.”

“Thank you,” he said stiffly.

She clasped her hands together, clearly flustered. “I’m so sorry for the confusion. Let me show you our exclusive collection. We have some absolutely stunning pieces that just arrived from Paris.”

I stood there, processing what I’d just heard. Last year. A brunette. Revealing and exposing lingerie.

“How many women have you brought here?” The question came out sharper than I intended.

Alexander turned to face me. “It’s not what

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