The CEO's Contractual Wife (Olivia and Alexander) novel Chapter 302

Chapter 302

Chapter 302

Olivia

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The car glided through Los Angeles streets, city lights painting patterns across the dark leather interior. I smoothed the silk of my emerald dress, watching Alexander’s profile as he drove. His jaw was set in concentration, one hand steady on the wheel, the other resting casually on the center console.

“Are you going to tell me where we’re going?” I asked for the third time since we’d left the estate.

“Nope.”

“Not even a hint?”

His lips curved. “You’ll see.”

I’d been working late when he’d appeared in the doorway, already dressed in a perfectly tailored charcoal suit. “Get changed.” he’d said simply. “We’re going out.”

“I have work to finish.”

“The work will still be there tomorrow. You need a break.”

I’d wanted to argue, but something in his expression stopped me. So I’d changed into this emerald dress, applied fresh makeup, and followed him to the car without another word.

Now we were heading somewhere mysterious, and Alexander was being infuriatingly tight–lipped about our destination.

“At least tell me if we’re eating?” I tried again.

“Yes, we’re eating.”

“That’s it? That’s all I get?”

“Patience.” His hand found mine and squeezed gently. “You’re terrible at surprises.”

“I’m excellent at surprises. I just prefer to know what I’m being surprised with.”

He laughed. “That defeats the entire purpose of a surprise.”

“No, it enhances the surprise. Knowing makes the anticipation better.”

He turned onto a quieter street, buildings giving way to residential neighborhoods. “Close your eyes.”

“What? No.

“Close your eyes.”

I sighed dramatically but obeyed, squeezing my eyes shut. The car turned several more times, the sounds of traffic fading to near silence.

“This better be worth it,” I muttered.

“It is. Trust me.”

The car slowed, stopped. Alexander’s door opened and closed, then mine opened, and his hand found mine.

“Keep them closed,” he warned.

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Chapter 302

“I am.”

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He guided me out of the car, his arm strong around my waist. Gravel crunched under my heels as we walked, then smooth pavement. A door opened somewhere ahead, and cool air washed over me.

“Okay, Alexander said, his voice close to my ear. “Open.”

I opened my eyes and gasped.

We stood in what looked like a converted warehouse, but the space had been transformed into something magical. Exposed brick walls were lined with soft lighting, creating pools of golden warmth. In the center of the room, a single table was set for two, covered in white linen and scattered with rose petals. Candles flickered everywhere, their light dancing off polished wood floors.

“Alex,” I breathed, taking in the scene. This is beautiful.”

“Come on. He guided me toward the table, pulling out my chair.

I sat, still processing the romantically excessive setup. “How did you do all this?”

I have people.” He took his own seat across from me, looking pleased with my reaction. “And I thought you deserved something special.”

“For what?”

“For working yourself into the ground all week. For landing Cornerstone. For being you.”

A server appeared from somewhere, setting down champagne flutes and pouring from a bottle I recognized as obscenely expensive. Alexander raised his glass.

“To my brilliant wife,” he said simply.

I clinked my glass against his, warmth spreading through me. “This is really something, you know.”

“Good. That was the goal.” He set down his glass, studying me with those intense eyes. “I know the past few weeks have been stressful. Victoria, the media attention, and work pressure. I wanted to give you something that was just about us.”

My throat tightened unexpectedly. “Thank you.”

The first course arrived, impossibly delicate and beautifully plated. We ate slowly, talking about everything and nothing. Alexander told me about a difficult client meeting, and I described Dylan’s increasing competence as my assistant.

“He’s good,” I said, savoring what might have been the best scallop I’d ever tasted. “Really good. I’m thinking about recommending him for a promotion.”

“You should. Strong team members make you look better.”

“Is that why you keep Jessica around? To make you look good?”

“No, I keep Jessica around because she’s terrifying and efficient. The looking good part is just a bonus. He refilled my champagne. “Speaking of looking good, have I mentioned that dress is stunning?”

“Once or twice.” I smoothed the silk over my thigh.

The main course arrived, perfectly cooked steak with truffle butter that melted on my tongue. I’d given up trying to figure out how Alexander had arranged all this. A private restaurant, a personal chef, and an entire evening orchestrated just for us.

“You’re staring, he observed.

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Chapter 302

“Just trying to figure out what prompted all this.”

“Can’t a husband take his wife out for a nice dinner?”

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“Most husbands don’t rent out entire restaurants and hire what I’m guessing is a Michelin–star chef.”

“Most husbands aren’t me.” He cut into his steak, completely unruffled. “And you’re not most wives.”

I took another bite, letting the flavors melt on my tongue. “This is really good. Like, absurdly good.”

“Chef Laurent does excellent work.”

“Chef Laurent.” I shook my head, laughing. “Of course, you know his name.”

“I know all the important names in LA dining.” He topped off my champagne again, and I realized the bottle was nearly empty. “Besides, I wanted tonight to be perfect.”

“It is perfect.” I meant it. Despite the ridiculous luxury, despite everything feeling slightly surreal, I was genuinely enjoying myself. “Though I still think you’re hiding something.”

“Always so suspicious.”

“You’ve given me plenty of reasons to be.”

He laughed. “Fair point.”

Dessert arrived, some chocolate creation that probably had its own architectural blueprint. I took one bite and nearly groaned.

“This should be illegal,” I said around a mouthful of chocolate and cream.

“Agreed.” Alexander was watching me with an expression I couldn’t quite read. “You have chocolate on your lip.”

I reached for my napkin, but he leaned forward, his thumb brushing the corner of my mouth.

“Got it,” he murmured, his touch lingering.

The air between us shifted, charged with something electric. I set down my fork, my appetite suddenly focused elsewhere.

“Alex, I started, not sure what I was going to say.

“I have something for you.” He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a small velvet box.

My heart jumped. “What’s that?”

“Open it and find out.”

19:34 Wed, Mar 18 ROM

Chapter 303

Chapter 303