The CEO's Contractual Wife (Olivia and Alexander) novel Chapter 324

Chapter 324

Olivia

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Alexander stood near the helm, speaking with Captain Reynolds about something I couldn’t hear. The afternoon sun caught his profile, highlighting the strong line of his jaw.

I walked to the railing, gripping the polished chrome as the yacht began moving. We glided out of the marina smoothly, the water parting in gentle waves around the bow. Other boats bobbed in their slips as we passed, their owners waving from their decks.

The motion was surprisingly smooth for such a large vessel. I’d expected more rocking, more sense of movement, but the yacht cut through the water like butter.

‘Champagne?” Alexander appeared beside me, two flutes in hand.

‘Since when did we have champagne ready?”

‘Captain Reynolds is thorough.” He handed me a glass, the bubbles catching the light. “He knows what I like.”

I accepted the flute and took a small sip. The champagne was cold and crisp, probably expensive beyond belief. “This is ncredible.”

Just wait until we’re in open water.” He gestured toward the harbor entrance ahead. “That’s when it gets good.”

The marina fell away behind us as we approached the breakwater. Other boats dotted the ocean, sailboats with white sails billowing, smaller fishing vessels, and a few kayakers hugging the shoreline.

As we cleared the harbor, the city skyline grew smaller. Buildings that had dominated the landscape minutes ago now ooked like toys against the mountains behind them. The Santa Monica Pier was visible to the south, its Ferris wheel a tiny ircle from this distance.

Alexander pointed toward the coastline. “We’ll follow the coast north. Give you the full tour.”

How long does that take?”

About three hours round trip, depending on how far we go.” He sipped his champagne. “Captain Reynolds plotted a route hat hits all the good views.”

I leaned against the railing, watching the water slide past. The ocean was that perfect California blue, deep and endless. A pod of dolphins appeared off the starboard side, their sleek bodies breaking the surface in graceful arcs.

‘Look!” I grabbed Alexander’s arm and pointed.

‘Dolphins are common out here,” he said, but moved closer to watch with me anyway.

We stood there as the dolphins played in the yacht’s wake, jumping and diving with obvious joy. One came so close I could see the details of its face before it disappeared beneath the waves.

“That was amazing,” I breathed.

“Wait until we see whales. Sometimes we get lucky this time of year.”

“Whales?” My eyes went wide. “Like actual whales?”

“Gray whales migrate along this coast. If we’re lucky, we might spot some.” He topped off my champagne. Though no

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Chapter 324

promises.”

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I explored the deck while Alexander returned to chat with Captain Reynolds. The furnishings were elegant without being ostentatious. Comfortable cushioned seating areas, polished teak wood, and chrome fixtures that gleamed in the sunlight.

Everything was perfectly maintained, clearly loved and cared for despite being five years old. I ran my hand along the railing, feeling the smooth wood beneath my palm.

The bow offered the best views, so I made my way forward, champagne in hand. The wind was stronger up here, whipping my hair around my face. I didn’t care. This was perfect.

Los Angeles stretched along the coast to our right, the urban sprawl giving way to beaches and cliffs as we moved north. Houses perched on hillsides, their windows probably offering million dollar views of the ocean we were currently sailing on.

Alexander rejoined me, his hand finding the small of my back. “You look happy.”

“I am happy.” I leaned into him. “This was a great idea.”

“Better than going straight home?”

“So much better.” I turned to face him. “Thank you for this.”

“You’re welcome.” He kissed me softly, tasting like champagne and salt air. “Though I had ulterior motives.”

‘Oh?”

Wanted you to myself for a few hours. No work, no family drama, no Victoria.”

I laughed. “Those are pretty good ulterior motives.”

We settled on the cushioned seating area at the bow, champagne glasses in hand. The yacht cut through the water at a eisurely pace, the engine noise muted up here, Just the sound of waves and wind and the occasional cry of a seagull.

I never asked,” I said after a while. “Why is it called Morning Star?”

Grandfather named it after my grandmother. Margaret means pearl, which comes from the sea. Morning Star was his nickname for her. Said she was the light that guided him home,”

That’s surprisingly romantic.”

He had his moments.” Alexander stretched his legs out. “Though don’t tell him I said that. He’d never let me hear the end of

I smiled, imagining Harold’s reaction. “Your secret’s safe with me.”

The coastline continued to unfold beside us. Malibu appeared, its famous beaches dotted with sunbathers and surfers. Expensive homes clung to the cliffs, their architecture ranging from classic Mediterranean to ultra–modern glass boxes

‘See that house?” Alexander pointed to a particularly impressive structure. “That’s where Leonardo DiCaprio filmed the party scene in Gatsby.”

‘Really?”

‘Or so I’ve heard. Could be complete nonsense.” He grinned. “But it makes a good story.”

I laughed, settling more comfortably against the cushions. The champagne was making me pleasantly fuzzy, the warmth

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spreading through my limbs.

This is dangerous,” I said.

“What is?”

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“Getting used to this. Yachts and champagne and afternoons on the water.” I gestured at our surroundings. “It’s not real life.”

“Why not?”

“Because real life involves traffic and deadlines and office politics.”

“Says who?” Alexander turned to face me. “This is exactly as real as everything else. You’re just used to the other stuff.”

“Maybe.” I sipped my champagne. “But I grew up with garage sale furniture and coupons at the grocery store. This feels like playing pretend.”

“You’re not playing anything. You’re living.” His hand found mine. “And you deserve all of it.”

I wanted to argue, to point out all the reasons why this felt too good to be true. But the sun was warm, the champagne was cold, and Alexander was looking at me like I actually mattered.

So instead I kissed him, tasting bubbles and ocean air on his lips.

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