The CEO's Contractual Wife (Olivia and Ryan) novel Chapter 178

Chapter 178

Chapter 178

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Olivia

The building turned out to be an exclusive restaurant. A host greeted Alexander by name and led us through a dimly lit interior to a private terrace. A single table waited, surrounded by twinkling fairy lights and potted olive trees.

“Mr. Carter, your table is ready as requested.”

“Thank you, Miguel.” Alexander pulled out my chair.

As I sat, the full impact of the view hit me. The entire city of Los Angeles lay before us, a sea of lights stretching to the horizon.

“Alexander, this is…” I trailed off, searching for the right word.

“Too much?” He settled across from me, his features softened in the candlelight.

“Breathtaking,” I finished. “How did you even find this place?”

“My grandfather brought me here when I turned eighteen. It was his way of showing me what could be mine someday.” He gazed out at the view, something wistful in his expression. “The restaurant has changed hands several times, but I keep a standing reservation.”

“Just in case you need to impress someone?” I teased.

He looked back at me, his eyes intense. “Just in case I find someone worth bringing here.”

My breath caught in my throat. Before I could respond, a waiter appeared with two glasses of champagne.

“Compliments of the chef,” he said, placing them on the table with practiced elegance. “He hopes you’ll enjoy the first course momentarily.”

The champagne was exquisite, tiny bubbles dancing across my tongue. “This is incredible.”

“Dom Pérignon Rosé. One of my favorites.” Alexander’s eyes never left mine as he drank.

I would never have tasted anything so delicious if I hadn’t met Alexander. Marketing executives on my salary didn’t exactly splurge on a hundred-dollar champagne.

“So,” I said, setting my glass down, “do you bring all your dates to secret restaurants perched on mountaintops?”

Alexander’s lips quirked upward. “What makes you think I bring dates here at all?”

“The private table. The way the host knew exactly what you wanted without asking. The fact that we’re literally above the clouds looking down at Los Angeles like gods on Olympus.” I gestured to the view. “This screams ‘Alexander Carter impresses beautiful women here regularly.”

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Chapter 178

“You’ve uncovered my devious plan. Next, I’ll have the violinist appear and play our song.”

“We have a song?”

“Not yet.” His eyes sparkled with mischief. “But I’m taking suggestions.”

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Our first course arrived: delicate scallops with some kind of foam that looked like it belonged in a modern art museum. The flavor was incredible, briny and sweet and buttery all at once.

“Oh my god,” I moaned after the first bite. “I might need a moment alone with this plate.”

“Should I turn around?” Alexander teased, his eyes darkening slightly at my reaction.

“Don’t you dare. You’d miss my food orgasm face.”

His eyebrows shot up. “Now that would be tragic.”

We moved through several more exquisite courses, each paired with a different wine. The chef appeared briefly to explain each creation; terms like “yuzu emulsion” and “truffle soil” floated past my comprehension as I focused more on Alexander’s reactions than the elaborate descriptions.

“You know,” I said, twirling the stem of my wine glass, “most people just go for pizza on a weeknight.”

“Would you like pizza instead?” His tone was serious, as if he’d immediately call for dough and cheese if I requested it.

“Absolutely not. This is…” I gestured at the empty plates before us, “magical.”

After dessert, Alexander suggested we explore the property.

“There’s a small trail that leads to an even better viewpoint,” he said, offering his hand as I stood.

The night air had cooled further, making me shiver slightly. Without hesitation, Alexander removed his jacket and draped it over my shoulders. The warmth of his body lingered in the fabric, enveloping me like an embrace.

“Better?” he asked.

“Much.” The jacket smelled like him, expensive cologne with underlying notes of something uniquely Alexander.

He led me along a winding stone path illuminated by small lights embedded in the ground. His hand rested at the small of my back, guiding me around corners until we reached a circular platform extending out from the hillside.

“Oh wow,” I breathed.

From this vantage point, the city seemed to stretch endlessly, the patterns of lights creating constellations on the ground that mirrored the stars above.

“It’s easy to forget how beautiful Los Angeles can be,” Alexander said, standing close behind me. “Down there

Chapter 178

in the traffic and noise, you miss this perspective.”

“It’s incredible.” I leaned back slightly, and his chest pressed against my shoulders.

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For a moment we just stood there, the silence comfortable between us. His arm slipped around my waist, and I didn’t resist. It felt right somehow, standing with him above the world.

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