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Chapter 15
Terakhir Diperbarui:
2024-11-01 00:31:11
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CEO's Contract Wife Chapter 16
Izzy’s mind was still buzzing from her encounter with Sabrina. The woman had a way of getting under her skin, her words lingering long after their conversation had ended. The whole night, Sabrina’s thinly veiled insinuations echoed in Izzy’s thoughts, casting shadows over her confidence. Sabrina seemed so sure of herself, so certain of her claim on Liam, that it left Izzy with an unsettling question: Did Liam still care for her?The thought felt ridiculous, but Sabrina had planted it expertly, like a seed taking root. It didn’t help that Liam had been more distant than usual since that night. He had promised to talk to Sabrina, but he hadn’t mentioned it again, and Izzy had no idea if he’d actually followed through.It was the beginning of a shift she could feel—a shift Sabrina was clearly determined to nurture.The next few days, Sabrina’s presence seemed to be everywhere.Izzy was in her office at Stone Enterprises, going over designs for a new project, when the receptionist knocked
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-11-01CEO's Contract Wife Chapter 17
It was early in the morning, and Izzy was nursing a cup of coffee in the penthouse kitchen when Liam walked in, already dressed in a sharp gray suit and looking like he was ready to conquer the day. He moved with the same calm confidence he always did, yet today, there was an edge of urgency in his eyes.“Izzy,” he said, breaking her morning reverie. She looked up, meeting his gaze, trying to hide her surprise. Mornings weren’t usually a time for conversation between them; they kept to their own routines and left each other in peace. So his direct, focused attention now caught her off guard.“Yes?” she replied, setting her mug down and giving him her full attention.“I need you to accompany me out of the city for a conference,” he said, leaning against the kitchen counter, his gaze unwavering. “It’s a two-day event, and it would look better if we attended as a couple.”Izzy’s eyebrows shot up, both surprised and hesitant. “A conference? Do you really need me there? I thought… you usua
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-11-01CEO's Contract Wife Chapter 18
The next morning, the air in the suite felt thick and tense, as though last night’s unresolved emotions had settled into the walls, waiting to be confronted. Izzy woke early, alone in the bed, a dull ache in her chest as she remembered Liam leaving the room after their passionate but unfinished night. She lay there for a few moments, staring up at the ceiling, trying to sort through her feelings.She wanted him—she wanted him in a way that went beyond their contract, beyond the careful boundaries they’d set up between themselves. But Liam had made it clear that he wasn’t ready to let down his walls, and that stung. She wasn’t sure how much longer she could keep herself in this strange limbo, hovering between reality and pretense.With a sigh, she finally forced herself out of bed, pulling on a robe and heading into the main living area. To her surprise, she found Liam already awake, standing by the floor-to-ceiling windows, staring out at the ocean. He was dressed in a white dress shi
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-11-01CEO's Contract Wife Chapter 19
Returning to Chicago from the conference felt like coming down from a dream. The sunny coastal air and the charged intimacy of the resort had been replaced by the gray, towering buildings and chilly winds of the city. But more than the scenery, it was the shift in Liam’s behavior that made Izzy feel like something important had been left behind on that beach.Liam had barely spoken to her on the flight home. He’d buried himself in his laptop, responding to emails and drafting plans for upcoming projects, his focus entirely elsewhere. Any attempt she’d made to start a conversation had been met with curt, polite responses that quickly fizzled into silence. He seemed wrapped in a protective shell, one she hadn’t seen in him before, and it left her feeling strangely abandoned, like a part of their connection had been severed.When they finally returned to the penthouse, he mumbled something about heading to the office and disappeared almost immediately, leaving her standing alone in the g
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-11-02CEO's Contract Wife Chapter 20
Liam’s life had always been about control. Control over his business, over his emotions, over the delicate threads that held his world together. But lately, everything seemed to be slipping through his fingers. The day he returned from the conference with Izzy, he could feel the balance of his world shifting, tipping dangerously between his responsibilities to the company and the feelings he’d promised himself he wouldn’t let develop.But he didn’t have the luxury of time to sort through his emotions. Trouble was brewing within Stone Enterprises, and he could feel it—like a storm gathering on the horizon. His uncle, Victor, had been circling for months, dropping subtle hints about “business stability” and the importance of a “strong, single leader” at the helm. And now, with the board becoming restless and Liam’s own focus splintered, Victor seemed poised to strike.It all came to a head during a high-stakes board meeting a week after they returned from the conference. Liam sat at the
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-11-02CEO's Contract Wife Chapter 21
The days following the board meeting were tense and complicated. Izzy found herself in a state of emotional turmoil, caught between the attraction that had been simmering between her and Liam and the painful reminder that their marriage was, ultimately, just a business arrangement.She had stood beside him in that boardroom, defended him in front of his uncle and the entire board, and had felt more like his true partner in that moment than she’d ever felt before. For a few minutes, it was as if they were fighting for something together, something real. But then, later, when they were alone, his distance returned, reminding her that maybe she was just a convenient pawn in this complicated game he was playing with his family.Each time she saw him around the penthouse, his focus buried in work or his mind somewhere she couldn’t follow, the sting of their limitations pressed deeper. He was charming, confident, strong—everything she could’ve wanted in a partner. But she couldn’t ignore th
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-11-03CEO's Contract Wife Chapter 22
Izzy lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, unable to sleep. Her thoughts were a tangled mess of emotions, memories, and unanswered questions, all centering around one person. Every time she closed her eyes, all she could see was Liam—his intense gaze, his lingering touch, his presence that filled the room even when he wasn’t there. It was as if he had taken root in her heart, and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t shake him loose.She heard a soft knock on her bedroom door, pulling her from her thoughts. Her heart skipped a beat, her breath catching in her throat as she realized who it must be."Liam?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.The door opened, and he stepped into the room, his face shadowed in the dim light. His gaze met hers, dark and intense, and for a moment, they simply stared at each other, the silence between them thick with everything they hadn’t said."Izzy," he murmured, his voice rough with emotion. "I can’t keep doing this. I can’t keep pretending that
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-11-04CEO's Contract Wife Chapter 23
Liam was in his office at Stone Enterprises, seated behind his large mahogany desk, his fingers steepled as he stared at a pile of documents. The board meeting earlier that morning had been tense, with whispers of uncertainty about his leadership and veiled suggestions that he might consider bringing in "additional support." He knew it was his uncle Victor’s doing, stirring up doubt and unease within the board, but he hadn’t expected his uncle to be quite this relentless.With a sigh, he leaned back, rubbing a hand over his face. He couldn’t afford any distractions—not now, when the company was at a critical juncture and he was juggling so many pieces at once. And yet, even as he tried to focus on the business, his mind kept drifting back to Izzy. The night they’d shared had left him feeling raw, open, and deeply unsettled, but in a way that was also thrilling. For the first time in his life, he felt like he’d truly let someone in, let them see him without the armor he’d always worn.
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-11-05
Bab terbaru
CEO's Contract Wife Chapter 67
The late afternoon sun streamed through the large floor-to-ceiling windows of Izzy’s office, casting warm golden light onto the drafting table where she worked. The space was a perfect blend of creativity and professionalism, with sleek modern furniture, open shelving filled with architectural models, and a massive whiteboard covered in sketches and ideas for her latest project.Izzy stood at the table, pencil in hand, her brow furrowed in concentration as she sketched out the final details of a sleek, contemporary home design for a new client. A soft breeze drifted in through the open window, carrying with it the distant hum of the city below.She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her engagement and wedding rings catching the sunlight as she worked. It was a small detail, but one that made her heart swell every time she noticed it.The door to her office creaked open, and a familiar voice broke the quiet.“Still at it, I see.”Izzy looked up, a smile breaking across her face as
CEO's Contract Wife Chapter 66
The hum of the private jet’s engines filled the cabin, but Izzy barely noticed it. She sat by the window, her head resting against Liam’s shoulder as she gazed out at the clouds stretching endlessly across the sky. The week on the island had been a dream—a blur of white sands, turquoise waters, and tender moments—but now, as they returned to Chicago, reality was waiting for them.And for the first time in her life, Izzy didn’t feel anxious about it.Liam’s hand rested over hers, his thumb tracing slow circles against her skin. “You’re quiet,” he murmured, glancing down at her.“I’m just thinking,” she said softly.“About what?”Izzy smiled, tilting her head to look up at him. “About everything. The future, mostly. It feels like… like we finally get to start living. No contracts, no scheming uncles, no dark secrets hanging over us. Just us.”Liam’s lips curved into a small smile, his blue eyes softening. “It’s a good feeling, isn’t it?”She nodded, leaning into him. “The best.”When th
CEO's Contract Wife Chapter 65
The warm, salty breeze of the Caribbean washed over them as Liam and Izzy stepped off the private plane. The island was like something out of a postcard—white sand beaches stretching endlessly, turquoise waters sparkling under the sun, and lush palm trees swaying gently in the wind. It was paradise, and for the first time in what felt like forever, Izzy could breathe deeply, unburdened by worry or stress.“This is unreal,” she said, her voice full of awe as she looked around.Liam placed a hand on the small of her back, guiding her toward the waiting car that would take them to their villa. “I wanted it to be special,” he said, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “After everything we’ve been through, you deserve nothing less than perfection.”Izzy glanced up at him, her heart fluttering. He was dressed casually in linen pants and a crisp white shirt with the sleeves rolled up, his usual commanding presence softened by the relaxed atmosphere. This was a side of Liam she r
CEO's Contract Wife Chapter 64
The morning was perfect. The crisp, early autumn air carried the scent of freshly fallen leaves, and the soft sunlight filtering through the trees made the garden venue glow. The space had been transformed into a dreamscape of white roses, twinkling fairy lights, and flowing ivory drapery. Everything looked exactly as Izzy had imagined it—the perfect blend of elegance and intimacy.In the bridal suite, Izzy stood in front of a full-length mirror, her heart pounding in her chest. The dress she had chosen—a classic ballgown with a sweetheart neckline and delicate lace detailing—fit her like a dream. The soft tulle skirt pooled at her feet, and the intricate beadwork on the bodice sparkled in the sunlight streaming through the windows. Her hair was swept into an elegant chignon, a few loose curls framing her face, and her makeup was soft and romantic.Sarah fussed with the hem of the dress, her face glowing with excitement. “You look like a literal princess, Izzy,” she said, stepping bac
CEO's Contract Wife Chapter 63
The week leading up to the wedding had been a whirlwind of preparations, meetings, and final adjustments. Yet amid the chaos, there was one tradition that Izzy and Liam’s friends refused to let slide—the bachelor and bachelorette parties. After everything they had been through, it was time to celebrate, to laugh, and to allow themselves a moment to breathe before the big day.Izzy glanced at herself in the mirror, laughing softly as she adjusted the sparkly “BRIDE” sash Sarah had insisted she wear. “This is ridiculous,” she muttered, turning to her best friend, who was grinning ear to ear.“Ridiculous? No,” Sarah said with mock offense, hands on her hips. “It’s tradition. You are the bride, and we are going to celebrate like it’s our job.”Izzy rolled her eyes, but she couldn’t stop the smile tugging at her lips. Dressed in a sleek white cocktail dress and heels that Sarah had forced her into, she felt radiant—something she hadn’t had much time to think about in the chaos of the weddi
CEO's Contract Wife Chapter 62
The morning sunlight poured into the penthouse kitchen, flooding the space with a warm golden glow. Izzy stood at the counter, surrounded by swatches of fabric, invitation samples, and color-coded to-do lists spread haphazardly across the marble countertop. A cup of coffee sat untouched beside her, forgotten in the chaos as she flipped through her wedding planner for what felt like the hundredth time that week.“This might actually drive me insane,” she muttered under her breath, biting the end of her pen as she tried to finalize the seating arrangements.Liam walked in, dressed casually in dark jeans and a crisp white shirt, his hair still slightly damp from his morning shower. He stopped in his tracks at the sight of the counter, his brow raising at the sheer volume of wedding-related material. “Am I interrupting a battlefield strategy session, or is this still about the wedding?” he teased, leaning against the doorframe.Izzy shot him a mock glare. “You laugh now, but you’ll feel m
CEO's Contract Wife Chapter 61
The boardroom of Stone Enterprises was filled with an air of quiet tension. The long, polished mahogany table gleamed under the overhead lights, and the room was full of powerful people dressed in sleek suits, their faces carefully neutral. It was a defining moment for the company—one that would either mark the end of months of chaos or plunge it into another chapter of instability.At the head of the table, Liam Stone stood tall, his commanding presence impossible to ignore. He was dressed in a tailored navy-blue suit, his posture confident, and his piercing blue eyes swept over the room with quiet authority. At his side sat Izzy, her presence as steadying to him as his resolve. Though she wasn’t technically a part of the company, she had insisted on being there for him during this final showdown with his uncle, Charles Stone.Across the table, Charles sat slouched in his chair, his smug demeanor barely masking his growing unease. He had been so certain that Maxwell’s arrest and Noah
CEO's Contract Wife Chapter 60
The hospital smelled of antiseptic and fresh linens, but for once, the atmosphere was light, almost celebratory. Izzy sat on the edge of Ethan’s bed, her heart swelling with gratitude as she watched him chat animatedly with his doctor. His cheeks were full of color now, his energy vibrant in a way she hadn’t seen in years.“Mom always said I’d grow up to be the toughest kid on the block,” Ethan said proudly, crossing his arms over his chest as if to show off imaginary muscles. “And I guess I proved her right!”Dr. Patel laughed, flipping through the last of his notes on Ethan’s chart. “You sure did, champ. You’ve been through a lot, but I’m happy to officially tell you that you’re in full remission. Your body’s healed completely.”Izzy’s breath caught at the word—remission. She hadn’t dared to hope for it, not fully, not after the long, terrifying months of treatments, surgeries, and setbacks. Tears welled in her eyes as she reached for Ethan’s hand, squeezing it tightly.“Did you hea
CEO's Contract Wife Chapter 59
The courthouse loomed before them, its gray stone walls towering over the bustling city streets. The air was cold that morning, a sharp wind whipping through the crowd of reporters and onlookers gathered outside the building. Cameras flashed, and voices shouted questions as Liam and Izzy stepped out of the sleek black car that had brought them there.“Mr. Stone, do you think Maxwell Stone will be convicted?”“Is it true you’re testifying today?”“Mrs. Stone, how does it feel to face the man who killed your parents?”Izzy flinched at the question, but Liam’s hand found hers, steady and grounding, as they walked up the courthouse steps. He glanced at her, his blue eyes filled with quiet reassurance. She gave him a small nod, gripping his hand tightly as they pushed through the crowd and entered the building.Inside, the noise of the outside world faded, replaced by the low murmur of voices and the echo of footsteps on polished floors. The weight of the moment pressed down on Izzy as the
