The Billionaire’s contractual wife

Chapter Two

Ivy opened her eyes slightly, only to be greeted by a piercing headache that made her wince. Her entire body ached as though she had run a marathon in heels.

The first thing she registered was the deep softness of the plush carpet beside the bed and the faint light of early dawn creeping through the curtains, casting gentle patterns across the hotel room.

Where was she?

Rubbing her temples, she tried to sit up—only to feel an arm draped tightly around her waist, a warm body pressed against hers.

Then, like a crashing wave, the memories of the previous night came rushing back. She was in a hotel room. With a man. A stranger she had just met—Roman.

Her heart began to race, equal parts panic and thrill. Carefully, Ivy slid out of the bed, the heat of his body lingering on her skin. The night’s passion replayed in her mind—his touch, his voice, the way he made her feel.

Roman lay peacefully beside her, his features softened in the morning light. His chest rose and fell with each slow breath.

With deliberate movements, Ivy untangled herself from his arm, easing off the bed. The air outside the sheets felt cold against her bare skin. She tiptoed around the room, gathering her scattered clothes, being careful not to wake him.

Once dressed, she took one last look at Roman, then slipped quietly out of the room.

Back inside, Roman stirred, his hand reaching instinctively for the warmth that was no longer there. His eyes blinked open groggily. He sat up and glanced around, confused.

“Ivy?” he called out, voice husky from sleep.

No answer.

He rubbed a hand across his face, his mind foggy. Then his phone buzzed from the nightstand. A string of missed calls lit up the screen—all from James, his personal assistant.

“Damn it,” Roman muttered, unlocking his phone and calling him back while pulling on his pants.

“James, where are you?” he snapped as soon as the call connected. “I need a change of clothes, and I need to be in the office now.”

As he spoke, Roman moved around the room, collecting his belongings. The scent of Ivy’s perfume still lingered in the air, clinging to the sheets, to his skin. He paused and chuckled softly—his shirt was missing.

“James, are you even listening?”

“Yes, sir!” James replied, his voice sharp with attention. “I’ll be there in fifteen minutes. Is everything alright?”

Roman hesitated. “Yeah… everything’s fine,” he said quietly. “Just hurry.”

He ended the call and headed to the shower. As cold water poured over his skin, he tilted his head back, letting it wash away the haze. Still, he couldn’t ignore the hollow feeling settling in his chest. He’d had his share of nights like this, but something about Ivy felt... different.

"Interesting," he murmured to himself.

Meanwhile, Ivy stepped out into the cool morning air, her heels clicking on the pavement. The sunlight was just starting to peek through the buildings. She pulled out her phone and stared at the screen—ten missed calls and several messages from Zara.

“IVY! Where are you???”

“You okay?”

“Don’t forget you start your new job TODAY. Call me. ASAP.”

Ivy groaned. “Great. Did I actually forget the job?” she muttered, her head still pounding. “Perfect timing, Ivy. Really.”

She spotted a taxi parked nearby and waved it down.

The driver, a kind-faced older man, rolled down his window. “Need a ride, miss?”

“Please,” Ivy sighed, sliding into the backseat. “Midtown.”

As he pulled into traffic, he glanced at her through the mirror. “Rough night?”

“You have no idea. Actually, can you take me to 423 West 58th Street first? I need to make a quick stop.”

“Sure thing,” he replied, adjusting the GPS.

As they drove through the waking city, Ivy tapped on her screen and dialed Zara.

“Ivy! Where the hell have you been? I was ready to file a missing person report!”

“I’m sorry, Z,” Ivy said, holding the phone away from her ear slightly. “I… crashed at a hotel. With someone. Long story. I’m okay. Just really hungover and about to be late for my first day.”

Zara exhaled heavily, her tone softening. “You scared me. But alright, deep breath. You’re still early enough to fix this. Just hurry.”

“I’m going to change quickly and head straight there,” Ivy said, already planning her next moves. “I’ll call you after.”

“Hurry up, babe. And hydrate!”

“I’m on it,” Ivy promised before ending the call.

After what felt like an eternity, the cab pulled up in front of her apartment building. Ivy paid quickly and rushed inside.

She fumbled with her keys but didn’t need to use them—Zara was already at the door, arms folded.

“Ivy!” Zara exclaimed, pulling her into a hug. “You look like hell.”

“I feel like hell,” Ivy replied, letting herself be led inside.

“You’ve got one hour. Think you can manage?”

“Barely,” she said, already stripping off her jacket.

“I’ll make coffee. You hit the shower.”

“Deal.”

Zara handed her a towel and nudged her toward the bathroom. “And hey—new beginnings, remember? You’ve got this.”

“Thanks, Z,” Ivy said gratefully, closing the door behind her.

The shower was a godsend. As the hot water rinsed away the previous night, Ivy slowly came back to herself. She towel-dried quickly and stepped into a fitted navy blue sheath dress that meant business. A black belt at the waist, black pumps, a dab of nude lipstick, and she was done.

When she stepped out, Zara was waiting with coffee. “Drink this. Then go impress the hell out of them.”

“You’re a saint,” Ivy said, taking a deep sip. “Okay. Let’s do this.”

She grabbed her bag and rushed out the door again, this time with a clearer mind and stronger resolve. She flagged down another taxi and headed off to her new job, praying she wasn’t too late to make a good impression.

Back at the hotel, Roman stepped out of the shower, wrapping a towel around his waist. The scent of soap mixed with traces of Ivy’s perfume still hung in the air.

He stared at his reflection in the mirror, running a hand through his wet hair.

A knock on the door pulled him from his thoughts.

“Come in,” he called.

James, a sharply dressed man in his late 40s with a clean beard and serious expression, stepped inside with a garment bag in hand. His eyes scanned the room—unmade bed, clothes scattered—and he raised a brow but said nothing.

Roman smirked. “Don’t start, James.”

James handed over the clothes. “Your 9 a.m. meeting is still on. And the driver’s waiting downstairs.”

Roman nodded. “Let’s get this day started.”

But even as he got dressed, part of his mind was still on Ivy—and the question she’d left behind.

Would he see her again?

"Good morning, sir," James said, placing the garment bag on the chair beside the desk.

"I brought the clothes as requested."

"Thanks, James," Roman replied, unzipping the bag and pulling out a finely tailored charcoal-gray suit. The fabric was rich and smooth, unmistakably bespoke.

"I appreciate it."

James hesitated, then spoke with careful curiosity.

"Sir, if you don’t mind me asking... did you have company last night?"

Roman paused as he buttoned his crisp white shirt, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

"Yeah. I did. Met someone during my night out."

James raised a brow, clearly trying to hide his surprise.

"It’s been a while since you… entertained company, sir."

Roman chuckled softly as he adjusted a deep burgundy silk tie around his neck.

"Yeah, it has. But last night… she was different."

James tilted his head, intrigued.

"Different how, sir?"

Roman’s eyes gleamed with a rare spark of amusement.

"Let’s just say she left quite the impression."

James allowed himself a slight smile.

"Glad to hear it. Honestly, the rumors about your personal life have been... less than ideal. The board meeting today is critical. We need to show them you're still in control."

Roman's smile faded, replaced by a hard glint of determination.

"I know. They’ve got nothing but whispers, and I won’t let them use it against me."

James handed him his tailored jacket.

"Also, your new executive assistant starts today. I believe her name is Ms. Ivy Carter. Would you like to meet her before the board session?"

Roman froze for a heartbeat, the name tickling something faint in the back of his mind—but he quickly dismissed it.

"Yes. Let’s hope she knows how to handle pressure."

James checked his sleek wristwatch.

"She should already be in the building, sir."

Roman pulled on his jacket, the fabric falling perfectly into place. He glanced into the mirror, then at James.

"Alright then. Let’s get this day started."

James hesitated at the door.

"One more thing, sir. Your father has asked to see you before the board convenes."

Roman’s jaw clenched subtly.

"What does he want now?"

James shrugged slightly.

"He didn’t say. Only that it’s important."

Roman exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair.

"Fine. I’ll speak with him. Let’s see where this all leads."

With that, they headed down the hallway and stepped into the waiting elevator.

The sleek black car pulled up to the entrance of Stellex Enterprises. Roman stepped out, buttoning his suit jacket as James followed closely behind. The city buzzed around them, but his thoughts were locked in on the board meeting ahead—and how to silence any doubt about his leadership.

Inside his office, Roman tried to focus on the stack of documents waiting on his desk. Contracts, reports, numbers—all needing his signature and attention. But his mind wandered to Ivy. The way she’d left without a word. The way her perfume still lingered faintly on his collar.

A soft knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts.

James poked his head in.

"Sir, your assistant is here. Should I send her in?"

Roman adjusted his tie, standing tall.

"Yes, send her in."

A moment later, the door opened… and Ivy walked in.

Poised, polished, and professional. Her navy-blue dress was sharp, her expression composed. But as soon as their eyes met, both froze.

"Ivy?" Roman said, stunned, his voice a low echo of disbelief.

Her eyes widened as the color drained from her face.

"You?" she breathed.

A long silence hung between them, the weight of last night crashing down in waves.

Roman blinked. This was his new assistant?

And Ivy… had just realized that her one-night stand was none other than the CEO she now worked for.