The CEO's Contractual Wife

Chapter 36

I nodded, swallowing hard. “And the cost?”

“Don’t worry about that right now.”

“Nick.”

He sighed. “Insurance will cover part of it, but there’s a significant out–of–pocket. Plus the recovery, medications, follow–up care… it adds up.”

“My company will take care of it,” I said firmly.

Nick’s eyebrows shot up. “Carter Enterprises has that kind of health coverage?”

“It’s… complicated. But yes, we’ll have the money.”

He studied my face, clearly wanting to ask more questions but too tired to push. “If you say so. Where’s Ethan?”

“He’s not here yet?”

“Probably still on his way. I left him a message.”

I checked my phone. No texts from our younger brother. “I’ll try him again.”

Before I could dial, Mom returned with two cups of coffee. She handed one to me.

“Thank you.” I took a sip of the bitter hospital brew. “Has anyone called Aunt Cynthia?”

“I’ll do it once we know more,” Mom said, sitting back down. “No sense worrying her until we have actual news.”

We settled into the uncomfortable waiting room chairs, the three of us forming a small island in the quiet hallway. A nurse came by to check on us, promising updates soon. Time stretched and contracted in the strange way it does in hospitals, minutes feeling like hours.

“Oh!” Mom suddenly exclaimed, turning to me with wide eyes. “I almost forgot with everything happening. I saw your picture in the news yesterday.”

stomach clenched.

to overhear. “The CEO of your company? The article said you two

head swiveled toward me. “You’re dating Alexander

or place I’d planned to have this conversation. I glanced at my mother’s expectant face, then back at Nick’s

carefully. “We were going to tell everyone next week at Sunday

you work for him,” Mom said, her brow furrowing with

I joined Carter Enterprises,” I explained, reciting the

1/3

of timing issues.”

never mentioned dating him before,” Nick pointed

brief and ended before it got serious,” I replied, keeping my voice even. “When I got the job at Carter, I decided to keep it professional and not mention our history. I wanted to be judged on my

connections.”

makes sense. You’ve always been so

I nodded, relieved she was accepting the explanation. “We reconnected recently at a company event, and… well, we realized

leaned back in his chair, studying me. “So the CEO of one of the biggest companies in the world just happens to be your

a laugh. “Life is strange

phone. “Look, there are pictures of you two

the same photos I’d already seen–Alexander and me leaving Maison

beautiful, honey,” Mom said, zooming in on the image. “That

maybe talk about this later? I’m

now.”

immediately sobered. “Of course. Sorry, it was

I sighed. “And I promise we’ll have a real conversation about it soon. I was

think it’s wonderful. You deserve someone special, and Alexander Carter doesn’t seem like the kind to cheat.

knew the

can we please focus on Dad?” I asked, more

blinked, hurt flashing across her face. “Of course, sweetheart. I’m

guilty. “No, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to snap. I’m just

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