The CEO's Contractual Wife

I blinked, caught off guard by the offer. “You would do that?”

“Of course,” he replied, as if it were obvious. “It’s a simple matter of making a few phone calls. Consider it done.”

“Thank you,” I said, feeling oddly touched. “That’s… really kind of you.”

“It’s nothing.” His voice softened slightly. “How are you holding up?”

The question, so simple and genuine, made my throat tighten unexpectedly. “I’m okay. Just worried. And, um, there’s something else you should know.”

“What is it?”

“My family saw the photos of us. They know we’re dating now.”

Alexander was quiet for a moment. “I see. And what did you tell them?”

“The cover story we agreed on,” I assured him. “That we dated before I joined Carter Enterprises, kept it professional when I was hired, and recently reconnected.”

“Good. They believed it?”

“I think so,” I said, glancing back toward the waiting area. “They were surprised, obviously, but they didn’t question it too much. They’re more focused on Dad right now.”

“As they should be,” Alexander said. “Do you need anything? I can have my assistant bring you a change of clothes, food, whatever you need.”

Again, his thoughtfulness caught me off guard. “No, I’m fine. But thank you.”

“What about time off? Take whatever you need. I’ll inform HR personally.”

“I might need a few days,” I admitted. “Just until we know more about Dad’s condition.”

“Consider it done.” There was a rustling of papers on his end. “I have meetings all morning, but I can come by the hospital this afternoon if that would help.”

The offer hung between us, loaded with implications. If Alexander showed up at the hospital, it would cement our relationship story in my family’s eyes. It would make this fake relationship feel more real.

“You don’t have to do that,” I said hesitantly.

I don’t have to,” he

“Maybe wait until we know

your family, Olivia. Don’t worry about work or anything else. I’ve

“Thank you, Alex.

for your

1/3

Chapter 37

could respond. I stared at my phone, trying to process the conversation. Alexander had been surprisingly

around the corner. “Liv? Dad’s asking for

my

talking to?” he asked

“Just letting him

an eyebrow. “First–name basis with the

forced a smile. “Let’s

then added, “But for what it’s worth, I’m happy for you,

in my stomach. If only

the hospital bed with monitors

saw me.

my girl,” he said, his voice weaker than I was used to

moved to his side, taking his hand carefully around the IV line. “Hey,

on my chest,” he joked weakly. “But they’ve got me on the

tears. “Well, you scared

boss,” he said, getting straight to the point as usual.

it to Dad to cut right to the chase, even

confirmed. “And yes, we’re seeing each

narrowed slightly. “Rich fellow,

“Dad,” I warned.

it’s good you found someone successful.” He patted my hand. “And if he’s

bed. “I told your father we should invite Alexander to Sunday dinner once he’s

on getting Dad healthy first,” I suggested, desperate to change

running tests today.