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.

know I don’t have to,”

until

enough. Take care of your family, Olivia. Don’t worry about

“Thank you, Alex.

for your

1/3

Chapter 37

dead before I could respond. I stared at my phone, trying to process the conversation. Alexander had been surprisingly supportive, almost caring. It didn’t fit

his head around the corner.

tucked my phone away.

he asked

I said. “Just letting

“First–name basis with the

smile. “Let’s focus on

he agreed, but then added, “But for what it’s worth, I’m happy

stomach. If only

bed with monitors beeping around

saw me.

said, his voice

carefully around

joked weakly.

blinking back tears. “Well, you

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

cut right to the chase, even from

confirmed. “And yes, we’re seeing each

eyes narrowed slightly. “Rich fellow,

“Dad,” I warned.

I’m just saying it’s good you found someone successful.” He patted my hand. “And if he’s half as smart as you,

the other side of the bed. “I told your father we should invite Alexander to Sunday dinner

I suggested, desperate to change the subject. “Have the doctors said anything more

running tests today. Should know more this