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.

have to,” he

until we know

family, Olivia. Don’t worry about work or

“Thank you, Alex.

wait for your

1/3

Chapter 37

to process the conversation. Alexander had been surprisingly supportive, almost caring. It didn’t fit with the cold,

his head around the corner. “Liv?

tucked my phone

were you talking to?” he asked as

letting him know what’s

basis with the

forced a smile. “Let’s

he agreed, but then added, “But for what

stomach. If only

hospital bed with monitors beeping around him. His

saw me.

he said, his voice weaker

around the IV line. “Hey, Dad.

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

tears. “Well,

mother says you’re dating your boss,” he said, getting straight to the point as usual. “The Carter

cut right to

“And yes, we’re seeing each

eyes narrowed slightly.

“Dad,” I warned.

He patted my hand. “And if he’s half as smart as

your father we should invite

first,” I suggested, desperate to change the subject. “Have the doctors

“They’re running tests today. Should know more