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,”

lip, weighing the options. “Maybe wait until we know more about Dad’s

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

“Thank you, Alex.

wait for

1/3

Chapter 37

could respond. I stared at my phone, trying to process the conversation. Alexander had been surprisingly supportive, almost caring. It didn’t fit with the cold, calculating businessman who’d proposed

his head around the corner. “Liv? Dad’s asking

tucked my phone away.

you talking to?” he asked

said. “Just letting him know

an eyebrow. “First–name basis with the CEO, huh? It must

a smile. “Let’s

“But for what it’s worth, I’m

my stomach. If

bed with monitors

saw me.

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

around the IV line. “Hey,

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

back tears. “Well, you scared us

you’re dating your boss,” he said, getting straight to the point

Dad to cut right to the chase,

“And yes,

narrowed slightly. “Rich fellow, isn’t

“Dad,” I warned.

my hand. “And if he’s half as smart as you,

hovered on the other side of the bed. “I told your father we should invite

focus on getting Dad healthy first,” I suggested, desperate to change the subject. “Have the doctors said anything

running tests today. Should know more