The CEO's Contractual Wife

Chapter 38

Olivia

Ethan arrived around noon, his face flushed and hair slightly disheveled. It was clear he had driven straight from his apartment the moment Nick’s call had come through, barely giving himself a moment to catch his breath.

“Sorry I’m late,” he said, dropping his backpack by the waiting room chairs. “Traffic was insane, and my phone died halfway

here.”

I stood up, wrapping my arms around him in a tight embrace. “You’re here now, and that’s all that matters,” I whispered, feeling a slight sense of relief wash over me as I held onto him.

“How is he?” Ethan asked, pulling back to look at me.

“Stable,” Nick answered from his chair. “They’re running tests. Should know more soon.”

Ethan nodded, then seemed to notice my appearance for the first time. “You look like hell, Liv.”

“Thanks,” I said dryly. “That’s exactly what every woman wants to hear.”

“I just meant—”

“I know what you meant,” I interrupted, smiling to soften my words. “I’ve been here since six this morning.”

“Have you eaten anything?” Ethan asked, always the one to worry about practical matters despite being the youngest.

I shook my head. “Not hungry.”

“Well, I am,” Nick announced, standing up and stretching. “Cafeteria run. Who’s in?”

“God, no,” Ethan grimaced. “Hospital food is worse than my dining hall. There’s a deli across the street. I’ll go grab sandwiches.”

“My hero,” I said,-placing a hand over my heart dramatically.

Ethan grinned. “Turkey on wheat for you?”

me

“Nick? The usual?”

Nick nodded. “Extra pickles.”

in twenty,” Ethan promised, heading toward the

he was gone, Nick turned to me. “You should call your boyfriend. Let him know you

‘boyfriend. It felt wrong applied to Alexander. “Already did. He’s arranging for Dad to see the

eyebrows shot up. “Seriously? That’s… actually really decent

be decent,” I said, surprising myself with how defensive

1/3

really like

away, uncomfortable with the question. “It’s

“Love usually is.”

us. “Morgan family? Dr. Weaver will

I exchanged glances. This must be the cardiologist

just went to get food. Should we

gesturing down the hall. “Your

with a round table and several chairs. Mom

heard anything?” she asked as we

talk to us,” I explained, sitting beside her and taking

a pristine white coat with “Dr. Marcus Weaver,

mother’s hand. “I’m Dr. Weaver. I’ve been reviewing your husband’s

Mom said. “Our

then took a seat across the table. “I’ve reviewed your husband’s test results and consulted with his primary physician.

felt Mom’s hand tighten

Weaver continued. “Three of his major arteries are

Mom asked, her voice

scheduled the procedure for this afternoon,” Dr. Weaver replied. “I don’t want to wait. The sooner we

repeated, my heart

father is at high risk for another, potentially

smelled of fresh bread and deli meat. He froze when he saw

I miss?” he asked, his voice