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?”

know me so

“Nick? The usual?”

Nick nodded. “Extra pickles.”

Ethan promised, heading toward the

to me. “You should call your boyfriend. Let him

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

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

I said, surprising myself with how

1/3

studying me. “You really

away, uncomfortable with the

“Love usually is.”

saved from responding by a nurse approaching us. “Morgan family? Dr. Weaver will be with you shortly to

and I exchanged glances. This must be the cardiologist

“Our brother just

Weaver will meet with you in the consultation room,” she said, gesturing down

room with a round table and several chairs. Mom was already there, looking

anything?” she

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

man with salt–and–pepper hair entered. He wore a pristine white coat with “Dr. Marcus

Morgan,” he said, shaking my mother’s hand. “I’m Dr. Weaver. I’ve been reviewing

children, Nicholas and Olivia,” Mom said. “Our youngest, Ethan, will be

reviewed your husband’s test results and consulted with his

hand tighten

husband has severe coronary artery disease,” Dr. Weaver continued. “Three of his major arteries are

asked, her voice remarkably

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

afternoon?” I repeated, my heart racing.

Dr. Weaver said firmly. “Your father is at high risk for another, potentially fatal

Ethan walked in, carrying a paper bag that smelled of fresh bread and deli meat.

I miss?” he