The CEO's Contractual Wife

Chapter 39

Olivia

“Well,” Ethan said finally, “I guess lunch can wait.”

I let out a startled laugh, more from nerves than humor. “Only you would joke at a time like this.”

“Someone has to,” he shrugged, but I could see the fear in his eyes.

Mom stood up, straightening her shoulders. “Let’s go see your father. We need to tell him what’s happening.”

Dad took the news with surprising calm. “So I get to be Frankenstein,” he joked weakly. “Do I get cool scars to show off?”

“Only you would be excited about scars,” Mom said, shaking her head.

“Hey, I need something to impress the ladies at bingo night,” he winked.

“Dad!” I exclaimed, but I was smiling despite myself.

A nurse came in to start prepping him for surgery, and we were asked to wait in the family lounge. The hours stretched endlessly. I picked at the sandwich Ethan had brought but couldn’t manage more than a few bites.

Around three o’clock, my phone buzzed with a text from Alexander.

“How’s your father? Surgery is scheduled for 4pm. I’ve arranged everything with Dr. Weaver.”

I stared at the message, a wave of gratitude washing over me. Whatever our arrangement was, whatever his motives, Alexander had gone out of his way to help my family.

“Surgery moved up to 4. We’re waiting now. Thank you for arranging Dr. Weaver. He seems excellent.”

Alexander’s reply came quickly: “He’s the best. I’m in meetings until 5, but I can come by after if you need support.”

I hesitated, my thumbs hovering over the keyboard. Did I want Alexander here? Part of me did if only to have someone else to lean on. However, another part of me worried about the complications of introducing him to my family under these circumstances.

I could decide, another text came through: “I’m coming. Text me

a question or an offer; it was a statement. Alexander

floor, east wing family waiting

“See you soon.”

phone away, wondering how to break the news to my family that Alexander Carter was about

okay?” Nick asked, noticing my

Alex. He’s coming by after his

perked up. “Your

trying to sound nonchalant about it. “He

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Chapter 39

in case we needed

thoughtful,” Ethan commented,

said, feeling that same

Mom declared. “It shows he cares about you

she

you periodically,” she promised. “The cafeteria is open until 8pm if you need food, and there are

cards, and we played half–hearted games of rummy to pass the time. Mom alternated between pacing and sitting rigidly in her chair, checking her watch every

5:30, the waiting room door opened, and

tailored suit. Instead, he wore dark jeans and a simple navy sweater that somehow looked more expensive than most people’s

his eyes finding mine

suddenly aware of my rumpled appearance and lack of makeup.

room in a few long strides, stopping just short of touching me. “How

surgery,” I said. “We’re waiting

who were watching our interaction

his hand to my mother.

“Please, call me Eleanor. It’s very kind of you

Alexander said smoothly. “Olivia’s family is

their hands in turn. “Nicholas, Ethan. Olivia

I’d supposedly told Alexander about my