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.

came through: “I’m coming. Text me

or an offer; it was

east wing family waiting room,”

“See you soon.”

to my family that

Nick asked, noticing my

Alex. He’s

“Your Alexander is

Dad,” I explained, trying to sound nonchalant about it. “He

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Chapter 39

in

surprisingly thoughtful,” Ethan

can be thoughtful,” I said, feeling that same

“It shows

only she

nurse came to inform us that Dad had been taken into surgery. “Dr. Weaver will update you periodically,” she promised. “The cafeteria is open until 8pm if you need food, and there are vending machines down the

Nick pulled out a deck of cards, and we played half–hearted games of rummy to pass the time. Mom alternated

door opened,

Instead, he wore dark jeans and a simple navy sweater that

he said, his eyes finding mine

suddenly aware of my rumpled appearance and

He crossed the room in a few long strides, stopping just

said. “We’re

nodded, then turned to my family, who were watching our interaction with varying degrees

extending his hand to my mother. “I’m Alexander Carter. I’m sorry we’re meeting under

call me Eleanor.

smoothly. “Olivia’s

brothers, shaking their hands in turn. “Nicholas, Ethan. Olivia speaks

wondering when I’d supposedly told Alexander