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 the

or an offer; it was a statement. Alexander was coming, whether I wanted him to

floor, east wing family

“See you soon.”

wondering how to break the news to

asked, noticing my

Alex.

Mom perked up. “Your Alexander is

check on Dad,” I explained, trying to sound nonchalant about it.

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Chapter 39

in case we needed

Ethan commented,

said, feeling that same defensive instinct rise

declared. “It shows

she knew the

periodically,” she promised. “The cafeteria is open until 8pm

left, we settled in for the long wait. Nick pulled out a deck of cards, and we played half–hearted games of rummy to pass the time. Mom alternated between pacing and sitting rigidly in her

door opened, and Alexander

jeans and a simple navy sweater that somehow looked more expensive than most people’s formal wear. His hair was slightly tousled

he said, his eyes finding mine

suddenly aware of my rumpled appearance and lack of makeup. “Alex. You

few long strides, stopping just short of touching me. “How is

I said. “We’re

who were

his hand to my mother.

call me Eleanor.

said smoothly. “Olivia’s

brothers, shaking their hands in turn. “Nicholas,

blinked, wondering when I’d supposedly told