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

an offer; it was a statement. Alexander was coming,

floor, east wing family waiting room,” I texted

“See you soon.”

the news to my

asked, noticing

I nodded. “That was Alex.

Mom perked up. “Your Alexander is

Dad,” I explained, trying to sound nonchalant about it. “He thought it would be good to

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Chapter 39

in case

Ethan commented,

can be thoughtful,” I said, feeling that same defensive

it’s lovely,” Mom declared. “It shows he cares about

only she knew

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

wait. Nick pulled out a deck of cards, and we played half–hearted games

door opened, and Alexander

first. Gone was the impeccable CEO in his tailored suit. Instead, he wore dark jeans and a simple navy sweater that somehow looked more expensive than most people’s formal wear. His

his eyes finding mine

rumpled appearance and lack

the room in a few long strides, stopping just short

said. “We’re waiting for

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

be Mrs. Morgan,” he said, extending his hand to my mother. “I’m Alexander Carter. I’m sorry we’re meeting under

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

smoothly. “Olivia’s family is important to

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

when I’d supposedly told Alexander about my