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.

through: “I’m coming. Text

wasn’t a question or an offer; it was a statement. Alexander was

wing family waiting room,” I

“See you soon.”

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

asked, noticing

“That was Alex. He’s coming by

Mom perked up. “Your Alexander

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

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Chapter 39

here, just in case

thoughtful,” Ethan commented, raising

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

lovely,” Mom declared. “It shows he cares about you and your

she

surgery. “Dr. Weaver will update you periodically,” she promised. “The cafeteria is

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 chair, checking

room door opened, and Alexander walked

barely recognized him at 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

he said, his

stood, suddenly aware of my rumpled appearance and lack

did.” He crossed the room in a few

I said. “We’re waiting for

family, who were watching our interaction with varying

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

her skirt nervously. “Please, call me Eleanor.

Alexander said smoothly. “Olivia’s family is important

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

wondering when I’d supposedly told Alexander