Chapter 40
Olivia
We reached the café, joining the short line. Alexander kept his hand on my back, his thumb making small, comforting circles that I wasn’t entirely sure he was aware of.
“Your family seems nice,” he commented, scanning the menu board above the counter.
“They are,” I nodded. “They’re also very protective.”
“I noticed,” he said dryly. “Your brother Nicholas looks like he wants to interrogate me.”
“That’s just his way,” I explained. “He’s been the man of the house since Dad got sick. Takes the role seriously.”
Alexander nodded thoughtfully. “Understandable. I respect that.”
The line moved forward, and we stepped up to order.
“Five coffees, please,” Alexander told the barista. “Three black, one with cream and sugar, and…” he turned to me. “What would you like?”
“Just a latte, please.”
“And one latte,” he finished, pulling out his wallet.
“I can pay,” I said quickly.
Alexander gave me a look that made me feel silly for even suggesting it. “I invited you for coffee. I’m paying.”
“Fine,” I relented. “But I’m carrying some of them back.”
“Deal.” He smiled, and for a moment, it felt genuine.
We moved to the pickup counter, waiting in awkward silence until Alexander spoke again.
“How are you really doing?” he asked quietly. “This must be stressful for you.”
“I’m hanging in there. It helps to have my brothers here. And Mom’s being strong, but I know she’s terrified.”
“And you?”
I swallowed hard. “I’m scared too. Dad’s always been invincible, you know? Even when he first got sick, he was still Dad. Cracking jokes, telling us not to worry.”
at that. Hiding
“Yours too?”
was an expert
called our order, and the moment passed. Alexander grabbed three cups, carefully balancing them in his hands, while I took the
you need anything–anything at
1/4
23
Chapter 40
“I’m fine, really.”
financially, Olivia. Hospital
tensed. “The money you transferred will cover Dad’s
what about after? Physical therapy,
that far
to stop, too. “Olivia, look
I did, reluctantly.
charity. You’re my fiancée.
out. “It would look weird if you started
I’m a wealthy
sighed, shifting the coffee cups in my hands. “Can we talk about this later? The coffee’s
elevator button with his elbow. “But promise
said, just
we stepped inside. It was empty except for us, the doors closing with
like a
Computer
Nicholas works
really did your research
slightly embarrassed. “I like
your fake girlfriend’s
he said
on the fifth floor, and we made our way back to the waiting room. My family looked up as we
delivery, I announced, trying
both,” Mom said, accepting her
Alexander handed Nick his cup. My brothers
you,” Alexander said to Nick.
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