The CEO's Contractual Wife

Chapter 43

Olivia

Ethan nearly fell off his chair, laughing. “How did I miss this story?”

“You were away at college,” Mom explained, wiping tears of laughter from her eyes. “Olivia came home that night and declared she was done with dating forever.”

“And now she’s dating Alexander Carter,” Amelia said, shaking her head in amazement. “Talk about an upgrade from Lord

Marcus.”

“Alexander doesn’t wear capes, as far as I know,” I said dryly.

“Only expensive custom suits,” Nick said.

Before I could respond, the waiting room door opened, and Dr. Weaver entered, still wearing his surgical cap. We all fell silent instantly, the laughter evaporating.

“The surgery was successful,” he announced without preamble, and I felt my shoulders sag with relief. “We completed all three bypasses with no complications. Your husband’s heart is already showing improved blood flow.”

Mom pressed her hand to her mouth, tears welling in her eyes. “Thank God.”

“He’s in recovery now,” Dr. Weaver continued. “He’ll be moved to the ICU shortly, where he’ll remain for the next 24 to 48 hours. After that, assuming all goes well, he’ll be transferred to a regular room.”

“When can we see him?” Mom asked.

“You can see him briefly once he’s settled in the ICU, but only two visitors at a time, and only for a few minutes. He’ll be groggy from the anesthesia and will need rest.”

Doctor,” Nick said, standing to shake his hand.

Weaver nodded. “Mr. Carter made it clear your father was to receive the best care

felt a rush of gratitude toward Alexander. Whatever his motives, whatever our arrangement,

you when Mr. Morgan is ready for visitors,” Dr. Weaver said, heading for the door. “Try

left, Mom burst into tears–happy tears of relief. Ethan wrapped his arms around her, his

to be okay,” Ethan said, his

I took our turn. He looked smaller somehow, pale against the hospital

voice raspy from the breathing tube they’d removed. “No crying, okay? I’m not

his hand

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Chapter 43

drooping. “Tell your mom I

Ethan said, squeezing his shoulder

We stayed a few more minutes, watching the steady

the time we all left the ICU, it was nearly midnight. Mom insisted on staying overnight

him,” she said firmly. “The nurses said I could stay

with you, Mom,” Nick

be uncomfortable,” she insisted. “Go home. Come back in the

tone. After extracting promises that she would call

stopped in front of my apartment building, the yellow glow of the streetlights casting long shadows across the

the driver and stepped out into the cool night

need help, miss?” the driver asked, noticing

you. I’m fine.” I mustered a smile and watched the cab pull away

hum of

I stepped inside, feeling the cool, metallic interior embrace me. As the elevator ascended, I leaned against the wall, the soft vibration beneath my feet a reminder of the upward movement. Each

silence, the small space feeling both