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.”

said, standing to shake his hand.

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

toward Alexander. Whatever his

Mr. Morgan is ready for visitors,” Dr. Weaver said, heading for the door. “Try to get some rest yourselves. The next few days will be

into tears–happy tears of relief. Ethan wrapped his arms around her, his own

Ethan said, his

He looked smaller somehow, pale against the hospital sheets, with tubes and wires connecting him to various

whispered, his voice raspy from the breathing tube they’d removed. “No crying, okay?

Dad,” I said, taking his hand carefully,

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Chapter 43

his eyelids drooping. “Tell your mom

Ethan said, squeezing his shoulder

more minutes, watching

was nearly midnight. Mom insisted on staying overnight despite our protests

not leaving him,” she said firmly. “The nurses said I could stay in the chair. You kids go home and

you, Mom,” Nick

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

that she would call

apartment building, the yellow glow of

and stepped out into the cool night air, my body suddenly aware of how

miss?” the driver

a smile and watched the cab pull away before

being the faint, almost soothing hum of the elevator as I pressed the button and waited for it

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 floor passed with a gentle ding, the numbers lighting up one by one

with familiar silence, the small space feeling both comforting and empty after