The CEO's Contractual Wife

Chapter 52

Olivia

After Dr. Weaver left, Nick turned to me. “Your boyfriend has some serious pull.”

“He’s just trying to help,” I said defensively.

“I’m not criticizing,” Nick clarified. “Just observing. It’s good he’s using his influence for something worthwhile.”

The rest of the afternoon passed in a blur of nurse visits and quiet conversations. Mom returned around six, looking marginally better after a few hours of real sleep. Ethan came back after his classes, bringing a deck of cards and a renewed determination to beat Nicholas at poker.

I was half–dozing in my chair when Alexander arrived, bearing a cardboard tray of coffees from an expensive shop downtown.

“Coffee delivery,” he announced quietly, mindful of Dad’s sleeping form.

Everyone looked up in surprise. Alexander had changed from his work clothes into dark jeans and a casual button–down shirt that somehow still looked expensive. He looked more approachable in this guise, less like the intimidating CEO and more like a regular guy visiting his girlfriend’s father in the hospital.

“Alexander,” Mom smiled warmly. “How thoughtful of you.”

He handed out the coffees. “How’s your father doing?” he asked, taking the empty chair beside me.

“Better,” I said, sipping my latte gratefully. “They’re moving him out of ICU tomorrow if all goes well.”

“That’s excellent news,” Alexander said, his eyes meeting mine. “Dr. Weaver is the best.”

“Thanks to you,” Mom interjected. “We can’t thank you enough for arranging that, Alexander.”

He waved away her gratitude. “It was nothing, really. Just a phone call.”

“Still,” Mom insisted, “it means a lot to us.”

Alexander nodded, accepting her thanks with a grace that surprised me. “How are you holding up, Eleanor? You must be exhausted.”

fine. Just relieved that David is doing well,” Mom said, her

listened to Ethan’s college stories with genuine interest, asked insightful questions, and

eyes opening slowly. He looked around

confusion.

he asked, his voice

“David,

blinked slowly. “The

extending his hand. “It’s good

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Chapter 52

under better circumstances.”

hand weakly. “So you’re dating

Alexander confirmed, his

for a moment, then nodded.

more,” Alexander said, his hand finding

by a nurse arriving to check Dad’s vitals. We all stepped back,

will be by in

muttered.

beds aren’t much better, but at least you’ll have fewer tubes and

from even that brief interaction. Mom shooed us all

kids, go get some dinner,” she said firmly.

turned to the group. “There’s a decent Italian place a few blocks from

in,” Ethan

weight of the day.

drive you,” Alexander offered. “And bring you back in the morning if you’d

family watching our interaction with interest. “That would

toward the parking garage with his

as we reached his car. “Very protective