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.”

doing well,” Mom said, her voice soft but tinged with the weight of the past few

chatted, I watched Alexander interact with my family. He seemed different here, less commanding and more attentive. He listened to Ethan’s college stories with genuine interest, asked insightful questions, and even engaged Nick in a detailed discussion about the latest trends and

one point, Dad stirred, his eyes opening slowly. He looked around the room, his gaze

confusion.

he asked, his voice

to his side immediately. “David, this is

slowly. “The

stepped forward, extending his hand. “It’s good

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Chapter 52

under better circumstances.”

shook his hand weakly. “So you’re dating

am,” Alexander confirmed, his

a moment, then

Alexander

was interrupted by a nurse arriving to check Dad’s vitals. We all stepped back, giving her room to

will be by in

muttered. “These beds are

the regular beds aren’t much better, but at least

that brief interaction.

she

a decent Italian place

in,” Ethan said

home,” I said, feeling the weight of the day. “I need a shower and clean

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

aware of my family watching our interaction with interest. “That would be nice,

guided me toward the parking garage with

Alexander commented as we reached his car. “Very protective