Olivia

As Dr. Weaver continued listing precautions and warning signs, the door opened, and Alexander walked in, carrying a tray of coffee cups.

“Sorry to interrupt,” he said, taking in the scene. “I thought everyone could use a caffeine boost.”

“Alexander!” Mom exclaimed, clearly delighted to see him. “How thoughtful.”

He distributed the coffee, then came to stand beside me, his hand resting lightly on my lower back. The casual touch sent warmth spreading through me.

“Mr. Carter,” Dr. Weaver nodded respectfully. “I was just going over discharge instructions with Mr. Morgan.”

“Please, continue,” Alexander said. “I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

Dr. Weaver finished his instructions, handed Mom a folder full of paperwork, and left with a final reminder about the follow–up appointment.

“So, you’re busting out of this joint today,” Alexander said to Dad, his tone light. “Congratulations.”

“About time,” Dad agreed. “No offense to your friend, the doctor, but I’m ready for my own bed.”

“Understandable,” Alexander nodded. “Hospital beds are notoriously uncomfortable.”

A nurse arrived with a wheelchair. “Ready to go home, Mr. Morgan?”

“More than ready,” Dad confirmed, allowing Mom to help him into the chair.

‘I’ll bring the car around,” Nick offered, having arrived earlier to help with the discharge process.

“I can drive you all home,” Alexander suggested. “I brought the SUV today; plenty of room.”

Mom looked uncertain. “That’s very kind, but we wouldn’t want to impose.”

no imposition,” Alexander

was that my father left the hospital in Alexander Carter’s luxury SUV, chatting comfortably with the billionaire CEO as if they were

commented, running his hand over the leather seat. “What is this,

corrected.

have cost

I warned, embarrassed

making conversation,” Dad defended himself. “Can’t blame

other half lives.”

expensive. But I spend a

a worthwhile

1/3

Chapter 54

navigated the LA traffic with ease, keeping up a steady conversation with Mom about her garden and Dad’s favorite

quite the cook, Eleanor,” he said, smoothly changing

It’s a family favorite. You’ll have to come for

said, catching my eye in the

charming my family. This was all part of our arrangement, I reminded myself. Making our relationship seem real. But watching him with my parents, it was becoming harder to remember

on helping Dad inside despite his protests that

manage.

least two weeks. That

Alexander and Nick to help him into the

adjusting a pillow behind Dad’s back.

I’ll ever be,” Dad sighed, already looking tired from

both by surprise. Alexander recovered first, nodding

to block the afternoon sun. ‘Can I get you

be getting back to the office. But I appreciate

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255