The CEO's Contractual Wife

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.”

Alexander assured her.

father left the hospital in Alexander Carter’s luxury SUV, chatting comfortably with the billionaire CEO as if they were old friends. Mom sat up front with

running his hand over the leather seat.

Alexander corrected.

cost

warned, embarrassed by his

I’m just making conversation,” Dad defended himself. “Can’t blame an old

other half lives.”

fine, Olivia. Your father is right, it was expensive. But I spend

a worthwhile

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Chapter 54

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

you’re quite the cook, Eleanor,” he said, smoothly changing lanes. “Olivia mentioned your lasagna is

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

that,” Alexander 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 what was real and

Alexander insisted on

manage.

“No exertion for at least two weeks. That includes

to help him into the house and settle him in his recliner in the

a pillow behind

be,” Dad sighed, already looking tired from the short journey. “Thank you, son. For

casual “son” caught us both by surprise. Alexander recovered first, nodding politely. “Happy

on the side table and adjusting the blinds to block the afternoon sun. ‘Can I get you

be getting back to the