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.”

imposition,” Alexander

as if they were old friends. Mom sat up front with Alexander while I squeezed into the

hand over the leather seat. “What is this,

Alexander corrected.

have cost a

warned, embarrassed by

“Can’t blame

other half lives.”

chuckled. “It’s fine, Olivia. Your father is right, it was expensive. But

a worthwhile

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Chapter 54

drive to my parents‘ house took about forty minutes. Alexander navigated the LA traffic with ease, keeping up a steady conversation with Mom about

said, smoothly changing lanes.

beamed. “Did she? It’s a family favorite. You’ll have to come for dinner once David

that,” Alexander said, catching my

away, unsettled by how easily he was charming my family. This was all part of our arrangement, I reminded myself. Making our relationship seem real. But watching him with my parents,

home, Alexander insisted on helping Dad inside despite his protests that

manage.

at least two weeks. That includes walking up your

the house and settle

a pillow behind Dad’s

sighed, already looking tired from the short journey. “Thank you,

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

he declined politely. “I should be getting back to the