The CEO's Contractual Wife

Chapter 73

Chapter 73

Olivia

I kissed her cheek and headed to the living room, where Dad reclined in his armchair with the remote in hand. He looked better than the last time I’d seen him, less pale and more alert. The surgery had worked wonders, even if the recovery was slow.

“Hey, Dad.”

He turned, his face breaking into a smile. “Liv! This is a nice surprise.”

“Not a surprise. I told Mom I was coming.”

“Well, she didn’t tell me.” He patted the couch beside his chair. “Sit. Tell me about your day.”

“Work was work. Nothing exciting.”

Dad’s eyes crinkled at the corners. “That’s good. Boring is better than drama.”

“How about you? Are you feeling better?” I handed him the bakery box, which he accepted with exaggerated reverence.

“Much better. Doc says I’m healing right on schedule.” He peeked inside the box, his face lighting up. “You’re my favorite daughter.”

“I’m your only daughter.”

“Still counts.” He winked, then his expression turned sly. “So how’s that boyfriend of yours? Alexander?”

I fidgeted with my watch strap. “He’s good.”

“Just good? The man who swooped in like Prince Charming at the hospital is just ‘good“?” Dad raised an eyebrow.

“Fine. He’s great. Busy with work, you know how it is.” I shifted uncomfortably, desperate to change the subject.

Mom bustled in with a tray of mugs. “Coffee’s ready. And I’ve put those lovely pastries on plates.”

“You didn’t have to do that,” I said, reaching for a mug. “I would’ve helped.”

“Nonsense. You work all day.” She settled into her favorite armchair. “Besides, your father’s been driving me crazy all afternoon. I needed the kitchen break.”

Dad looked offended. “I’ve been a model patient.”

“A model complainer, maybe.” Mom took a sip of her coffee. “He wanted bacon for breakfast. Bacon! After heart surgery!”

was turkey

of the day melting away. This was

the comfort of home.

passing me a plate with a chocolate croissant,

again. “He

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repeated, looking unconvinced. ‘Is that what the kids call it these

arm lightly. “Stop

Liv? Because he

on my pastry. “Dad! He

too. I may be old, but I’m

not old,” Mom and I said

the subject,”

to

Our fake relationship was progressing at a carefully choreographed pace, exactly as outlined in

Dad nodded approvingly. “Get to know each other first. None

proposed to me after

decision I ever made,” he countered

save,” I murmured into

“Just be careful, Liv. Men like Alexander

know.” More than you could

what do you want?” Mom

guard. What did I want? Financial security for my family – check. Career

paused, realizing I hadn’t really thought about

hand. “That’s all we want for you, too,

uncomfortable lump formed in my throat. They had no idea what I’d agreed to,

a smile. “Tell me about your new

reenactments of how each one made him feel. Mom

one,” Dad held up an imaginary pill,

Mom exclaimed.

natural. Everyone

discusses it over

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Chapter 73

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