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!”

turkey bacon,”

feeling the tension of the day melting away. This was what I

the comfort of home.

a chocolate croissant,

this again. “He was being

1/4

Dad repeated, looking unconvinced. ‘Is that what the

smacked his arm lightly. “Stop teasing

intentions, Liv? Because he looks

choked on my

I may be old, but I’m

not old,” Mom and I

you’re changing the subject,” Dad added

sighed. “There’s nothing to tell. We’re… taking

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

other first. None of this rushing into

to me after three

I ever

save,” I murmured

turned his attention back to me. “Just be careful, Liv.

know.” More than you could possibly

what do you want?” Mom asked

family – check. Career advancement – probably check, thanks to Alexander’s influence.

really thought about it. “I

squeezed my hand. “That’s

throat. They had no idea what I’d agreed to, what I

a smile.

with dramatic reenactments of how each one made him feel. Mom rolled her eyes behind

an imaginary pill,

Mom exclaimed.

It’s natural. Everyone

everyone discusses

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Chapter 73

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