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 bacon,”

the tension of the day melting away. This was what I needed: the familiar rhythm of my

the comfort of home.

said, passing me a plate with a chocolate croissant, “Alexander seemed very

this again. “He

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looking unconvinced. ‘Is that what the

arm

are his intentions, Liv? Because he looks at you like you’re the answer

my

be old,

old,” Mom and I

changing the subject,” Dad

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

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

each other first. None of this rushing into things

snorted. “You proposed to me after three

decision I ever

I murmured into my

be careful, Liv. Men like Alexander Carter are used to getting what they

me, I know.” More than you could

you want?” Mom asked

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

really

hand. “That’s all we want

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

about me,” I said brightly, forcing a smile. “Tell me about

pill regimen, complete with dramatic reenactments of how each one made him feel. Mom rolled her eyes behind his back,

this blue one,” Dad held up an

exclaimed. “We’re

natural. Everyone

discusses

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Chapter 73

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