The CEO's Contractual Wife - Chapter 54: Chapter 54

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."
"It's no imposition," Alexander assured her. "I insist."
And so it was that my 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 Alexander while I squeezed into the back with Dad and Nick.
"Nice car," Dad commented, running his hand over the leather seat. "What is this, Italian?"
"German," Alexander corrected. "Custom interior."
"Must have cost a fortune."
"Dad," I warned, embarrassed by his directness.
"What? I'm just making conversation," Dad defended himself. "Can't blame an old man for being curious about how the other half lives."
Alexander chuckled. "It's fine, Olivia. Your father is right, it was expensive. But I spend a lot of time in my vehicles, so I consider it a worthwhile investment."
The drive to my parents' house took about forty minutes. Alexander navigated the LA traffic with ease, keeping up a steady conversation with Mom about her garden and Dad's favorite foods.
"I understand you're quite the cook, Eleanor," he said, smoothly changing lanes. "Olivia mentioned your lasagna is legendary."
Mom beamed. "Did she? It's a family favorite. You'll have to come for dinner once David is feeling better."
"I'd like that," Alexander said, catching my eye in the rearview mirror.
I looked 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, it was becoming harder to remember what was real and what was pretend.
When we arrived at my childhood home, Alexander insisted on helping Dad inside despite his protests that he could manage.
"Hospital rules," Alexander said firmly. "No exertion for at least two weeks. That includes walking up your own front steps unassisted."
Dad grumbled but allowed Alexander and Nick to help him into the house and settle him in his recliner in the living room.
"There," Alexander said, adjusting a pillow behind Dad's back. "Comfortable?"
"As I'll ever be," Dad sighed, already looking tired from the short journey. "Thank you, son. For everything."
The casual "son" caught us both by surprise. Alexander recovered first, nodding politely. "Happy to help, Mr. Morgan."
Mom bustled around, arranging Dad's medications on the side table and adjusting the blinds to block the afternoon sun. "Can I get you anything, Alexander? Coffee? Something to eat?"
"No, thank you," he declined politely. "I should be getting back to the office. But I appreciate the offer."
"Next time, then," she insisted. "You must come for dinner once David is feeling better."
"I'd be honored," Alexander said, and he sounded like he meant it.
I walked him to the door, aware of Nick watching us from the kitchen doorway.
"Thank you," I said quietly. "For everything. The doctor, the rides, the coffee... all of it."
Alexander's expression softened. "You don't need to thank me, Olivia. It's what anyone would do."
"No," I shook my head. "It's not. Most people wouldn't go to these lengths for someone they barely know."
"I know you," he said, his voice dropping to a murmur. "Better than you think."
Before I could respond, he leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to my cheek, lingering just long enough to make my pulse quicken.
"I'll call you later," he promised, then turned and walked to his car without looking back.
I watched him drive away, my hand unconsciously rising to touch the spot where his lips had been. This was getting complicated. The lines between our business arrangement and something more personal were blurring, and I wasn't sure how to feel about it.
"He really likes you," Nick said from behind me, making me jump.
"Jesus, Nick. Make some noise when you move."
"Sorry," he grinned, not looking sorry at all. "But seriously, Liv. The way he looks at you... it's intense."
"So everyone keeps telling me," I muttered, closing the front door.
"Because it's true," Nick insisted. "I was skeptical at first, but after seeing you two together this past week... it's obvious there's something real there."
I swallowed hard, guilt twisting in my stomach. "It's still new," I hedged. "We're figuring things out."
Nick nodded, accepting this. "Just be happy, okay? That's all any of us want for you."
"I know," I said softly. "Thanks, Nick."