Chapter 37
Olivia
I blinked, caught off guard by the offer. “You would do that?”
“Of course,” he replied, as if it were obvious. “It’s a simple matter of making a few phone calls. Consider it done.”
“Thank you,” I said, feeling oddly touched. “That’s… really kind of you.”
“It’s nothing.” His voice softened slightly. “How are you holding up?”
The question, so simple and genuine, made my throat tighten unexpectedly. “I’m okay. Just worried. And, um, there’s something else you should know.”
“What is it?”
“My family saw the photos of us. They know we’re dating now.”
Alexander was quiet for a moment. “I see. And what did you tell them?”
“The cover story we agreed on,” I assured him. “That we dated before I joined Carter Enterprises, kept it professional when I was hired, and recently reconnected.”
“Good. They believed it?”
“I think so,” I said, glancing back toward the waiting area. “They were surprised, obviously, but they didn’t question it too much. They’re more focused on Dad right now.”
“As they should be,” Alexander said. “Do you need anything? I can have my assistant bring you a change of clothes, food, whatever you need.”
Again, his thoughtfulness caught me off guard. “No, I’m fine. But thank you.”
“What about time off? Take whatever you need. I’ll inform HR personally.”
“I might need a few days,” I admitted. “Just until we know more about Dad’s condition.”
“Consider it done.” There was a rustling of papers on his end. “I have meetings all morning, but I can come by the hospital this afternoon if that would help.”
The offer hung between us, loaded with implications. If Alexander showed up at the hospital, it would cement our relationship story in my family’s eyes. It would make this fake relationship feel more real.
“You don’t have to do that,” I said hesitantly.
“I know I don’t have to,” he replied. “I’m offering.”
I chewed my lip, weighing the options. “Maybe wait until we know more about Dad’s condition? I’ll text you
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updates.”
“Fair enough. Take care of your family, Olivia. Don’t worry about work or anything else. I’ve got it covered.”
“Thank you, Alex.”
“I’ll wait for your text.”
The line went dead before I could respond. I stared at my phone, trying to process the conversation. Alexander had been surprisingly supportive, almost caring. It didn’t fit with the cold, calculating businessman who’d proposed our arrangement.
Nick poked his head around the corner. “Liv? Dad’s asking for you.”
I tucked my phone away. “Coming.”
“Who were you talking to?” he asked as we walked back toward Dad’s room.
“Alex,” I said. “Just letting him know what’s happening.”
Nick raised an eyebrow. “First–name basis with the CEO, huh? It must be serious.”
I forced a smile. “Let’s focus on Dad, okay?”
“Sure,” he agreed, but then added, “But for what it’s worth, I’m happy for you, Liv.”
Guilt twisted in my stomach. If only he knew the truth.
Dad looked smaller somehow, lying in the hospital bed with monitors beeping around him. His face brightened when he saw me.
“There’s my girl,” he said, his voice weaker than I was used to hearing.
I moved to his side, taking his hand carefully around the IV line. “Hey, Dad. How are you feeling?”
“Like an elephant sat on my chest,” he joked weakly. “But they’ve got me on the good drugs now.”
I smiled, blinking back tears. “Well, you scared us all.”
“Your mother says you’re dating your boss,” he said, getting straight to the point as usual. “The Carter boy.”
Leave it to Dad to cut right to the chase, even from a hospital bed.
“Alexander Carter,” I confirmed. “And yes, we’re seeing each other.”
Dad’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Rich fellow, isn’t he?”
“Dad,” I warned.
“What? I’m just saying it’s good you found someone successful.” He patted my hand. “And if he’s half as smart as you, he knows how lucky he is.”
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Chapter 37
Mom hovered on the other side of the bed. “I told your father we should invite Alexander to Sunday dinner once he’s feeling better.”
“Let’s focus on getting Dad healthy first,” I suggested, desperate to change the subject. “Have the doctors said anything more about the surgery?”
Dad’s expression clouded. “They’re running tests today. Should know more this afternoon.”
A nurse appeared in the doorway. “Sorry to interrupt, but we need to prep Mr. Morgan for his tests now.”
We said our goodbyes, promising to return once the tests were complete.
In the hallway, Mom turned to me with tired eyes. “I should go home and change. Will you stay?”
“Of course,” I assured her. “Nick and I will be here. You go rest for a bit.”
After Mom left, Nick and I settled back into the waiting room chairs. The adrenaline of the early morning was wearing off, leaving me drained.
“So,” Nick said after a while, “Alexander Carter, huh?”
I sighed. “Can we not do this now?”
“I’m just curious,” he persisted. “It’s not every day my sister dates the richest men in the world.”
“It’s not about his money,” I said defensively.
Nick held up his hands. “I didn’t say it was. Just… be careful, Liv. Men like that are used to getting what they
want.”
“I know what I’m doing,” I lied for the second time that day.
Nick studied me for a moment, then nodded. “Okay. I trust you.”
His words were like a knife to the heart. Trust. Something I wasn’t being entirely worthy of right now.
“Thanks,” I mumbled, unable to meet his eyes.
My phone buzzed with a text. Alexander.
“Cardiologist Dr. Marcus Weaver will be overseeing your father’s case. He’s the best. Don’t worry about anything.”
I stared at the message, a mix of emotions swirling through me. Relief that Dad would get the best care. Gratitude to Alexander for arranging it. And a growing unease about the web of lies I was spinning.
What had I gotten myself into?
15:02 Sat, Oct 4
