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หน้าหลัก / Romance / The CEO's Contractual Wife / บทที่ 51 - บทที่ 60

บททั้งหมดของ The CEO's Contractual Wife: บทที่ 51 - บทที่ 60

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Chapter 51

OliviaI woke up the next morning feeling more exhausted than when I'd gone to bed. My dreams had been a chaotic mix of hospital corridors, Alexander's hands, and my father's pale face against white sheets. Not exactly restful. The hospital looked different in daylight, less ominous, more institutional. I found Mom exactly where I'd left her, dozing uncomfortably in a chair pulled close to Dad's bed. She was startled awake when I touched her shoulder. "Olivia," she blinked, disoriented. "What time is it?" "Almost nine. How is he?" We both looked at Dad, who slept peacefully, his chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. The machines around him beeped quietly, monitoring his vital signs. "Stable," Mom whispered. "The nurse said he's doing well. Better than expected." I squeezed her shoulder. "You should go home and get some real sleep. I'll stay with him." "I'm fine," she insisted, but the dark circles under her eyes told a different story. "Mom, you won't help Dad by makin
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Chapter 52

OliviaAfter Dr. Weaver left, Nick turned to me. "Your boyfriend has some serious pull." "He's just trying to help," I said defensively. "I'm not criticizing," Nick clarified. "Just observing. It's good he's using his influence for something worthwhile." The rest of the afternoon passed in a blur of nurse visits and quiet conversations. Mom returned around six, looking marginally better after a few hours of real sleep. Ethan came back after his classes, bringing a deck of cards and a renewed determination to beat Nicholas at poker. I was half-dozing in my chair when Alexander arrived, bearing a cardboard tray of coffees from an expensive shop downtown. "Coffee delivery," he announced quietly, mindful of Dad's sleeping form. Everyone looked up in surprise. Alexander had changed from his work clothes into dark jeans and a casual button-down shirt that somehow still looked expensive. He looked more approachable in this guise, less like the intimidating CEO and more like a regular g
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Chapter 53

OliviaHe leaned across the console, his face inches from mine. For a heart-stopping moment, I thought he was going to kiss me. Instead, he brushed his lips against my forehead, just as he had the day before. "Get some rest," he murmured. "I'll see you in the morning." I nodded, unable to form words with him so close. His cologne wrapped around me, spicy and expensive, making my head swim. "Goodnight, Alex," I managed finally, reaching for the door handle. "Goodnight, Liv."True to his word, Alexander appeared at my door at precisely seven-thirty the next morning, bearing coffee and a bag from my favorite bakery. "How did you know about Marlowe's?" I asked, accepting the bag of pastries. "You mentioned it once," he shrugged, following me into the kitchen. "You said they had the best croissants in LA." I blinked, surprised he'd remembered such a trivial detail. "Well, you're right. They do." We ate quickly, then headed to the hospital. The day passed in a blur of activity as Da
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Chapter 54

OliviaAs 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."
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Chapter 55

OliviaI pushed through the revolving doors of Carter Enterprises, exhaustion weighing on my shoulders like a physical burden. The past two weeks had been a whirlwind of hospital visits, work deadlines, and navigating my strange new relationship status with Alexander. Dad was home now, recovering slowly but steadily, with Mom hovering over him like a protective hen. "There you are!" Nova's voice cut through my thoughts as I crossed the lobby. "I was beginning to think you'd ditched us for the day." "Just running late," I explained, falling into step beside her as we headed for the elevators. "Dad had a doctor's appointment this morning." "How's he doing?" "Better. Complaining about the diet restrictions, which Mom says is a good sign." The elevator doors opened, and we stepped inside. "Apparently, salt-free food is 'an abomination against God and nature.'" Nova laughed. "Sounds like he's on the mend. And how's things with Mr. Tall, Dark, and CEO?" I felt my face warm. "Fine." "
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Chapter 56

OliviaThe yacht was even more impressive inside, with gleaming wood paneling, crystal chandeliers, and floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of the harbor. Dozens of guests in formal attire mingled, champagne flutes in hand. "Drink?" Alexander asked, snagging two glasses from a passing server. "Please," I said, accepting the champagne gratefully. "I think I need it." "Relax," he murmured, his lips close to my ear. "You look like you're facing a firing squad." "I feel like I am. Everyone's staring." "They're staring because you're stunning." His eyes met mine, intense and sincere. "And because they're wondering how I got so lucky." Before I could respond, a tall man with silver hair approached, clapping Alexander on the shoulder. "Carter! Good to see you, my boy. It's been too long." "Senator Williams," Alexander shook his hand. "Allow me to introduce Olivia Morgan. Olivia, this is Senator James Williams." I shook the Senator's hand, trying not to look as intimida
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Chapter 57

OliviaWe slipped away from the main party and headed toward the yacht's stern. Alexander nodded to a crew member, who opened a door for us, revealing a private staircase. "Should we be going this way?" I asked nervously. "I arranged it earlier," Alexander assured me. "Trust me." The staircase led to a secluded deck at the very back of the yacht. It was empty except for a comfortable-looking lounge area with cushions and blankets. The space was lit only by strings of fairy lights and the moon above, reflecting off the dark water. "What is this place?" I asked, gazing around in wonder. "The owner's private retreat," Alexander explained. "I asked if we could borrow it for a while." "And they just said yes? Because you're Alexander Carter?" "Because I donated a significant amount to their foundation. And yes, because I'm Alexander Carter." I laughed, moving to the railing to look out at the twinkling lights of Los Angeles in the distance. The yacht had moved away from the harbor
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Chapter 58

OliviaI watched him walk back to the elevator before letting myself into my apartment. As I closed the door behind me, I caught myself smiling like an idiot. Tonight had been unexpected in many ways, not least in how much I'd enjoyed Alexander's company. This was dangerous territory. Our arrangement was supposed to be practical and businesslike. But the way he'd looked at me on that private deck, the way he'd held me while we danced... it felt like something more. I reminded myself sternly that Alexander Carter was a businessman first and foremost. This marriage was a transaction for him, a means to secure his inheritance. Whatever charm or kindness he showed was simply part of making our arrangement believable. Still, as I carefully hung up the blue dress and prepared for bed, I couldn't help wondering what tomorrow's surprise would be and why I was so looking forward to finding out. The next evening, I packed an overnight bag as instructed, opting for jeans and a soft cashmere
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Chapter 59

OliviaHe led me to the master bedroom at the end of the hall, a sprawling space dominated by a massive bed with ocean views. The sheets were crisp white, and the duvet was a deep navy that matched the accent wall behind the headboard. "This is where I sleep," he said simply. "It's beautiful," I said, drawn to the wall of windows overlooking the cliff and ocean below. "Do you ever worry about privacy with all this glass?" "The nearest neighbor is half a mile away, and the glass is treated. We can see out, but no one can see in." "We?" I raised an eyebrow. Alexander's lips quirked. "Figure of speech." He moved to sliding glass doors that opened onto a private deck extending from the bedroom. Outside, a hot tub bubbled quietly, steam rising into the cool night air. "For stargazing," he explained. "Light pollution is minimal here." I stepped onto the deck, the wooden boards warm beneath my feet. The vastness of the ocean stretched before us, moonlight creating a silver path acros
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Chapter 60

Olivia"Looks amazing," I said, my voice coming out huskier than intended. "Wait until you taste it." Alexander handed me a plate and grabbed his wine glass. "Let's eat outside." I followed him to the deck, where a table overlooked the ocean. The moon cast a silver path across the water, and the sound of waves crashing against the rocks below created a peaceful soundtrack. We sat across from each other, and I twirled some pasta onto my fork, taking a bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth: sweet tomatoes, sharp cheese, perfectly al dente pasta. "Oh my god," I moaned, unable to help myself. "This is incredible." Alexander's eyes darkened slightly. "I told you." "Seriously, you could open a restaurant." "I'll stick to running my company," he said with a small smile. "Cooking is just a hobby." We ate in comfortable silence for a while, the food too good to interrupt with conversation. I caught Alexander watching me a few times, his gaze intense in a way that made heat pool in my
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