Chapter 52
Olivia
After 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 guy visiting his girlfriend’s father in the hospital.
“Alexander,” Mom smiled warmly. “How thoughtful of you.”
He handed out the coffees. “How’s your father doing?” he asked, taking the empty chair beside me.
“Better,” I said, sipping my latte gratefully. “They’re moving him out of ICU tomorrow if all goes well.”
“That’s excellent news,” Alexander said, his eyes meeting mine. “Dr. Weaver is the best.”
“Thanks to you,” Mom interjected. “We can’t thank you enough for arranging that, Alexander.”
He waved away her gratitude. “It was nothing, really. Just a phone call.”
“Still,” Mom insisted, “it means a lot to us.”
Alexander nodded, accepting her thanks with a grace that surprised me. “How are you holding up, Eleanor? You must be exhausted.”
“I’m fine. Just relieved that David is doing well,” Mom said, her voice soft but tinged with the weight of the past few days.
As they chatted, I watched Alexander interact with my family. He seemed different here, less commanding and more attentive. He listened to Ethan’s college stories with genuine interest, asked insightful questions, and even engaged Nick in a detailed discussion about the latest trends and innovations in the construction industry.
At one point, Dad stirred, his eyes opening slowly. He looked around the room, his gaze landing on Alexander with
confusion.
“Who’s this?” he asked, his voice raspy.
Mom moved to his side immediately. “David, this is Alexander Carter. Olivia’s boyfriend.”
Dad blinked slowly. “The boss?”
Alexander nodded and stepped forward, extending his hand. “It’s good to meet you, Mr. Morgan, though I wish it were
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under better circumstances.”
Dad shook his hand weakly. “So you’re dating my daughter?”
“I am,” Alexander confirmed, his tone serious.
Dad studied him for a moment, then nodded. “Good. She deserves the best.”
“I couldn’t agree more,” Alexander said, his hand finding mine.
The moment was interrupted by a nurse arriving to check Dad’s vitals. We all stepped back, giving her room to work.
“Everything looks good,” she announced cheerfully. “Dr. Weaver will be by in the morning to evaluate moving you to a regular room, Mr. Morgan.”
“Thank God,” Dad muttered. “These beds are terrible.”
The nurse laughed. “I’m afraid the regular beds aren’t much better, but at least you’ll have fewer tubes and wires.”
After she left, Dad looked exhausted from even that brief interaction. Mom shooed us all out, insisting he needed rest.
“You kids, go get some dinner,” she said firmly. “I’ll stay with your father.”
In the hallway, Nick turned to the group. “There’s a decent Italian place a few blocks from here. Anyone interested?”
“I’m in,” Ethan said immediately.
“I should head home,” I said, feeling the weight of the day. “I need a shower and clean clothes.”
“I can drive you,” Alexander offered. “And bring you back in the morning if you’d like.”
I hesitated, aware of my family watching our interaction with interest. “That would be nice, thank you.”
We said our goodbyes, promising to return early the next day. As Alexander guided me toward the parking garage with his hand on the small of my back, I felt the curious eyes of my siblings following us.
“Your family is nice,” Alexander commented as we reached his car. “Very protective of you.”
“They’re just not used to me dating,” I said, sliding into the passenger seat. “Especially not someone like you.”
“Someone like me?” he raised an eyebrow, starting the engine.
“You know what I mean. Rich, powerful, intimidatingly handsome.”
A smile played at the corner of his mouth. “You think I’m handsome?”
“Don’t fish for compliments,” I said, rolling my eyes. “Your ego is big enough already.”
He laughed, a genuine sound that made something warm unfurl in my chest. “Fair enough. Where to? Your apartment?”
“Yes, please. I need a shower and sleep in a real bed.”
The drive was surprisingly comfortable, neither of us feeling the need to fill the silence with conversation. When we arrived at my building, Alexander parked and turned to me.
“Would you like me to come up?” he asked, his expression unreadable.
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My mind immediately flashed back to the night before, to my solo activities on the couch while I fantasized about him. Heat crept up my neck.
“I think I just need to sleep,” I said honestly. “It’s been a long day.”
He nodded, no sign of disappointment on his face. “Of course. What time should I pick you up tomorrow?”
“You don’t have to-
“Olivia, he cut me off gently. “Let me help. What time?”
I sighed, too tired to argue. “Eight?”
“I’ll be here at seven–thirty with breakfast,” he decided. “You need to eat.”
“Fine, I conceded. “Seven–thirty.”
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