The CEO's Contractual Wife

After a decadent breakfast delivered by room service, we headed out into the light London drizzle. Alexander insisted on stopping at the concierge desk, where he obtained a large black umbrella emblazoned with the hotel’s logo.

“Can’t have my wife getting wet,” he said, opening it as we stepped outside.

“Your wife could have packed an umbrella if someone had mentioned London weather,” I replied.

“But then I wouldn’t get to play the gallant husband,” he countered, offering his arm.

Covent Garden was charming, a cobblestoned plaza filled with boutiques, cafés, and street performers. We wandered through the Apple Market, admiring handcrafted jewelry and artwork. Alexander kept steering me toward luxury boutiques, but I was more interested in the quirky independent shops.

“You don’t need to buy me anything,” I protested when he suggested we look at a jewelry store.

“I know I don’t need to,” he replied. “But I want to. A memento of your first trip to London.”

“Fine, but nothing extravagant,” I conceded. “Something small I can wear every day to remember this.”

We settled on a delicate silver bracelet with a tiny charm shaped like the London Eye. Alexander insisted on having it wrapped even though I wanted to wear it immediately.

“Patience,” he teased. “Good things come to those who wait.”

We continued exploring until it was time for Alexander to head to his meeting. He escorted me back to the hotel, where I decided to indulge in a bath in the enormous marble tub while he was gone.

Soaking in fragrant bubbles, I called Emilia.

“Oh my god, you’re in London!” she squealed when she answered. “How is it? Is it raining? Have you seen the Queen? Wait, she’s dead. Have you seen the King?”

I laughed, stretching out in the massive tub. “It’s amazing. Yes, it’s raining. No royal sightings yet, but I’ve only been here a few hours.”

“And how’s the suite? I bet it’s ridiculous.”

“Beyond ridiculous,” I confirmed.

pictures of everything,” she demanded. “I

a meeting now, but we’re going to dinner

black dress with the low back,” Emilia suggested. “The one that

on how my breasts look in various

you should use all your assets,” Emilia replied

hanging up

have your European adventure. But I

take a short nap to combat the jet lag.

called back, sitting up and running a hand through

looking unfairly handsome in his business suit.

I nodded, stretching. “How was

loosened his tie and sat on the

“Starving,” I admitted.

have time for a

let

attire as well, and soon we were strolling along the Thames as the city lights began to twinkle in the

I said, watching a tour boat glide past, its

beautiful as you,” Alexander replied, his arm around

“That

my smile. “You like it when

tolerate it,” I corrected, bumping

a kiss to my

historical plaques. It felt surprisingly normal, like any couple enjoying an evening stroll, not a CEO and his contract

name. We were shown to

observed as the sommelier approached with a bottle

few times,” he admitted. “Their