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.

she demanded. “I need to live vicariously through

but we’re going

low back,” Emilia suggested. “The one that makes your

so focused on how my

spectacular and you should use all your assets,” Emilia replied without missing

hanging up now,” I

have your European adventure. But I want details when you

to combat the jet lag. I woke to the sound of the suite door opening and

called back, sitting up

doorway, looking unfairly handsome in his business

stretching. “How

loosened his tie and sat

“Starving,” I admitted.

eight. We have time for a

Just let

casual attire as well, and soon

tour boat glide past, its

beautiful as you,” Alexander replied, his

“That was

noted, seeing my smile. “You like it when I’m

corrected, bumping

he whispered, pressing a kiss to

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

We were shown to a

sommelier approached with a bottle Alexander hadn’t even

admitted. “Their tasting menu