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.

of everything,” she demanded. “I

do. Alexander’s at a meeting now, but we’re going

with the low back,” Emilia suggested. “The

focused on how my

should use all your

up now,”

Go have your European adventure. But I want details when

combat the jet lag. I woke to the sound

up and running a hand through my tousled

the doorway, looking unfairly handsome in his business suit. “Had a

nodded, stretching. “How was

office is performing above projections.” He loosened his tie and

“Starving,” I admitted.

eight. We have time for a walk along the Embankment

let

for the evening chill. Alexander changed into more casual attire as well, and soon we were strolling along the Thames as the city lights began to

a tour boat glide past,

you,” Alexander replied,

eyes. “That was

he noted, seeing my smile. “You like

tolerate it,” I corrected, bumping my hip against

a kiss to

walk, stopping occasionally to admire the view or read the historical plaques. It felt surprisingly normal, like any couple enjoying an evening stroll, not a CEO and his contract

at a Michelin–starred restaurant where the staff greeted Alexander by name. We were shown to

I observed as the sommelier approached with a bottle Alexander hadn’t

he admitted. “Their tasting menu is