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.

“I need to live

a meeting now, but we’re going

wear that black dress with the low back,” Emilia

is everyone so focused on how my breasts look in various

use all

hanging up

But I want details when you get

decided to take a short nap to combat the jet lag. I woke to the

I called back, sitting up and running a hand through my tousled

unfairly handsome in his

nodded, stretching.

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

“Starving,” I admitted.

eight. We have time for a

Just let me

changed into more casual attire as well, and soon we were

tour boat glide past,

as beautiful as you,” Alexander replied, his arm

“That was cheesy, even

he noted, seeing my smile. “You

it,” I corrected, bumping

he whispered, pressing a kiss to

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

a Michelin–starred restaurant where the staff greeted Alexander by name. We were shown to a secluded corner table with an excellent view

sommelier

he admitted. “Their tasting menu is