The CEO's Contractual Wife

Chapter 196

Olivia

The British Museum was magnificent, an imposing neoclassical building that radiated centuries of history. Geoffrey dropped us at the entrance, promising to return whenever we needed him.

“This place is massive,” I breathed, craning my neck to take in the columned facade. “How are we supposed to see everything?”

“We’re not,” Alexander said, his hand finding the small of my back as we climbed the steps. “Not in one visit. We’ll focus on what interests you most.”

Inside, the Great Court took my breath away. The glass and steel roof soared overhead, natural light flooding the white stone space. Tourists milled around, snapping photos and consulting maps.

“The Rosetta Stone first?” Alexander suggested, already guiding me toward the Egyptian galleries.

“You’ve been here before,” I accused. “I thought you were a terrible tourist.”

“I may have done some research last night after you fell asleep,” he admitted with a small smile. “Wanted to make sure we hit the highlights.”

My heart did that annoying flutter thing again. He’d researched museum exhibits for me.

“That’s actually really sweet,” I said, bumping my shoulder against his arm.

“Don’t sound so surprised. I’m capable of thoughtfulness.”

“Jury’s still out on that one.”

Alexander pinched my side playfully, making me yelp and jump away. An elderly couple nearby gave us disapproving looks, which only made us laugh harder.

The Rosetta Stone was smaller than I’d imagined but no less impressive. I stood before it, reading the placard about its discovery and significance while Alexander watched me with an indulgent expression.

“What?” I asked, catching him staring.

“Nothing. You just get this look when you’re fascinated by something. Your eyes go all wide and you bite your lower lip.”

“I do not bite my lip,” I protested, immediately stopping because I realized I’d been doing exactly that.

“You do,” he confirmed, clearly amused. “It’s cute.”

“Cute? I’m going for sophisticated museum–goer here.”

spectacularly at sophisticated. Adorable enthusiast is

AUD

Chapter 196

earning another disapproving look from the elderly couple who’d

wandered through the Egyptian section, marveling at mummies and ancient artifacts. Alexander surprised me with

you know all this?” I demanded after he correctly

school education. We had an entire semester on

you did. While I was learning basic history from textbooks held together with duct tape, you were getting personalized

“Not quite. But close.”

of canopic jars. “The wealth

I share my

little,” I admitted. “Tell me more

practices that was both educational and slightly disturbing. I found myself leaning closer,

you

“I prefer ‘well–educated.”

Total nerd. I bet you

flashcards,” he corrected without

had to cover my mouth to avoid echoing through the gallery. The elderly couple shot us another look before hurrying away,

terrible museum guests,” I whispered once

yourself. I’m being

to color–coded flashcards about dead people’s organs in jars. That’s weird,

thorough,” Alexander insisted, but his lips

Roman sections were stunning, filled with marble sculptures

very patient,” I noted, finally tearing myself away from the

experience things. Your face is

Chapter 196

mentioned that at dinner yesterday. Should I be self–conscious about

༨。, (68 )

E 65 vouchers

someone who actually shows emotion

on your usual social

Victoria and

you think?”

“Fair point. They both looked like