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.”

failing spectacularly at sophisticated. Adorable enthusiast is more

AUD

Chapter 196

look from the elderly couple who’d

at mummies and ancient artifacts. Alexander surprised me with his knowledge of

do you know all this?” I demanded after he correctly identified

school education. We had an entire semester on

I was learning basic history from textbooks held together with duct tape, you were

“Not quite. But close.”

a display of canopic jars. “The

share my overpriced knowledge with

I admitted. “Tell me more about these

that was both educational and slightly disturbing. I found

nerdy when you talk about ancient Egypt,”

“I prefer ‘well–educated.”

I bet you

flashcards,” he corrected

so hard I had to cover my mouth to avoid echoing through the gallery. The elderly couple shot us another look

guests,” I whispered once

I’m

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

thorough,” Alexander insisted, but his

continued through the galleries, stopping at displays that caught our interest. The Greek and Roman sections were stunning, filled with marble sculptures and ancient pottery. I spent nearly twenty minutes examining the

patient,” I noted, finally tearing myself away from

like watching you experience things. Your face is

Chapter 196

at dinner yesterday. Should I be

༨。, (68 )

E 65 vouchers

around someone who actually shows emotion instead of maintaining a

commentary on your

Victoria and Penelope.

you think?”

looked like they’d