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

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Chapter 196

out at him, earning another disapproving look from the elderly couple who’d apparently followed us into this

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

you know all this?” I demanded

had an entire

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

“Not quite. But close.”

display of canopic jars. “The wealth gap in education is

if I share my overpriced knowledge with

I admitted. “Tell me more about

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

kind of nerdy when you talk about ancient

“I prefer ‘well–educated.”

Total nerd. I bet

flashcards,” he corrected

The elderly couple shot

guests,” I whispered once

I’m being

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

his lips twitched with

stopping at displays that caught our interest. The Greek and Roman sections were stunning, filled with marble sculptures and ancient

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

like watching you experience things. Your

Chapter 196

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

༨。, (68 )

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someone who actually shows emotion instead of maintaining a careful mask all

that a commentary on your usual social

met Victoria and Penelope. What

you think?”

looked like they’d been sucking lemons