The CEO's Contractual Wife

Chapter 194

Olivia

After finishing work, I decided to explore the hotel. The Savoy was a London landmark in itself, with a storied history and impeccable service. I wandered through the elegant public spaces, admiring the art and architecture, before finding myself at the hotel’s famous American Bar.

I ordered a light lunch and a glass of wine, people–watching, and soaking in the atmosphere. A couple at a nearby table was clearly on their honeymoon, holding hands and stealing kisses when they thought no one was looking. I wondered if Alexander and I looked like that to outsiders, a couple genuinely in love.

The thought gave me pause. What exactly were Alexander and I to each other now? Our relationship had certainly evolved beyond our initial arrangement. The sex was mindblowing, but there was something else there too, a connection I hadn’t anticipated.

After lunch, I returned to the suite to prepare for our afternoon excursion. Alexander arrived precisely at three, his tie loosened and a weary set to his shoulders.

“Rough meetings?” I asked as he collapsed onto the sofa.

“Interminable.” He rubbed his eyes. “The London office is performing well, but some personnel issues need to be addressed.”

“Firing people isn’t fun,” I sympathized.

“Especially when they’ve been with the company for twenty years but can’t adapt to new methodologies.” He sighed, then visibly shook off the business persona. “But enough about that. Ready to see some royal history?”

I nodded enthusiastically. “Let me grab my coat.”

The Tower of London was everything I’d imagined: imposing, historic, and slightly macabre. Our private guide, a retired Yeoman Warder named Roger, was a fountain of knowledge and gruesome anecdotes.

“And right here,” Roger said, gesturing to a small green, “is where Anne Boleyn was beheaded. They brought in a French swordsman specially for her execution, more humane than an ax, you see.”

“How considerate,” I remarked dryly, making Alexander chuckle.

“The king may have wanted her dead, but he still had some affection for her,” Roger explained. “Now, shall we see the Crown Jewels?”

and power. I was particularly transfixed by the Imperial State Crown with its

ring, are you?” Alexander murmured

might be more my style,” I

in mind

the Thames, taking in the views of Tower Bridge and the modern skyline

said, squeezing Alexander’s hand as we walked.

down at me with an expression I couldn’t quite read. “You’re easy to please, Olivia. A bit of history and

a

Most women I’ve dated would have preferred Bond Street

too,” I assured him with a

laughed and pulled me closer, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. “A

a side street near Covent Garden. The food was incredible, seasonal British

the lights reflecting on the Thames. The London

to go up tomorrow?” Alexander asked, following

hear the

else on your

And maybe Buckingham

meetings until noon tomorrow, but the afternoon

was playing classic jazz standards, and the room had a timeless elegance that

said

I glanced around the

his hand. “I want to dance with

stuttered at the way he said it, like it meant something beyond our paperwork. I placed my hand in his and let him guide me to the small space near the piano where a few other couples swayed

my waist, pulling me close. Our bodies aligned perfectly, his hand warm against the small of my back, the other cradling mine against his chest. The pianist shifted

dancer,” I murmured, surprised by how naturally