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?”

wealth and power. I was particularly transfixed by the

thinking of upgrading your ring, are you?” Alexander murmured in my ear as I

this might be more my style,” I joked, gesturing to one of

in

along the Thames, taking in the views of Tower Bridge and the modern skyline beyond. The afternoon was cool but

I said, squeezing Alexander’s hand as we

I couldn’t quite read. “You’re easy to please, Olivia. A bit of history and you light up like a Christmas

a bad

said firmly. “It’s refreshing. Most women I’ve dated would have preferred Bond Street

too,” I assured him with a grin. “But history

closer, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. “A woman

dinner at a small, exclusive restaurant tucked away on a side street near Covent Garden. The food was incredible, seasonal British cuisine with a modern twist. Alexander ordered a bottle of wine that probably cost

took a leisurely walk back to the hotel, stopping to admire the lights reflecting on the Thames. The London Eye was illuminated against the night sky, slowly rotating with its cargo of

to go up tomorrow?” Alexander

we? I hear the

Anything else on your

And

until noon tomorrow, but the

nightcap. The pianist was playing classic jazz standards, and the room had a timeless elegance

me,” Alexander said suddenly, setting down

glanced around the half–full

and offered his hand. “I want to

hand in his and let him guide

against the small of my back, the other cradling mine against his chest. The pianist shifted into something slower,

a good dancer,” I murmured, surprised by how naturally we