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 Imperial State Crown with its

upgrading your ring, are you?” Alexander murmured in my ear as I stared at

might be more my style,” I

in mind for your

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

squeezing Alexander’s

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

a

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

I definitely want to shop too,” I assured

closer, wrapping an arm around my

food was incredible, seasonal British cuisine with a modern twist. Alexander ordered

took a leisurely walk back to the hotel, stopping to admire the lights reflecting on the Thames. The London Eye was illuminated

go up tomorrow?” Alexander asked, following my

I hear the views are

else on your

definitely. And maybe

meetings until noon tomorrow, but the

ended up in the legendary Savoy bar for a nightcap. The pianist was playing classic jazz standards, and the

Alexander said suddenly, setting

I glanced around the

not?” He stood and offered his hand.

heart 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

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

I murmured, surprised by how naturally