The CEO's Contractual Wife (Olivia and Alex) novel Chapter 204

Olivia

We stayed for a few more minutes before Alexander reluctantly checked his watch. "We should head back. I need to shower and change before my two o'clock."

At the hotel, Alexander disappeared into the bathroom while I unpacked. The closet was nearly the size of my old apartment's bedroom, with enough hanging space for a small boutique. I arranged my clothes carefully, separating casual from formal, trying not to feel intimidated by the luxury surrounding me.

My phone buzzed. A text from Emilia.

Emilia: PARIS?!?! You're in PARIS and didn't tell me?? I saw your I*******m story. I'm so jealous I could die.

Me: Just got here this morning. It's incredible.

Emilia: Details! I need all the details! What's the hotel like? Have you eaten anything amazing yet? Has Alexander swept you off your feet in the city of romance?

Me: The Hotel is ridiculous. Had the best croissant of my life. And yes, he's being surprisingly romantic.

Emilia: KNEW IT. I knew he had it in him. That man is falling for you, I'm calling it now.

Me: It's not like that. We're just enjoying the trip.

Emilia: Keep telling yourself that, babe. Meanwhile, I'm over here booking my own trip to Paris because your pictures are making me want to cry.

Me: Do it. You'd love it here.

Emilia: Need to find a rich husband first. Know anyone?

Me: Fresh out, sorry.

Emilia: Selfish. Fine, I'll find my own. Have fun in the city of love! And take LOTS of pictures!

I smiled, setting my phone aside. Through the bathroom door, I could hear the shower running. Steam was probably fogging up that enormous mirror.

A ridiculous urge to join him hit me, but I pushed it away. He had meetings. Important business things. And we'd just had this conversation about him being able to function without constantly wanting sex.

Instead, I grabbed my laptop and settled onto the sofa. Emails from Dylan and Michelle waited, along with campaign updates that needed review. Work didn't stop just because I was in Paris.

An hour later, Alexander emerged from the bedroom wearing a charcoal suit that fit him like it had been painted on. Which, knowing Alexander, it probably had been.

"I should be done by seven," he said, adjusting his cufflinks. "Will you be okay on your own?"

"I'm a grown woman in Paris. I think I can manage."

"The concierge can arrange anything you need. Car service, restaurant reservations, shopping..." He pulled out a black credit card and set it on the table. "Use this. Buy whatever you want."

I eyed the card warily. "I have my own money."

"I know. But we're in Paris, and you're my wife. Let me spoil you a little."

Before I could argue, he was kissing me goodbye, his lips lingering just long enough to make my toes curl.

"See you tonight," he murmured against my mouth. "Don't get into too much trouble."

"No promises."

After he left, the suite felt enormous and empty. I worked for another hour, then gave up and decided to explore.

The hotel concierge, an elegant woman named Céline, greeted me warmly when I approached her desk.

"Madame Carter, how may I assist you today?"

"I'd like to do some shopping. Nothing too fancy, just exploring the neighborhood."

"Ah, perfect. You are on the perfect street. Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré has many beautiful boutiques. Hermès is just down the street, and there is a wonderful small bookshop called Galignani that has been here since 1520."

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