The CEO's Contractual Wife (Olivia and Ryan) novel Chapter 196

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.”

“You’re failing spectacularly at sophisticated. Adorable enthusiast is more accurate.”

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Chapter 196

I stuck my tongue out at him, earning another disapproving look from the elderly couple who’d apparently followed us into this gallery.

We wandered through the Egyptian section, marveling at mummies and ancient artifacts. Alexander surprised me with his knowledge of hieroglyphics.

“How do you know all this?” I demanded after he correctly identified several symbols.

“Private school education. We had an entire semester on ancient civilizations.”

“Of course you did. While I was learning basic history from textbooks held together with duct tape, you were getting personalized lessons from actual Egyptologists.”

“Not quite. But close.”

I shook my head, moving toward a display of canopic jars. “The wealth gap in education is truly depressing.”

“Is it helping if I share my overpriced knowledge with you now?”

“A little,” I admitted. “Tell me more about these creepy jars.”

Alexander launched into an explanation about mummification practices that was both educational and slightly disturbing. I found myself leaning closer, drawn in by his enthusiasm.

“You’re kind of nerdy when you talk about ancient Egypt,” I observed.

“I prefer ‘well–educated.”

“Nerd. Total nerd. I bet you had flashcards.”

“Color–coded flashcards,” he corrected without shame.

I laughed so hard I had to cover my mouth to avoid echoing through the gallery. The elderly couple shot us another look before hurrying away, clearly offended by our lack of reverence.

“We’re terrible museum guests,” I whispered once I’d recovered.

“Speak for yourself. I’m being perfectly respectful.”

“You just admitted to color–coded flashcards about dead people’s organs in jars. That’s weird, not respectful.”

“It’s thorough,” Alexander insisted, but his lips twitched with suppressed laughter.

We continued through the galleries, stopping at displays that caught our interest. The Greek and Roman sections were stunning, filled with marble sculptures and ancient pottery. I spent nearly twenty minutes examining the Parthenon Marbles while Alexander stood patiently beside me.

“You’re being very patient,” I noted, finally tearing myself away from the intricate friezes.

“I like watching you experience things. Your face is incredibly expressive.”

Chapter 196

“You mentioned that at dinner yesterday. Should I be self–conscious about my face?”

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“Absolutely not. It’s refreshing to be around someone who actually shows emotion instead of maintaining a careful mask all the time.”

“Is that a commentary on your usual social circle?”

“You’ve met Victoria and Penelope. What do

you think?”

grimaced. “Fair point. They both looked like they’d been sucking lemons during that brunch.”

“Exactly. Whereas you look like Christmas morning when you see something you enjoy.”

“Christmas morning? Really?”

“It’s accurate,” he defended. “You practically vibrate with excitement.”

“I do not vibrate.”

“You do. Your whole body gets involved. It’s adorable.”

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