Chapter 204

Chapter 204
Chapter 204
Olivia
20
We stayed for a few more minutes before Alexander reluctantly checked his watch. “We should head back. 1 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 Instagram 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?”
10:54 Thu, Nov 6 M
Chapter 204
“I’m a grown woman in Paris. I think I can manage.”
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1555 vouchets
“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.”
A bookshop from 1520. Casual.
“That sounds perfect. Thank you.”
“Shall I arrange a car?”
“I’d rather walk, if that’s okay.”
Céline looked delighted. “Mais oui, of course! Walking is the best way to see Paris. Here, I will give you a small map.”
Armed with Céline’s map and directions, I stepped out onto Rue du Faubourg Saint–Honoré. The street was exactly as elegant as the hotel, lined with luxury boutiques and art galleries. Window displays showed off designer clothes and handbags with price tags I didn’t want to contemplate.
I walked slowly, taking it all in. The architecture, the people, and the way sunlight filtered through the trees lining the sidewalk. Everything felt slightly magical, enhanced by that particular Parisian je ne sais quoi that couldn’t be replicated anywhere else.
Galignani, when I found it, was everything a bookstore should be. Dark wood shelves reached toward high ceilings. The smell of old paper and ink filled the air. Books in French, English, and several other languages lined the walls.
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10:54 Thu, Nov 6 M
Chapter 201
15 Foochers
I lost myself browsing, picking up novels and memoirs and travel guides. An entire section dedicated to Paris architecture caught my attention.
“Looking for anything specific?” A voice asked in English behind me.
I turned to find a young man with kind eyes and a name tag that read “Philippe.”
“Just browsing,” I said. “This place is wonderful.”
“We think so. First time in Paris?”
“How did you know?”
He smiled. “You have that look. The one people get when they’re falling in love with the city.”
“Is it that obvious?”
“Completely. But it’s charming. Too many people come to Paris and act like they’ve seen it all before. It’s refreshing when someone appreciates it properly.”
I ended up buying three books, including a gorgeous photography collection of Parisian architecture. Philippe wrapped them carefully in brown paper tied with a string.
“Enjoy your stay,” he said, handing me the package. “And come back before you leave. I’ll have more recommendations.”
Outside, I continued wandering. A small park offered benches under leafy trees. I sat for a while, watching children play and couples stroll past. My phone buzzed. Alexander.
Alexander: How’s the shopping going?
Me: Bought books. Currently sitting in a park pretending to be a local.
Alexander: Only you would go shopping in Paris and buy books.
Me: What can I say? I’m a rebel.
Alexander: Meetings are running long. Might not be done until eight.
Me: No worries. Take your time. I’m exploring.
Alexander: Don’t get too lost. Paris has a way of making people disappear down charming side streets, never to be seen again.
Me: Sounds like a risk I’m willing to take.
Alexander: I’d hunt you down. Can’t lose my wife in Paris. The paperwork would be nightmarish.
Me: Ever the romantic.
Alexander: I try. See you tonight. We’ll get dinner somewhere special.
10:54 Thu, Nov 6 M …
Chapter 204
I smiled at my phone, then tucked it away and continued exploring. The afternoon passed in a pleasant blur of narrow streets, surprising courtyards, and tiny shops selling everything from vintage posters to artisanal
cheese.
AD
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Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.