When Contracts Turn to Forbidden Kisses Chapter 108

Amelia

The phone's shrill ring jolted me awake. I fumbled for it on my nightstand, squinting at the clock—1:03 PM.

"Hello?" My voice was still thick with sleep.

"Amelia? This is George." The firm yet gentle voice on the other end immediately cleared the fog from my brain.

I sat up straight, suddenly alert. "Mr. Black, hello."

"Please, call me George." There was a pause. "I was wondering if you might consider bringing your kids to meet me today. Nothing formal—just a brief introduction."

The request caught me off guard. After our previous conversation, I knew this moment would come, but I hadn't expected it so soon. I glanced at the family photo on my nightstand—my two children smiling back at me.

"I thought we could meet at the Black family's private garden near Central Park," he continued. "It's secluded, no press, completely private."

I considered his request. Despite everything that had happened with Ethan, I couldn't deny that George had a right to know his great-grandchildren. And after our last conversation, I sensed his sincerity.

"Alright," I said, surprising myself with how easily I agreed. "What time works for you?"

"Would three o'clock be convenient?" His voice betrayed a hint of excitement beneath the composed exterior.

"We'll be there."

After hanging up, I showered quickly and headed to the kids' rooms. Lucas was building something with his blocks, intensely focused as always.

"Hey buddy, how about we go meet someone special today?" I suggested, crouching beside him.

He looked up, studying me carefully. "Who?"

"Your great-grandfather. Your dad's grandpa."

His little brow furrowed as he processed this information. "Does he have toys?"

I laughed. "I'm not sure, but we can bring some of yours just in case."

Ella was easier to convince. When I mentioned meeting a new family member, she immediately twirled around her room, announcing she needed to wear her "princess dress" for the occasion.

"Can I bring Barbie to show my new friend?" Ella asked, clutching her favorite doll.

"Of course you can, sweetheart." I kissed the top of her head, my heart squeezing at her innocent excitement.

Before we left, I called Frank, my personal bodyguard, to inform him of our plans.

"We're meeting George at the family's private garden," I explained. "You don't need to follow us closely, but maybe keep a discreet distance?"

"Understood, Dr. Thompson," Frank replied. "I'll be nearby if needed."

The garden was only a short drive away. As we approached the entrance, I felt a flutter of nerves. What would George think of the children? Would they behave?

The moment we stepped through the wrought iron gates, I spotted him, standing tall despite his advanced age, wearing a casual polo shirt and a baseball cap, one hand resting on a polished cane. Beside him stood Parker, his loyal butler, and Mrs. Hopkins, who took care of me in the upper apartment before.

George's eyes immediately welled up when he saw the children, though he maintained his composure. The emotion in his gaze was unmistakable—a mixture of joy, wonder, and perhaps a touch of regret for the years lost.

"Dr. Thompson," he greeted me formally, then his gaze shifted to the children. "And these must be Lucas and Ella."

Lucas stayed slightly behind me, observing George with careful curiosity. But Ella, true to her nature, stepped forward confidently, looking up at the white-haired man with open fascination.

"You may call me Great-Grandpa if you'd like," he said, his voice warm with delight.

Mrs. Hopkins stepped forward, holding a small tin. "I've brought some cookies. I heard little Miss Ella has a fondness for chocolate chip."

Ella's eyes widened. "How did you know? Are you magic?"

Another round of laughter from the adults. I felt myself relaxing slightly as we moved to a bench in the garden's center.

"They're beautiful children," George said quietly to me as we sat down. "I knew they would be, but seeing them... they're truly Black family through and through."

I watched as Lucas cautiously approached George, reaching out to touch his white beard with curious fingers. George didn't flinch, allowing the exploration with patient amusement.

"Does it come off?" Lucas asked seriously.

"I'm afraid it's attached quite firmly," George responded with a matching solemnity, earning a rare smile from my son.

Meanwhile, Ella had settled next to George, earnestly introducing her Barbie doll to her "new friend," explaining in great detail the doll's name, favorite color, and career aspirations. George listened with rapt attention, as if this was the most important briefing he'd received all week.

"She's very articulate for her age," George observed, clearly taken with my daughter.

"Takes after her father in intelligence," I admitted. "And her grandfather in charm, apparently."

For nearly two hours, we sat in that peaceful garden. Lucas eventually warmed up enough to show George his toy car, while Ella told stories about her preschool adventures. The afternoon sun was beginning to soften when I checked my watch.

"It's getting late," I said. "We should probably think about dinner soon."

"Would you consider joining me for dinner?" George asked, a hopeful note in his voice.

I hesitated only briefly before nodding. "That would be nice."

"Excellent," he turned to Parker. "Where would be appropriate?"

"Black Rose Restaurant has a private dining room available, sir," Parker suggested.

"I want 'sgetti!" Ella announced, clapping her hands.

"Spaghetti it is, then," George agreed with a smile. "Parker, please call ahead and inform them of our arrival."

As we prepared to leave, George instructed Parker to monitor social media. "I don't want any photographs of my great-grandchildren appearing online. This is a private family matter."

"Of course, sir." Parker nodded, already making calls.

At Black Rose, we were escorted to a secluded corner. I noticed George signaling to Parker, who leaned down to receive instructions.

"Sir, shall I inform the staff that Mrs. Black has arrived?" Parker asked.

"No," George corrected firmly. "Please refer to her as Dr. Thompson."

I shot him a grateful look, appreciating the respect for my identity.

The dinner was surprisingly relaxed. Ella sat beside George, carefully wiping her mouth with her napkin after each bite of spaghetti, making me proud of her manners. Lucas was quieter, methodically eating his chicken fingers while occasionally glancing at George with continued curiosity.

"I want cake," Lucas suddenly announced, looking directly at George.

"What kind would you like?" George asked seriously.

Lucas thought for a moment. "All kinds."

George laughed and signaled to the waiter. "Bring samples of every dessert you have."

When an impressive array of desserts arrived, Ella and Lucas exchanged excited looks. They both reached for the chocolate cake simultaneously.

"Thank you, Great-Grandpa," Ella said sweetly, causing George's eyes to mist over.

"Thank you, Great-Grandpa," Lucas echoed, his usually reserved face breaking into a genuine smile.

I watched George's reaction—pure joy radiating from him. This moment, I realized, was probably worth more to him than his entire business empire.

Just as we were enjoying our dessert, the private dining room door swung open. I looked up, and my stomach dropped.

"Daddy!" Ella exclaimed excitedly, chocolate frosting smeared across her cheek.

Ethan stood in the doorway.

The chocolate cake suddenly stuck in my throat.