When Contracts Turn to Forbidden Kisses Chapter 112

Amelia

I had just finished a surgery and was sitting at my desk, flipping through patient charts, when a strange commotion faintly sounded from the hallway. Before I could react, the door to my consultation room suddenly burst open.

My heart nearly stopped when I saw Ethan standing there, his usually neat suit rumpled, holding Lucas in his arms.

"Ethan, what—" The words died in my throat as I noticed the dark stains on Lucas's dinosaur t-shirt. Blood. My son was covered in blood.

I rushed forward and took Lucas from Ethan's arms. "What happened? You said you were just going to the park!" My voice cracked as I quickly examined Lucas, looking for injuries. "Lucas, baby, where does it hurt? Tell Mommy where it hurts."

"I'm okay, Mommy," Lucas said, his voice small but steady.

Ethan put a hand on my shoulder, gently guiding me to sit down. "Amelia, breathe. Lucas is fine. He's not hurt."

I couldn't stop my hands from trembling as they moved over Lucas's body, checking for injuries despite his reassurance.

"Then whose blood is this?" I finally asked, my voice barely a whisper.

Ethan's face darkened. He avoided Lucas and pulled me aside. "There was an accident. The car was hit at an intersection. Your bodyguard and the two housekeepers were rushed to surgery."

The room seemed to tilt around me. "What? No, that's impossible."

I fumbled for my phone, suddenly remembering Ella. "Ella? Is she safe?"

My fingers were already dialing Olivia's number, which rang three times before she answered.

"Hey, what's up? I was just about to send you a pic of—"

"Olivia," I cut her off, my voice shaking. "Is Ella with you? Is she okay?"

"Of course she is," Olivia replied, confusion evident in her tone. "She's been helping me rehearse lines all morning. She was fussing about wanting to see me, so I thought I'd take her for the day when you dropped her off. What's going on? You sound terrible."

Relief washed over me. "There's been an accident. The people in the car are in surgery. Lucas is with me now, he's okay, but—" I couldn't finish the sentence.

"Oh my God, Amelia. Do you need me to come to the hospital?"

"No, no. Just keep Ella safe, please. Don't let her out of your sight. I'll explain everything later."

After hanging up, I turned to Ethan, who was helping Lucas sip some water. "I need to see them. I need to know how bad it is."

"I’ve asked Michael to get your department head to approve your leave. You’re off for today. But let’s get Lucas home first — he needs to change, and you should too."

"No." I stood up, my decision made. "I need to see them now."

Ethan looked like he wanted to argue but instead nodded. "Alright. Michael's waiting downstairs."

The walk to the surgical floor felt like the longest journey of my life. Lucas clung to my hand, unusually quiet, while Ethan walked slightly ahead, clearing our path through the busy corridors. His presence commanded respect, and hospital staff moved aside without question.

Outside the operating theater, Michael was pacing. The moment he saw us, his expression told me everything I needed to know.

"How bad?" I asked, my voice barely audible.

"They've been in surgery for over thirty minutes," Michael reported, avoiding my eyes. "Frank and Mrs. Wilson are stable, but Mrs. Garcia..." He hesitated. "The surgeon doesn't think she'll make it. Internal bleeding, collapsed lung, and severe head trauma."

I felt my legs giving way, and suddenly Ethan's arm was around my shoulders, steadying me. Tears spilled down my cheeks without warning. I couldn't stop them, didn't even try.

"Mommy, why are you crying?" Lucas asked, his small face crumpled with concern.

I wiped my face hastily, trying to compose myself for his sake. "Mommy's just worried about our friends, sweetheart."

"We should get him home," Ethan said softly, his arm still supporting me. "Michael will stay and call us if there's any news."

This time, I didn't argue. The shock was setting in, and I needed to get Lucas away from this place of blood and tragedy.

The ride to my apartment was silent. Lucas fell asleep against my chest, exhausted from the morning's events. I stroked his hair, grateful beyond words that he was safe, while guilt gnawed at me for the others who weren't.

Once home, I took Lucas straight to the bathroom.

After drying Lucas off and getting him dressed in clean clothes, I tucked him into bed for a nap. He fell asleep almost instantly.

Ethan found me there, staring blankly. "He's asleep?"

I nodded, stepping out and closing the door softly. "What am I going to do, Ethan? I can't leave the children alone, but I need to be at the hospital."

"You remember Mrs. Hopkins?" he suggested, his voice gentle. "She can stay with Lucas while we go back to check on things."

The offer of help was so unexpected, so needed, that I felt fresh tears threatening. "You'd do that?"

"Of course," he said simply. "I've already called her. She's on her way."

I sank onto the couch, suddenly overwhelmed by it all. "I should call Daniel. He needs to know about Frank."

Ethan sat beside me, not touching but close enough that I could feel his warmth. "Are you sure that's wise? Your cousin might blame Frank for not protecting Lucas properly."

I hadn't considered that. "You're right."

The doorbell interrupted our conversation. Mrs. Hopkins had arrived, and to my surprise, Catherine—Ethan's mother—was with her. They entered, Catherine nodding briefly at me before making her way to the kitchen without a word.

"I've brought some soup," Mrs. Hopkins explained, her kind eyes assessing me. "You look like you could use some, Dr. Thompson."

"Dr. Thompson?" Ethan repeated, his tone sharp. "My wife's name is Mrs. Black."

Mrs. Hopkins looked uncomfortable. "Mr. George thought it best, given the circumstances..."

Before Ethan could respond, his phone rang. His face darkened as he listened, and I knew before he even hung up.

"Mrs. Garcia didn't make it," he said softly. "I'm so sorry, Amelia."

The world tilted again, and this time I let the tears come freely. Ethan helped me to my feet, leading me toward the door. "We'll go now. Mrs. Hopkins will watch Lucas."

In the elevator, I finally broke down completely, sobbing against Ethan's chest as he held me close. His suit jacket absorbed my tears as he whispered soothing words I couldn't even comprehend.

All I could think was that Mrs. Garcia was gone, and somehow, I felt responsible.