When Contracts Turn to Forbidden Kisses Chapter 128

Amelia

After getting settled in yesterday, we got up early this morning to head to the cemetery to pay our respects to Grandpa and Mom.

I looked at myself in the hotel mirror, adjusting the collar of my black dress. Today was going to be tough—visiting graves always is, but having the whole family with me made it feel even heavier. Lucas and Ella were sitting quietly on the bed behind me, both in those formal black outfits I hardly ever see them wear.

"Is Grandpa William going to wake up when we visit him?" Ella asked innocently, her little legs swinging off the edge of the bed.

My heart clenched. "No, sweetheart. Remember what we talked about? Grandpa William is in heaven now. We're just going to say hello to the special place where we remember him."

Lucas, always more perceptive than his years warranted, put his arm around his sister. "It's like when we look at old pictures, Ella. We can't talk to the people in them, but we can remember them."

God, when did my son get so wise? I blinked back tears and turned to face them both with a smile I hoped looked more genuine than it felt.

A knock at the door saved me from further explanation. Olivia poked her head in, already dressed in a sleek black pantsuit.

"Everyone's waiting in the lobby," she said, then mouthed silently, "You okay?"

I nodded and gathered my purse. "Let's go, kids."

---

The Brooklyn Cemetery sprawled beneath a surprisingly clear sky. Our somber procession—Benjamin and Eleanor leading, followed by Daniel, Sophie, Olivia, me, and the children—wound through ancient headstones toward the Thompson family plot.

The marble headstone bearing William's name gleamed in the morning light. I felt a lump forming in my throat as we gathered around it. Benjamin placed a hand on my shoulder, a silent gesture of support.

I knelt down, running my fingers over the carved letters of my grandfather's name. "Grandpa," I whispered, "I've brought some people to see you." I turned to Lucas and Ella, who stood nervously behind me. "These are my children, Lucas and Ella. They're... they're incredible, Grandpa. You would have loved them."

Lucas stepped forward first, placing a small white stone on top of the headstone—something I had taught him was a traditional way to show someone had visited. Ella followed his lead, adding her own stone next to his.

Benjamin cleared his throat. "William was a good man," he said, addressing both the headstone and our little group. "He cared for Amelia when my sister couldn't. For that, our family will always be grateful." His voice broke slightly on the last words, and Eleanor slipped her hand into his.

"He was more than my grandfather," I added, feeling the need to explain to my Astor relatives. "He was my anchor for so long."

Daniel nodded solemnly. "I wish I'd known him better."

We stood in silence for a moment, the autumn breeze rustling through the nearby trees. Eleanor finally broke the quiet, her hand gentle on my arm.

"William wouldn't want you drowning in sorrow, dear," she said softly. "He'd want to see you smile, living your life fully. That's what all those who love us truly want."

I nodded, grateful for her words even as I fought back tears. As I stood to move away from the grave, something caught my eye—a tall figure standing by a black motorcycle near the cemetery's entrance.

'Ethan.'

My heart skipped. What the hell was he doing here? I quickly glanced at Daniel, who was thankfully engaged in conversation with Benjamin. If Daniel spotted Ethan now, there would be questions I wasn't prepared to answer.

I shot Ethan a warning look, trying to silently communicate that he needed to stay away. He seemed to understand, giving me a barely perceptible nod, but remained where he was, watching.

"Is that Ethan?" Olivia whispered, suddenly beside me. Her eyes widened as she spotted two other figures nearby—Noah and James.

"What the hell are they doing here?" I muttered through clenched teeth.

"Maybe they're visiting Noah's grandfather? I heard he's buried somewhere in this cemetery too," Olivia suggested, though her tone indicated she didn't believe it either.

My phone vibrated in my pocket. I slipped it out discreetly.

[Miss you. Just wanted to see you for a minute. Don't worry, we'll stay back. -E]

A warm feeling spread through my chest despite the circumstances. The idiot had come just to catch a glimpse of me.

"Everything okay?" Daniel asked, appearing at my side and making me jump.

"Yes," I said too quickly, shoving my phone back into my pocket. "Just checking the time. We should visit my mother's grave now."

---

We made our way to another section of the cemetery where my mother, Elizabeth Thompson, was buried. The headstone was smaller than William's but well-maintained. Benjamin approached it first, kneeling to place a small bouquet of herbs and flowers before it.

"This is thyme from our garden in Boston," he explained, his voice thick with emotion. "The same variety that scented our birth sachets. Father improved the strain for medicinal purposes. This... this is the scent of home." Benjamin's composure cracked, tears sliding down his cheeks as he touched the cold stone.

I felt my own tears fall, watching this strong man break down at his sister's grave. Eleanor moved to comfort her husband, her arm around his shoulders as she whispered, "She knows we're here, Benjamin. She knows."

When Benjamin stepped back, Daniel approached me. "You know the Astor home will always be your safe harbor, Amelia," he said quietly. "No matter what happens in your life."

There was something in his tone that made me wonder if he knew more than he was letting on. Did he suspect about Ethan and me?

I knelt before my mother's grave, Lucas and Ella flanking me on either side. "Mom," I whispered, "these are your grandchildren." I placed my hand on Lucas's shoulder. "This is Lucas. He's smart and protective, just like you were." Then I touched Ella's curls. "And this is Ella. She has your laugh."

I continued in a lower voice, almost inaudible, "I miss you every day. I wish you could have seen them grow. I wish you could have told me..." I trailed off, aware of the family standing behind me.

'I wish you could have told me what really happened to you. I wish you could have warned me about the dangers surrounding your death.'

---

Back at the hotel, I found myself standing outside Daniel's room, my hand raised to knock. After the emotional day at the cemetery, I knew it was time to be honest with him about Ethan and me. Daniel had always been protective—sometimes overprotective—but he deserved the truth.

After his bodyguard opened the door, he stepped discreetly aside, giving us privacy. Daniel looked up from his laptop, surprise evident on his face.

"Amelia? Is everything alright?"

I stood awkwardly in the doorway, struggling to find the right words. How exactly do you tell your protective cousin that you're back together with the man he believes broke your heart?

Daniel waited patiently, his expression shifting to one of understanding. There was something in his eyes—a knowing look that suggested he might have already guessed what I came to say.