When Contracts Turn to Forbidden Kisses Chapter 155

Sophie

I sprawled across the king-sized bed, my pink silk pajamas bunching up as I shifted to get comfortable. The laptop screen cast a blue glow across my face while I squinted at the lines of code, fingers tapping away at the keyboard.

"Seriously, James? This is your idea of security?" I muttered, cracking my knuckles before diving back into his firewall.

My phone kept buzzing next to me with all the texts I'd been bombing him with:

[James!! Are you thinking about me??]

[The moon is sooo pretty tonight, but you're prettier ]

[I literally cannot sleep bc I miss you too much!!!]

I glanced at the screen, grinning as I kept up my double assault—hacking his server while simultaneously trying to crack that emotional fortress he called a personality.

Rachel was curled up in the window seat with some massive medical textbook, looking all studious in the moonlight.

My phone lit up. One word: [What?!]

"OH MY GOD!" I shrieked, launching myself off the bed and doing a little victory dance around the room with my phone pressed to my heart. "He texted back! He actually texted back!"

Rachel looked up from her book, giving me that look—you know, the one that says 'you're completely insane but I'm too tired to deal with it.'

"Sophie, most girls would be insulted by a one-word response," she said, pushing her glasses up her nose.

My victory dance seemed to only deepen the shadow in her corner.

I rolled onto my stomach, propping my chin on my hands. "Okay, spill. What's the deal with you and James? I don't think siblings should be acting like that."

Rachel's whole body went rigid. She kept staring at her book like it held the secrets of the universe. "There's no 'deal.' I just don't like being told what to do every five seconds."

"By 'told what to do,' you mean...Look, if you ever wanna talk about whatever went down—"

"I don't," Rachel cut me off, but her voice was softer now. "Thanks though."

I nodded and went back to my laptop, but my mind was racing. The Hayes family clearly had some serious baggage.

---

Amelia

I woke to the gentle sounds of movement in our beach house bedroom. Through half-closed eyes, I watched Ethan carefully lift Lucas into his arms, moving with a tenderness that made my heart ache. His injured hand seemed to be healing well, no longer hampering his movements as much.

"I can walk," Lucas mumbled, his voice thick with sleep.

"I know, buddy, but let's not wake your mom yet," Ethan whispered, carrying our son toward the bathroom.

The sight of them together – Ethan's broad shoulders and Lucas's small frame – created a perfect silhouette against the morning light. This was the Ethan I had fallen in love with years ago – caring, gentle, putting others before himself. This was the father Lucas deserved.

Ethan glanced back, catching me watching. His lips curved into a warm smile as he mouthed, "Go back to sleep, baby."

I closed my eyes, a contented smile on my face. When I woke again, the bedside clock read 9:30 AM, and sunlight had fully illuminated the room. I stretched languidly, my body pleasantly sore from the previous night's activities. My cheeks warmed at the memory of Ethan's hands on my skin, his lips trailing—

The door opened softly, interrupting my thoughts. Ethan entered carrying a steaming mug. "Good morning, sleepyhead," he said, sitting beside me on the bed. "Honey lemon water, just how you like it."

"Thank you," I said, accepting the mug and taking a sip. The warm liquid soothed my throat. "Where are the kids?"

"Sophie took them down to the beach with Rachel. They're collecting seashells for some art project Sophie concocted." Ethan brushed a strand of hair from my face, his touch lingering. "How are you feeling? Any... discomfort?"

I blushed, pulling the sheet higher. "That's your fault for being so... enthusiastic last night."

Ethan's eyes darkened slightly, that familiar intensity making my stomach flip. "I don't recall hearing any complaints." He leaned closer, his voice dropping to that husky tone that always undid me. "In fact, I distinctly remember some encouragement."

"Ethan!" I swatted his arm playfully, but couldn't help smiling. My expression sobered as I noticed his face growing more serious. "What is it?"

He took my hand, his thumb tracing circles on my palm. "There's something I need to tell you."

I sat up straighter, suddenly alert. "What happened?"

"Felix and Emily will be announcing their engagement next month."

That news hit me like a stone I saw coming, but I didn’t expect the ripples to feel so cold.

"If you don't want to face all of that," Ethan continued, watching me carefully, "we can stay on the island longer."

I sat in silence for a moment, processing this information.

"No," I finally said, shaking my head firmly. "Running away won't solve anything. We'll have to face them eventually."

I studied Ethan's face carefully. "Why would Felix choose Emily? They hardly seem... compatible." Felix had always struck me as ambitious but fun-loving, while Emily was calculating and cold.

Ethan hesitated, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his features. "They make a good match," he said carefully, but I could tell he was holding something back.

I wasn't convinced, but decided not to press further for now. "I don't want to have any contact with Emily, even at public events."

"You won't have to," Ethan assured me, his expression serious. "I'll make sure of it. Your comfort matters more to me than anything else."

Just then, my phone rang. I glanced at the screen – Mrs. Wilson.

"Hello?" I answered, putting the call on speaker.

"Amelia, dear," Mrs. Wilson's warm voice came through. "I wanted to let you know my recovery is going well. The doctor says all my vitals are looking normal."

I sighed with relief. "That's wonderful news, Mrs. Wilson. Make sure you're getting plenty of rest, though. Don't overdo it."

"I miss the children terribly," Mrs. Wilson admitted. "I wonder if they miss me too."

"Of course they do," I assured her warmly. "Lucas asked about your cookies just yesterday. We'll come see you as soon as we're back in the city."

After ending the call, I leaned against Ethan's shoulder, drawing comfort from his solid presence. He wrapped his arm around me, pulling me close as we enjoyed the peaceful moment.

Sunlight streamed through the windows, bathing us in golden warmth.

I knew we’d have to return and face new challenges, but I was resolute in tackling whatever lay ahead.