When Contracts Turn to Forbidden Kisses Chapter 160

Aemlia

A few hours after Sophie bravely sent that message, we hurried to JFK international terminal to see her and Daniel off.

Since Sophie needed to rush back to Boston for training, and the project here had already been successfully signed, Daniel decided to go back with her.

"Remember, layers are your friend," Olivia insisted, adjusting Sophie's scarf. "And don't let those stuck-up Boston dancers intimidate you. You've got New York swagger now."

Sophie smiled, but her eyes kept darting to her phone screen, which remained stubbornly silent. No response from James.

"He'll answer," I whispered, squeezing her hand. "Maybe not right away, but he will."

She nodded, though I could see the doubt in her eyes. "What if I misread everything?"

"Then you'll know," I said simply. "Either way, you were brave enough to ask the question. That counts for something."

Daniel approached us, passport and boarding passes in hand. "Time to go, Sophie. Security's going to take forever."

Sophie hugged Olivia tightly, then turned to me. "Thank you," she whispered as she embraced me. "For everything."

I held her close, suddenly aware of how much I'd grown to care for her in our short time together. "Call me. About anything."

"I will," she promised, pulling back with a watery smile. She glanced at her phone one more time before slipping it into her pocket.

Daniel shook Ethan's hand firmly. "Take care of Amelia," he said, his voice carrying a weight I didn't fully understand.

Ethan nodded solemnly. "Always."

"And you, Amelia. Stay out of trouble." Daniel then turned to me.

I smiled, hugging him goodbye. "No promises."

We watched them go through security, Sophie turning back to wave one last time before they vanished into the crowd, while Olivia did a great job keeping the kids busy near the bookstore.

I felt a strange tightness in my chest as Sophie vanished from view. The scene was too familiar—another airport, another goodbye. Three years ago, it had been me walking through those gates, leaving everything behind.

"You okay?" Ethan asked, his hand finding the small of my back.

The touch snapped something inside me. "Sophie at least had the courage to tell James how she felt before leaving," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "Even if he doesn't respond."

He paused for a moment. "Amelia—I was there," Ethan said, his eyes locking with mine. " I know. Back then, I left you to handle everything on your own. I could have... I should have called, messaged, done something. I should have tried harder.

"We both should have," I admitted, some of my anger dissolving. "But we're here now."

"We are," he agreed, his hand moving to cup my cheek briefly. "And I'm not making the same mistake twice."

Olivia cleared her throat dramatically. "If you two are done having your moment, can we please get out of this airport? I'm starving, and airport food is beneath me."

I laughed, grateful for the tension breaker. "Yes, your highness. Let's go."

---

In the backseat of the luxurious town car, I leaned against Ethan's shoulder, feeling the day's emotional toll catching up to me. Michael had raised the privacy partition, giving us space to talk freely.

Lucas sat opposite us, focused intently on a Rubik's cube, his small fingers working methodically to align the colors. Ella had fallen asleep beside him, her head resting against the window.

Ethan reached over and gently adjusted Ella's position so she wouldn't bump her head if the car hit a rough patch. Then, with surprising patience, he leaned forward and showed Lucas a technique for solving one side of the cube.

"See? If you turn it this way first, it's easier to get the corners right," he explained softly.

Lucas frowned in concentration, following Ethan's instructions without his usual resistance. When the side came together, a brief smile flashed across his face.

"Thank you," he mumbled, not looking up.

Ethan sat back, a look of quiet satisfaction on his face. I squeezed his hand, proud of the small progress he was making with our son.

"You know," I whispered, "you should say 'you're welcome' when someone thanks you. It's good manners."

Ethan glanced at me, a small, appreciative smile touching his lips, before turning back to Lucas. "You're welcome, buddy. You're doing great with that."

Lucas glanced up briefly, nodding before returning to his puzzle.

I pulled out my phone and sent Sophie a quick text: [How are you holding up? Call me when you land.]

"Do you think she'll be okay?" I asked Ethan quietly.

He considered for a moment. "Sophie's tougher than she looks. And for what it's worth, I think James is more affected by her than he lets on."

"Really?" I raised an eyebrow. "He seemed pretty determined to keep his distance."

"James has his reasons," Ethan replied cryptically. "He doesn't let people in easily."

"Sounds like someone else I know," I teased, poking his ribs lightly.

Ethan captured my finger, bringing it to his lips. "I let you in, didn't I?"

"Eventually," I conceded with a smile. "After I practically broke down the door."

His phone rang, interrupting our banter. He checked the screen and answered. "Grandfather."

I watched as Ethan's expression softened, the way it always did when speaking with George.

"Yes, I know we've been scarce," Ethan said, his tone lighter than usual. "No, we're not hiding out in the hotel." He paused, listening. "Tomorrow lunch? I'll check with Amelia, but I think we can make it."

He glanced at me questioningly, and I nodded.

"We'll be there," he confirmed. "Yes, with the children." Another pause. "Alright, see you tomorrow."

He hung up, slipping the phone back into his pocket. "Grandfather wants us all for lunch tomorrow at the house. Says he misses the kids."

"Will Emily be there?" I asked, my voice sharper than I intended.

Ethan studied me carefully. "Would it matter if she was?"

"I just want to be prepared," I replied, my jaw tightening at the thought of seeing my half-sister.

"If she's there, I'll be right beside you," Ethan assured me, his hand finding mine. "You have nothing to worry about."

I laughed softly. "You're underestimating me, Ethan. I wasn't worried about me. I was thinking that if she starts her usual crap, I might finally give her the reality check she's been asking for."

A slow smile spread across Ethan's face. "There's the Amelia I remember. I was beginning to wonder where that fighter went."

"She never left," I replied, meeting his gaze steadily. "She just needed a reason to come out again."