When Contracts Turn to Forbidden Kisses Chapter 170

Amelia

"Six o'clock," Olivia said, checking her watch as we stepped out of the city clerk's office. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the pavement. "Since we're done early, we should go to Black Rose Restaurant to celebrate!"

I couldn't help but smile. After years of thinking we'd been divorced, discovering we were still legally married felt surreal.

"Great idea," I said, as Ethan carefully slipped the copy of the marriage certificate into his jacket pocket. Our eyes met, and a familiar spark passed between us.

"I'll text Rachel," Olivia said, already typing on her phone. "She should be off her shift by now." She looked up with a mischievous grin. "Oh, and my brother Julian's been dying to see the kids again. Mind if I invite him too?"

"The kids would love that," I nodded. "They haven't seen Julian in ages. We'll meet you there? Ethan and I need to pick up the kids first."

"Perfect," Olivia winked, hooking her arm through Noah's. "We'll grab a table and some champagne."

As they walked away, I moved closer to Ethan, lowering my voice. "And while we're at it, let's ask your grandfather exactly what the hell happened with our divorce papers."

Ethan's lips curved into a half-smile. "I'd like to hear that explanation myself."

---

We arrived at the Black family mansion hand in hand, the imposing structure looming against the darkening sky. Catherine was reading in the living room when we entered, her eyebrows rising in surprise.

"Well, this is unexpected," she said, marking her page with a silk bookmark. "What brings you both here today?"

Before we could answer, Lucas and Ella came racing into the room. Ella squealed with delight, launching herself at Ethan, while Lucas approached more cautiously.

"Hi, sweetie," I said, kneeling to hug them both. "We thought we'd surprise you."

Ethan cleared his throat. "Catherine, where's George? We need to speak with him."

"In his study," she replied, her sharp eyes missing nothing as she took in our formal attire. "Is everything alright?"

"We took the afternoon off to go to city hall," Ethan explained. "We got our marriage certificate."

Catherine's eyes widened slightly before she composed herself. "I see. Well, congratulations are in order, then."

I smiled politely, still uncertain where I stood with Ethan's mother. "Thank you, Catherine."

"Where is George?" Ethan repeated, his impatience showing.

"Drinking tea in his study, as usual this time of day," Catherine answered.

---

George looked up from his teacup as we entered his wood-paneled sanctuary. Books lined the walls, and the scent of old leather and paper filled the air.

"To what do I owe this pleasure?" he asked, though the twinkle in his eyes suggested he knew exactly why we were there.

Ethan pulled out that fake divorce documentation. "We went to the city clerk's office today," he said, laying it on the desk. "Imagine our surprise when we found out we've been legally married all along."

George's weathered face broke into a smile. "William would be pleased to see you two together again."

"You never filed the divorce papers, did you?" I asked directly.

George sighed, setting down his teacup. "I admit I had selfish reasons for arranging your marriage initially. But I've always believed you two belong together."

I felt Ethan's hand find mine, his thumb tracing small circles on my palm.

"Thank you," I said softly, surprising myself. "For your interference. As frustrating as it was."

"Are you staying for dinner?" George asked.

"Actually, we're taking the children out," I explained. "We're meeting friends to celebrate."

"Ah, good," George nodded. "Felix and Emily are upstairs with us tonight. Better to avoid them and enjoy your evening."

---

Back in the living room, Mrs. Hopkins was helping the children put on their jackets.

"Look what I built!" Lucas proudly showed Catherine a complex structure of engineering blocks.

"That's remarkable, Lucas," Catherine praised, genuinely impressed. "You have your father's mind for structure."

I knelt beside Lucas. "Julian's going to meet us at the restaurant," I told him softly.

His eyes lit up immediately. Lucas had always adored Julian, who treated him like a little adult rather than a child. "Really? Is he bringing those special puzzle boxes again?"

"You'll have to ask him," I smiled, touched by his excitement.

Catherine approached as I stood up. "Amelia," she said quietly, "don't let the past overshadow your future. Focus on the family you're rebuilding."

I was taken aback by the gentleness in her tone. Before I could respond, the sound of heels clicking on marble interrupted us.

"What's all the commotion down here?" Emily's sharp voice cut through the warm atmosphere as she descended the staircase. "Oh, it's you two. Not staying for dinner?"

"Family outing," I replied simply, taking Ella's hand.

Emily's eyes narrowed as she spotted the papers peeking from Ethan's jacket. "What's that?"

"Our marriage certificate," Ethan answered coolly. "We visited city hall today."

Emily's mouth opened in shock. "You actually went through with it? Again? After everything?"

"That's quite enough, Emily," Catherine interjected with quiet authority. "Their relationship isn't your concern."

I kept my expression neutral, squeezing Ella's hand gently. "We're celebrating our commitment to each other. The children are excited for dinner out."

Emily's face flushed with anger. "I saw some interesting articles about you recently, Amelia. The media seems fascinated by your... background."

Ethan carefully tucked the certificate deeper into his jacket while steadying Lucas, who was shifting uncomfortably beside him.

"We both know you're behind those stories, Emily," Ethan said, his voice dangerously low. "I'd suggest you stop now, before I'm forced to reveal what I know about your own background."

Emily's face went pale. "What are you talking about?"

Felix appeared in the doorway, his expression shifting from confusion to dismay as he assessed the situation. "Emily, perhaps we should let them go."

Emily looked ready to argue but Felix took her arm firmly. "We have dinner plans to discuss," he insisted, pulling her away.

"Sorry about that," Felix muttered as they left. "Congratulations, by the way."

As the door closed behind them, I exhaled slowly. "Let's go," I said, forcing a smile for the children's sake.

---

In the luxury car heading toward the restaurant, Ella bounced excitedly in her seat.

"What's a marriage certificate?" she asked, eyes wide with curiosity.

Ethan looked at her in the rearview mirror. "It's a special paper that says your mom and I are married forever."

"Does that mean you'll always live with us now?" she pressed, clutching her stuffed unicorn.

Ethan's eyes found mine, a silent question in them. My heart swelled as I nodded.

"Yes, princess," he answered, his voice thick with emotion. "It means we'll always be together."

Lucas, who had been quiet, finally spoke up. "Like a real family?"

"Exactly like a real family," I confirmed, reaching back to touch his knee. "Because that's what we are."

As we drove toward the restaurant, the sound of the children's laughter filled the car. Ethan's hand found mine across the center console, and for the first time in years, I felt completely at home.