When Contracts Turn to Forbidden Kisses Chapter 171

Ethan

I stood in the private room of Black Rose Restaurant, straightening my cufflinks while surveying the immaculate table setting. Everything had to be perfect tonight. When Olivia mentioned dining here, I'd immediately texted Michael to make arrangements. With Julian attending, I needed to showcase my territory properly.

The frosted glass doors opened, and my heart skipped when Amelia walked in with the children. She looked stunning, as always, effortlessly elegant even while adjusting Ella's bow tie. My momentary pleasure shattered when Lucas and Ella spotted Julian and bolted past me.

"Julian!" they both squealed, running straight to him.

I felt a sharp twist in my gut watching Bennett kneel down to receive their hugs. The bastard was wearing that casual, effortless charm like a second skin, navy blazer with no tie, looking like he'd just stepped off a yacht.

"Hey, my little monsters!" Julian laughed, lifting Ella up while Lucas jumped around him excitedly. "I've been practicing a new trick just for you guys."

"Show me, show me!" Lucas demanded, completely ignoring my presence.

I schooled my expression, but something cold and unfamiliar settled in my chest. These were 'my' children, yet they acted like Bennett was their long-lost hero. I stepped beside Amelia, placing my hand on the small of her back—a gesture both protective and possessive.

My fingers tightened slightly, betraying the calm I tried to project. Every smile Julian shared with them felt like a challenge thrown directly at me.

"When exactly did Lucas and Julian become so close?" I asked, keeping my voice low and controlled despite the irritation building inside me.

"Julian helped out a lot when I was in Boston," Amelia explained with casual ease that only intensified my annoyance. "He would take them to the park when I had night shifts."

I watched Bennett produce a coin from behind Lucas's ear, both children gasping in delight. What the hell was this—amateur hour at a children's birthday party?

"Julian, do more magic!" Ella shouted, the words hitting me like a physical blow.

"Lucas," I called, deliberately keeping my tone casual, "come sit by me, son."

My boy barely glanced over. "In a minute, Dad. Julian's showing me how the coin disappears!"

I felt Amelia's hand squeeze my arm gently. "They're just excited. It's been a while since they've seen him."

"Hmm," was all I trusted myself to say. I kept my eyes fixed on Bennett, who met my gaze briefly with a polite smile that didn't reach his eyes before returning his attention to 'my' children.

I strategically arranged our seating—Olivia, Noah, and Julian on one side; Amelia, myself, the children, Rachel, and James on the other. I positioned myself directly across from Bennett. I wanted a clear view of every move he made.

Olivia raised her glass once everyone was settled. "Here's to the reason we're all here tonight—to celebrate that Amelia and Ethan are, in fact, legally married and have been all along!"

Everyone clinked glasses. Bennett nodded with a smile, but I sensed something behind his expression—disappointment, maybe. Good. He needed to realize his place in this situation.

I took Amelia’s hand under the table, deliberately twisting our rings together to show our matching wedding bands. "We've actually been married for over three years and never divorced," I said, making sure my voice reached Bennett.

Then Lucas twisted the knife again, tugging at Julian's sleeve. "Julian, can you teach me how to tie a necktie? Dad's always too busy."

The words stung more than I cared to admit. Three years of absence had left a void that Bennett had apparently been all too happy to fill.

"I'll teach you tonight, son," I interjected immediately, my tone leaving no room for discussion. "We'll practice before bedtime."

Bennett smoothly changed the subject. "So, Noah, I heard your latest film exceeded projections at the box office. Congratulations."

Throughout dinner, I watched Bennett help Ella cut her steak into tiny, manageable pieces with practiced ease. The familiarity of the gesture spoke volumes—this wasn't the first time he'd done this. Each interaction deepened my resolve to reclaim my place in my children's lives.

Amelia's phone vibrated with an incoming FaceTime call from Sophie. She accepted the call, angling the phone so everyone could see.

"Hey, sis! Just wanted to check in before tomorrow's big competition," Sophie's excited voice filled the room.

"How's the preparation going?" Amelia asked.

"Oh!" Sophie's eyes widened. "You're all together! Hi, Lucas! Hi, Ella!"

The kids waved enthusiastically. "Aunt Sophie! We miss you!" Ella shouted.

Sophie's face lit up when she spotted Bennett. "Julian! You're there too? How are things in New York?"

Bennett smiled. "All good, Sophie. Crushing the competition as usual. Break a leg tomorrow—figuratively, of course."

Rachel leaned into frame. "James is here too, Sophie."

I watched with interest as Sophie's demeanor instantly changed. Her easy smile stiffened, her posture straightened, and she suddenly seemed much more formal. "Oh, I see. Well, I should go... early morning tomorrow. Thanks for picking up, Amelia. Talk soon!"

The call ended abruptly, leaving an awkward silence at the table.

James raised an eyebrow. "What was that about?"

No one answered directly. I seized the opportunity to pull Lucas closer to my side. "Come on, buddy. Try this chocolate cake. I had the chef make it specially for you—with extra chocolate chips, just how you like it."

Lucas's eyes lit up, momentarily forgetting Bennett's magic trick as he dug into the dessert. I shot a triumphant glance toward Julian, who merely sipped his wine with an amused expression that made me want to wipe that look off his face.

Across the table, Olivia gave me a knowing look and mouthed something to Amelia that made her smile.

I didn't need to read lips to know I was being called out for my jealousy. Let them think what they wanted—these were my children, my wife, my family. And after three years of absence, I'd be damned if I'd let anyone, especially Julian Bennett, stand in the way of rebuilding what I'd lost.