When Contracts Turn to Forbidden Kisses Chapter 37

Amelia

The car stopped in front of the imposing Black family mansion, and Ethan didn't spare me a single glance as he stepped out. No "we're here" or "let's go" – just the sound of his door closing with a decisive thud. He straightened his custom-tailored suit and strode toward the grand entrance, not once looking back to see if I was following.

I sat there, momentarily stunned by his complete disregard. The man had thrown away my clothes without permission, dragged me to this family dinner, and now couldn't even be bothered to wait five seconds for me?

"Asshole," I muttered under my breath.

"Everything okay?" Michael's voice pulled me from my artistic fury.

"Oh, just peachy," I snapped, gesturing toward Ethan's disappearing form. "I mean, shouldn't I be thrilled that my supposed husband threw away my favorite jeans without asking and now can't even wait for me to walk into his family home together?"

Michael's expression softened. "Mr. Black has been under considerable pressure lately with the market fluctuations. I'm sure it's nothing personal."

"Nothing personal?" I laughed bitterly. "He threw away my clothes, Michael. Without asking me."

"About that..." Michael shifted uncomfortably.

I rolled my eyes. "Alright, forget it."

Michael nodded sympathetically before his tone turned more serious. "If Mr. George asks you to stay overnight, I would suggest accepting. It would mean a lot to the family, especially to Mr. Black."

I stared at him, weighing his words. This contract marriage was becoming more complicated by the day, but I had agreed to play the part. "Fine," I sighed, getting out of the car. "But I'm not happy about it."

Walking into the mansion, I found Ethan sitting on an Italian leather sofa, his focus entirely on the stock market data displayed on his tablet. I sat beside him, maintaining a careful distance – close enough to appear like a couple, far enough to reflect the invisible wall between us.

The silence stretched awkwardly until the elevator doors opened, revealing George and an older gentleman who must have been Thomas Black, Ethan's father. Ethan immediately rose, his face transforming with genuine concern.

"Dad, how are you feeling?" he asked, his voice softer than I'd ever heard it.

Thomas patted his son's shoulder with a tired smile. "The time in Boston did me good. I'm feeling much better now."

I watched this interaction with fascination. It was the first time I'd seen actual warmth from Ethan, and it caught me off guard. Before I could process this, the elevator doors opened again, and David entered with Felix and Emily in tow.

I felt a knot form in my stomach at the sight of my step-sister, and I noticed how everyone seemed to deliberately ignore their arrival.

George's face lit up when he saw me. "Amelia, dear! Come, let me look at you." He took my hands in his. "Have you been working too hard at the hospital? You look thinner."

He turned to Thomas. "This is Ethan's wife, Amelia. She's a remarkable obstetrician."

Thomas nodded approvingly. "Medicine is a noble profession, especially bringing new life into the world."

I smiled genuinely, warmed by their acceptance. "Thank you. It's a privilege to finally meet you, Mr. Black."

The pleasant atmosphere shattered when Emily's syrupy voice cut through the air. "Yes, my sister is quite talented, isn't she?"

All heads turned toward her, and I felt my body tense. Emily continued with faux sweetness, "Though her talents extend beyond saving lives. She's quite the fighter, too, not exactly what you'd expect from a gentle doctor."

The room went silent. I could feel everyone's eyes on me, especially Ethan's, whose expression had darkened though I caught a flash of curiosity in his gaze.

"Is that so?" I forced a cold smile. "Pretty bold coming from someone who's essentially a stranger to make such claims about me in my husband's family home."

Felix looked confused. "Wait, you two know each other? How?"

Emily stammered, suddenly looking trapped. "Well, we... we're..."

Before she could continue, Ethan's mom, Catherine, stepped forward, her eyes narrowed. "Young lady, when Felix brought you here, why didn't you mention this connection? Why hide your relationship to Amelia?"

Emily's face paled as she played the victim card. "Because... because Amelia doesn't like me much. I was afraid she wouldn't acknowledge me as her sister."

"And why wouldn't she like you?" Catherine pressed, her voice sharp as a scalpel. "What could cause such animosity between sisters?"

Under Catherine's relentless questioning, Emily finally broke. "We're... we're not blood related. We're step-sisters. My mom is Amelia's stepmother..."

David cleared his throat loudly. "Why don't we move to dinner? Family matters can be discussed later."

As everyone filed toward the dining room, I caught up with Catherine. "Thank you," I said quietly.

She gave me a measured look. "I did it for Ethan's sake, not yours. I won't have some girl embarrassing my son in his own home."

Her eyes softened slightly as she added, "But I don't want your family's complications affecting the Black name. Wall Street watches us closely."

I nodded, noticing how Ethan seemed to be eavesdropping despite appearing absorbed in his phone.

At dinner, the tension gradually eased as we enjoyed the five-star chef's creations. I found myself stealing glances at Ethan, wondering about this new facet of him – the devoted son so different from the cold businessman I knew.

As the evening wound down, George took my hand. "Amelia, would you consider staying the night? It's getting late, and I'd love to chat more about your grandfather. It's been almost a month, and I miss him."

Instinctively, I looked to Ethan, searching for any indication of his preference. His movements slowed as he sipped his wine, but his face remained unreadable.

Remembering Michael's advice and my promise to uphold our agreement, I smiled at George. "I'd be happy to stay. Thank you for the invitation."

As I spoke those words, I wondered what fresh complications this night would bring to our already tangled arrangement.