When Contracts Turn to Forbidden Kisses Chapter 41

Amelia

My phone’s sharp ring cut through the fog of exhaustion after my shift. I’d just wrapped up at the hospital, brain still fuzzy from too little sleep.

Seeing Julian’s name pop up on the screen, I glanced at my watch, surprised. 'Already?'

“Amelia, you off work yet?” Julian’s voice was calm and familiar. “I just landed at JFK.”

“Got lucky with the tailwinds,” he said, and I could hear the smile in his voice. “Remember we promised to visit William today? If you’re swamped, I can wait or we can do it tomorrow.”

Typical Julian—always thinking of others first, never wanting to be a burden. He’d been that way since we were kids, steady and dependable, never demanding but somehow always deserving of attention.

“I just finished my shift. Wait for me—I’ll come get you,” I said, already grabbing my bag. Hanging up, I felt a calm I hadn’t had in weeks. Julian knew William was the person I loved most in the world. When we were kids, I’d drag Julian and Olivia to the old brownstone, and over time, they grew to love my grandfather almost as much as I did.

I hurried through the hospital halls, stopping briefly at the nurses’ station. “Jenny, I’m heading out. Mrs. Rodriguez in 304 might need her epidural checked in an hour, and the twins in NICU are stable, but keep an eye on Baby B’s oxygen levels.”

Jenny looked up from her charts. “Got it, Dr. Thompson. You look better today—almost glowing.” She winked. “Hot date?”

I smiled despite myself. “Just meeting an old friend.”

In the locker room, I quickly changed out of my scrubs, ran a brush through my tangled hair, and studied my reflection. Dark circles under my eyes, but also a spark of something—anticipation, maybe. I put on a little tinted lip balm, then immediately wondered why. It was just Julian, after all.

Starting my car, I called Olivia. She picked up on the third ring, background noise of a busy film set buzzing behind her.

“Olivia, Julian’s at the airport. We’re going to visit Grandfather’s grave. Can you make it?”

“Julian’s back?” Her voice jumped an octave. “No way! I’ll try to wrap this scene quick. The director’s being a total pain about this emotional breakdown shot, but screw it—this is more important.”

I laughed, picturing her dramatic eye-roll. “Don’t get fired on our account. We’ll wait for you at Grandfather’s grave.”

“Don’t start the stories without me,” she warned playfully. “I’m the one who remembers all the embarrassing stuff.”

"And don't tell Julian about my marriage," I warned. "Julian and Ethan are business rivals, and I don't want your brother to do anything because of me. Plus, my contractual marriage is about to end, so please, don't bring up this matter."

“Ok, I understand,” Olivia promised.

The drive to the airport was faster than usual—New York traffic actually cooperating for once. I spotted Julian right away—tall, calm, holding a bouquet of white calla lilies. My heart squeezed. He remembered they were William’s favorite.

When he saw me, his face lit up. “Amelia,” he said, eyes taking me in. “You’re even more beautiful than I remember.”

I rolled my eyes to hide how much that got to me. “Flattery won’t get you anywhere, Bennett.”

He pulled me into a hug, and I let myself sink into it. First real hug I’d had in months—no strings, no agendas, just comfort. Julian smelled like expensive cologne mixed with recycled airplane air, but underneath was that familiar scent from childhood summers and shared secrets.

“Olivia said she’s on her way,” I told him as we pulled apart. “She’s escaping a film set right now.”

Julian nodded, following me to the car. “Good, I’ve got the flowers right here, so we can head straight there.”

On the drive to the cemetery, Julian filled me in on his work in London, the investments he’d been exploring, the people he’d met. His voice was like a balm, taking me back to simpler times when New York felt full of possibilities instead of complications.

The cemetery was peaceful in the soft afternoon light, shadows from old oak trees dancing across the paths. We walked quietly to William’s grave—a simple, elegant black marble headstone, just like he would have wanted.

Julian gently placed the lilies at the base while I set down a bottle of whiskey—William’s favorite single malt.

“He must miss you,” Julian said softly, eyes on the stone. “William always said you were his proudest achievement.”

My throat tightened. “I miss him too. Sometimes I don’t know how to keep going without him.”

Julian reached for my hand, warm and steady. “You’re doing great, Amelia. William would be proud.”

Turning to the headstone, Julian spoke quietly. “William, don’t worry. No matter what, I’ll always be here for Amelia.”

His words warmed me. Since my grandfather died, few people had made me feel this safe, this protected.

We stood in comfortable silence, lost in memories. Then footsteps approached, pulling me back. I turned and saw Noah Randall walking through the cemetery gates with a woman I didn’t recognize.

She was stunning—designer clothes head to toe, perfect hair and makeup, every move dripping with privilege.

Noah stopped when he saw us. “Julian? When did you get back?”

The woman’s eyes scanned me up and down, lingering a little too long, a flicker of dismissal in her gaze.

“Noah, who’s this?” Her voice was sweet but with a sharp edge.

She looked at Julian, eyebrows raised. “Your girlfriend?” The challenge was subtle but clear.

I tightened my grip on Julian’s hand, feeling him squeeze back in quiet support.

Julian nodded politely, voice cool. “Ashley, it’s been a while.”

“We’re waiting for Olivia, so we won’t keep you,” Julian said smoothly, guiding me away.

As we walked back, I felt Ashley’s gaze burning into my back. A knot formed in my stomach. This woman clearly didn’t like me.

“Who was that?” I whispered once we were out of earshot.

Julian’s face stayed neutral. “Ashley Randall. She has a complicated history with a business rival of mine, Ethan Black.”

"What kind of history?" I instinctively asked

"It's a long story, and not a pleasant memory," Julian replied.

My breath caught. Ethan's ex? Did he still love? A thousand questions swirled, but before I could ask, my phone buzzed with a text from Olivia—five minutes away.

“Olivia’s almost here,” I said, pushing thoughts of Ashley aside. Today was about honoring William, not getting tangled in Ethan’s past.

But as we waited by the cemetery gates, I couldn't shake the uneasy feeling about this unexpected encounter.