When Contracts Turn to Forbidden Kisses Chapter 58

Amelia

The day after I decided to leave Ethan, my first priority was finding a new place.

So after shifting, I asked Olivia to look for a place with me, but we weren’t satisfied with any of them. Either the location was bad, or the price was too high.

"Amy, how many more places do we need to see? That one-bedroom for $2,500 wasn't bad, you know." Olivia complained, limping slightly beside me as we exited the elevator.

I glanced down at her cherry-red Jimmy Choos and couldn't help but laugh. "You knew we were apartment hunting today. What possessed you to wear those torture devices?"

"These," she wiggled her foot proudly, "are not torture devices. They're works of art. Besides, I had a breakfast meeting with my agent before this."

Jane, our real estate agent, caught up with us on the landing. She was a slender woman in her fifties with a practical bob and an arsenal of Manhattan property knowledge. "You two are just adorable together," she said, unlocking the apartment door. "Such a rare friendship."

Olivia and I exchanged a smile. We'd been through everything together—from awkward teenage years to my mother's funeral to her first Oscar nomination. Some bonds can't be broken.

"This is a two-bedroom, one-bath, fifth-floor apartment," Jane announced, pushing the door open. "Great location, just three blocks from the hospital. The owner is asking $3,500 monthly."

The apartment was surprisingly spacious by Manhattan standards. Hardwood floors throughout, decent natural light, and a kitchen that actually had counter space. I could already imagine myself making coffee here before early morning shifts.

Just as I was about to check the bedrooms, Jane's phone rang. She glanced at the screen and held up a finger. "Sorry, it's the owner. Let me take this."

Olivia flopped dramatically onto the sofa, testing its comfort level while I inspected the kitchen cabinets.

"Yes, I understand... But we're literally in the apartment right now... Yes, I see." Jane's voice grew increasingly tense. When she hung up, her professional smile had vanished. "I'm so sorry, ladies. The owner just informed me this unit is no longer available."

"What? Why not?" I asked, shutting a cabinet door with more force than necessary.

Jane sighed. "His daughter decided she wants it after all. These things happen in New York real estate." She looked genuinely apologetic. "We can continue looking, but honestly, finding a short-term rental in your price range is going to be challenging."

"That's the fifth place today," I groaned. "And the only one that was actually nice."

"That's strange. Your background and financial situation are both very good, but several landlords rejected you at the last minute, almost as if someone had given them a heads-up behind the scenes." Jane was confused

When we stepped outside the building, Olivia plopped down on a bench and dramatically removed her heels. "I've got an idea," she said, massaging her feet. "Why don't you ask Julian? My brother has that gorgeous riverfront place he barely uses."

"Julian?" I hesitated. "Wouldn't that be weird?"

"Not at all. He'd be thrilled. Want me to call him?"

Before I could properly answer, she had already dialed. Julian picked up immediately, and Olivia explained my situation, then handed me the phone.

"Julian, hi. Look, I just need a place for two months. I'll pay rent, of course."

"Amelia!" His voice warmed considerably. "Absolutely. Consider it done. I'll have Liam prepare everything."

"You're sure it's not an imposition?"

"Not at all. Actually, I rarely stay in that place anymore, and leaving it empty is just a waste. You’d be doing me a favor."

Two hours later, Julian's assistant Liam was showing us around a stunning 1,800-square-foot apartment with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Hudson. The cleaning crew was already there, dusting and changing linens.

"This is... a lot," I murmured, taking in the designer furniture and state-of-the-art kitchen.

Olivia twirled around the living room. "I should move in with you! We could have pajama parties every night."

I laughed but shook my head. "I've got to handle some things at the Black residence first."

---

George's mansion felt different as I walked in that evening. The housekeeper greeted me warmly, but I didn't linger. I headed straight for the study where I knew George would be.

"Amelia, dear. Tea?" George set aside his reading glasses, looking pleased to see me.

"No, thank you." I sat across from him, hands folded in my lap. "I wanted to talk to you about Ethan and me."

George's eyes softened. "I saw the social media nonsense about Ethan and that Randal girl. Is that what this is about?"

"Partly." I took a deep breath. "George, Ethan and I... we're not compatible. I think it's best if we part on good terms. I'd like for us to have an amicable separation."

I reached into my bag and pulled out the temporary marriage contract we'd signed. "I want to tear this up and move on with my life."

George watched me for a long moment. "Alright, if that's what you want, I'll handle it."

"Really?" I didn't expect George to agree so quickly.

"Since you don't have any feelings for Ethan, who you've been with for a long time, I'm not going to force you into a marriage that would break your heart."

Hearing this, I hesitated for a moment. Then I ripped the contract in half, feeling a weight lift from my shoulders.

"But," George continued, "you should know that without Ethan's signature, you'll need to be separated for some time before the divorce can be finalized."

He took the torn contract and signed his name at the bottom, officially acknowledging it was void. "I'll have my lawyer draft the preliminary papers right away. You can leave them for Ethan."

"Thank you."

As I stood to leave, George caught my hand. His voice was suddenly thick with emotion. "Child, even though this marriage may be ending... in my heart, you'll always be my granddaughter. You can come to me anytime, regardless of your relationship with Ethan."

Tears stung my eyes as I leaned down to hug him. "George, thank you. You've been kinder to me than I ever expected."

---

Back at the penthouse, I packed efficiently. Two suitcases held everything I truly needed. I placed the divorce agreement and the voided contract on the coffee table where Ethan would see them immediately.

I took one last look around the apartment. Despite everything, some small part of me ached at leaving. Not because of the luxury, but because for a brief moment, I'd allowed myself to imagine a different outcome.

I wheeled my suitcases to my car and loaded them in the trunk. One big thing left to do, and then I could truly start over.

As I drove away from the Upper East Side, I let the wind blow through my hair.

The next chapter of my life was about to begin—on my terms, at last.