When Contracts Turn to Forbidden Kisses Chapter 76

Amelia

I banged on Olivia's door at exactly five in the morning, not bothering to soften my knocks. When I heard no movement, I pushed the door open and flipped on the light switch. The sudden brightness revealed a lump under the covers that groaned in protest.

"Turn it off," Olivia mumbled, pulling the duvet over her head. "For God's sake, Amelia, it's five o'clock!"

"And our flight leaves at seven-thirty," I reminded her, walking over to yank the covers down. "We need to be at the airport early to check in and drop off our luggage. Remember how much you're bringing?"

Olivia squinted at me through one barely-open eye. "You've become worse than hospital night shifts since you got pregnant." She slowly sat up, her red hair sticking out in every direction. "The baby isn't even born yet, and you're already on some militant schedule."

I ignored her complaint and moved to the window, pulling the curtains open to reveal the still-dark New York skyline. "Shower. Now."

While Olivia dragged herself to the bathroom, I returned to the living room where two suitcases stood neatly by the door. I'd been methodically preparing for days, unlike Olivia who had packed her three massive suitcases in a last-minute frenzy last night.

I sat down at the dining table and opened my laptop, checking the emails that had come in overnight. Thompson Enterprises' acting CEO had sent over the proposed business plan and restructuring strategy, including a potential downsizing plan that made my stomach tighten. These were real people's livelihoods at stake.

The shower stopped running, and fifteen minutes later, Olivia emerged in sweats, her hair wrapped in a towel.

"Eat something," I said, pushing a plate of toast toward her. "The little bean needs nutrition."

"So does yours," she mumbled, dropping into the chair beside me. Her eyes were still half-closed as she peered at my screen. "What's that?"

"Thompson Enterprises' restructuring plan." I scrolled through the document, appreciating the thoroughness. "The new CEO is actually doing a decent job. The company might survive after all."

Despite her sleepiness, Olivia nodded approvingly. "Looks pretty solid to me. Though I know shit about business."

I quickly typed a response approving the general direction and suggesting a few minor adjustments to minimize layoffs. After sending the email, I closed my laptop and stood up.

"We're running out of time. Double-check your passport and essentials," I said, gathering my own documents.

"Yes, Captain," Olivia saluted mockingly before biting into her toast.

---

At exactly six o'clock, the doorbell rang. Julian was always punctual. When I opened the door, I immediately noticed the dark circles under his eyes and the slight slump in his usually perfect posture.

"You look terrible," I said bluntly, stepping aside to let him in. "Did you stay up all night just to drive us to the airport?"

Julian attempted a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Just company stuff. I'll go back to bed after I drop you two off."

I didn't believe him for a second. The exhaustion etched into his face seemed deeper than just lack of sleep, but I didn't push. Instead, I squeezed his arm gratefully. "Thank you for doing this. You didn't have to."

"Where's the disaster area that's my sister?" Julian asked, glancing around the apartment.

"I heard that!" Olivia called from her bedroom, emerging with her last suitcase. She was dragging three enormous pieces of luggage.

Julian shook his head. "Christ, Liv, we're sending you to Boston, not the moon."

"A girl needs options," she defended herself, giving her brother a quick hug.

Julian helped us load everything into the elevator. When we reached the lobby, I saw Liam waiting by a sleek black SUV. He hurried over to help with the luggage, efficiently arranging everything in the spacious trunk.

"Good morning, Dr. Thompson, Ms. Bennett," Liam said politely. "Traffic should be light at this hour. We'll get you to the airport with plenty of time to spare."

---

By six-thirty, we had arrived at the airport. I spotted several colleagues from the hospital already gathered near the check-in counter. Dr. Matthews waved enthusiastically when she saw me.

"Amelia! Come meet the Boston reception team," she called, gesturing to a group of professionals in business casual attire.

I smiled and approached them, shaking hands with each member of the Boston Medical team while Liam helped check our luggage. Julian stood awkwardly to the side, hands in his pockets, looking like he wasn't sure whether to stay or go.

Once our bags were checked, Liam discreetly retreated to the car, giving us space for goodbyes. Julian stepped forward, his expression serious.

"I could still come with you to Boston," he offered, his voice low. "Help you both get settled."

"That's sweet, but unnecessary," I said gently. "This is a work exchange program, and you have your own company to run. Besides, you've already done so much by letting us stay at your apartment."

Julian looked like he wanted to say something more, but the words seemed to catch in his throat. The moment was interrupted by a commotion near the entrance.

I turned and froze in disbelief. George was walking toward us, looking completely out of place in his immaculate suit among the casual travelers. I hadn't expected him to come.

"George?" I whispered as he approached.

He smiled warmly and pulled me into a gentle embrace. "I couldn't let you leave without saying goodbye properly," he said, his voice gruff with emotion. "You take good care of yourself, Amelia."

"Thank you for coming," I said, genuinely touched.

---

The boarding announcement came over the speakers, saving me from the awkward moment. I hugged Julian goodbye, feeling a strange pang as his arms tightened briefly around me.

"Call me when you land," he murmured.

I nodded and turned to George, giving him one last hug. "Thank you for everything," I said softly.

As I pulled away, I noticed moisture in George's eyes.

Olivia linked her arm through mine as we headed toward the security checkpoint. I couldn't help glancing back one last time at Julian, who stood watching us with an expression I couldn't quite read.

As we walked toward the gate, Parker—George's butler—stepped forward with our carry-on bags.

"Safe travels, Mrs. Black," he said politely, handing me my bag.

I saw Julian physically stumble at Parker's words, his body jerking as if he'd been struck. The color drained from his face as realization dawned in his eyes. I felt my stomach drop. Of course, Julian wouldn't have known about my marriage to Ethan—I'd never discussed it with him.

I wanted to explain, to tell him it had just been a contract, a business arrangement now dissolved. But what could I possibly say in this crowded airport terminal with minutes until boarding? Julian's eyes had grown cold, his expression shuttered as he turned away.

---

On the plane, I settled into my seat by the window with Olivia beside me. The pre-flight announcements washed over me unheard as I stared out at the tarmac, my mind churning with thoughts of Julian's reaction and everything I was leaving behind.

As the plane began to taxi, I suddenly thought I heard Ethan's voice calling my name. I jerked upright, my heart hammering against my ribs.

"Amelia?" Olivia touched my arm, concern in her eyes. "Are you okay? You look like you've seen a ghost."

"I just..." I shook my head, pressing a hand to my temple. "I thought I heard something."

Olivia's expression softened. "You got up super early. Why don't you try to sleep? We've got a lot ahead of us."

I nodded and leaned back, closing my eyes. But sleep wouldn't come. Instead, I kept hearing that phantom voice calling my name, wondering if it had been real or just my imagination playing cruel tricks on me.

As the plane accelerated down the runway, I placed a protective hand over my stomach, silently promising our child that I would build us a good life in Boston—with or without Ethan Black.