When Contracts Turn to Forbidden Kisses Chapter 81

Amelia

My heart pounded against my ribs as I tossed the phone aside, throwing myself back against the pillows. How the hell did he get my new number? I'd changed it after leaving New York three years ago, and only family and close friends had access to it. The thought that he could so easily find me without my family's protection sent cold shivers down my spine.

I was so scared that I couldn’t sleep, so I tried calling Julian late at night

"Julian? It's me," I said when he answered my call, trying to keep my voice steady. "I need a favor."

"What is it?" he asked.

"Can you come over and take my kids to your parents' house for a day or two?"

There was a pause. "Are you okay, Amelia?"

"I'm fine. Just... let the kids spend some time with your mother."

"I'll be there at seven tomorrow."

---

The next morning, I obsessively checked the window every few minutes, scanning the street below for any sign of Ethan. I knew I was being paranoid, but the thought of him showing up at my doorstep before I could secure my kids sent waves of anxiety through my body.

When the doorbell finally rang, I nearly jumped out of my skin.

"Mommy, who's that?" Lucas asked, rubbing his eyes as he wandered into the living room in his dinosaur pajamas.

"It's Uncle Julian," I said, forcing a smile. "He's going to take you and Ella to visit Grandma Bennett today while Mommy goes to work."

"But you said we could go to the park," Ella said quietly from the hallway, her green eyes—my eyes—watching me with an unsettling perceptiveness.

"I know, sweetheart. I'm sorry, but Mommy has an emergency at the hospital." The lie tasted bitter on my tongue. I hated lying to my children, but how could I explain that I was hiding them from their father?

Julian arrived looking immaculate as always, despite the early hour. His eyes narrowed slightly when he saw my face.

"You look like you haven't slept," he said softly, so the kids wouldn't hear.

"I haven't." I handed him the two small suitcases. "Everything they need is in here. I'll pick them up this evening after my shift."

Julian nodded, crouching down to greet the twins. "Hey, munchkins! Who wants to go on an adventure with Uncle Julian today?"

Ella approached cautiously, her small hand clutching her sketchbook. "Can I bring my colors?"

"Of course," Julian smiled, but his eyes flicked back to me with concern.

Lucas was less enthusiastic. As we prepared to leave, he wrapped his arms around my legs, burying his face against my knees. "Mommy, I don't want to go to Grandpa Bennett's house. I want to stay with you."

My heart shattered as I knelt down, looking into his tearful blue eyes—Ethan's eyes. “Grandpa Bennett’s got candy for you, sweetie. Mommy’ll be back to get you real soon, I promise.”

Ella stood silently beside us, her small hand reaching for mine, her eyes full of unspoken questions.

After they left, the apartment felt eerily quiet. I leaned against the closed door, exhaling a shaky breath. Had I overreacted? Maybe. But I couldn't take chances with my children's safety. With Ethan's resources, who knew what he might do if he discovered their existence?

---

I sent a quick text to my supervisor at the hospital, confirming I was on my way to work. Then I grabbed my purse and headed out, needing fresh air to clear my head. I was texting Olivia as I stepped out of the elevator into the lobby.

I didn't see the man in front of me until I walked straight into him.

"I'm so sorry," I began, stepping back. "I wasn't looking where—"

The words died in my throat as I looked up into a pair of familiar blue eyes. Eyes I saw every day in my son's face.

Ethan.

He looked exactly the same, yet somehow different.

"Are you well?" he asked, his eyes scanning my face with an intensity that made me uncomfortable.

"I'm fine," I said curtly, already plotting my escape. "I have to go. I'm late for work."

"Amelia—"

"Sorry, I really have to go." I brushed past him, making a beeline for the parking garage, feeling his gaze burning into my back with every step.

I was distracted all day at the hospital, and as soon as my shift ended, I rushed straight to the Bennett mansion.

Bennett's housekeeper led me to the sunroom, where Mrs. Bennett was sitting with the kids. Lucas was using his toy stethoscope to examine a teddy bear, while Ella sat at a small table, intent on her drawing.

"Amelia, dear!" Mrs. Bennett exclaimed, rising to greet me. "What a lovely surprise! Julian dropped these little angels off this morning. I had no idea you had children!"

I forced a smile, accepting her embrace. "It's good to see you, Mrs. Bennett."

"Please, call me Victoria. After all, you're practically family." She lowered her voice. "Julian explained you're a single mother. I must say, I admire your courage. These two are absolutely delightful!"

Ella looked up at the sound of my voice, her face brightening. She carefully picked up her drawing and approached us.

"Bennett Grandma, this is for you," she said solemnly, holding out a colorful picture of what appeared to be a family. "It's us."

Mrs. Bennett's eyes welled with tears as she accepted the drawing. "Oh, sweetie, it's beautiful! Thank you!"

Lucas, not to be outdone, rushed over with his stethoscope. "I checked Bear, and he's very healthy," he announced proudly. "His heart goes boom-boom just right."

Mrs. Bennett laughed, clearly charmed. "Well, I'm relieved to hear that. He's very important to me."

I watched their interaction with a mixture of pride and anxiety. Mrs. Bennett seemed genuinely taken with the twins, but I needed to make sure she understood the gravity of the situation.

"Victoria," I began carefully, "I was hoping to ask a favor. Would it be possible for the twins to stay here for a few days? I'm dealing with a... complicated situation."

Her expression turned serious. "Of course, dear. Is everything alright?"

"It will be," I said, trying to sound more confident than I felt. "I just need to sort some things out, and I'd feel better knowing they're safe here."

"Say no more. I've been bored silly since retiring. Having these two darlings around would be a godsend." She patted my hand. "And don't worry about Julian. He's already offered to help with anything they might need."

I felt a wave of gratitude. "Thank you. You have no idea how much this means to me."

"Nonsense. That's what family is for, isn't it?"

---

As I prepared to leave, I pulled Julian aside into the hallway, away from curious ears.

"I need one more favor," I said, my voice low. "If anyone asks about the twins—anyone—please say they're yours."

Julian's eyebrows shot up. "Mine? Amelia, what's going on?"

I took a deep breath. "Their father doesn't know about them, and I want to keep it that way for now."

"So are you going to tell me who their father is? I've never asked, but..."

"You've never asked because you already know," I said, meeting his gaze steadily. "It's Ethan Black. We're divorced, so I don't want to have any relationship with him anymore."

Julian nodded slowly. "I suspected as much. Lucas has his eyes."

"If you don't want to do this, I understand—"

"Stop," he interrupted, his expression softening. "Of course I'll help. I've always treated them like they were mine anyway."

"Thank you," I whispered.