When Contracts Turn to Forbidden Kisses Chapter 84

Amelia

I leaned against the balcony railing, cocktail in hand, watching Manhattan's lights blur through the steady drizzle. The raindrops created tiny rivers down the glass barriers, mirroring the complicated paths my life had taken. Beside me, Olivia sipped her specialty drink—a concoction she'd insisted on making despite my protests.

"You should stay tonight," I said, turning to face her. "It's starting to pour, and you have that morning show interview tomorrow anyway."

Olivia swirled the ice in her glass, the soft clink punctuating the patter of rain. "Your couch is better than half the five-star hotel beds I've slept in." She tilted her head, studying me with that penetrating gaze she'd perfected for dramatic scenes. "So... has Ethan tried reaching out since you've been back?"

I let out a sharp laugh. "In Ethan Black’s world, mistakes are just a myth."

"It's been three years, Amelia. People change." After a long pause, Olivia added softly, "You know, after my miscarriage, I truly came to understand the depth of a parent's love for their child."

"I'm sorry," I said, hugging her tightly. "But not people like him," I added firmly, cutting off the conversation. The last thing I needed was to unpack my feelings about Ethan—feelings I'd spent three years burying beneath layers of motherhood and career.

My phone buzzed on the coffee table inside. I walked back in, Olivia following, and saw Daniel's name flashing on the screen.

"Hey, big brother," I answered, unable to suppress my smile.

"Package arrived yet?" Daniel's warm voice came through, instantly comforting.

I glanced at the enormous box that had been delivered earlier. "The treadmill? Yes, it's here. How did you know I wanted one? You either have mind-reading abilities or you've been monitoring my search history."

He laughed. "Just wanted it to arrive before your day off. Can't have my sister neglecting her health while looking after the kids."

"It's perfect timing. I've been meaning to—"

"Also," Daniel cut in, his tone shifting slightly, "one of your security detail was injured. Nothing serious, but I'll be sending a replacement soon."

I straightened, suddenly alert. "Injured? What happened? Who did it?"

"Nothing to worry about," he said too casually. "Just some random lunatic who threw a punch. These things happen in New York."

I felt a strange mix of concern and amusement. “Well, tell him I’m sorry, and thanks for the treadmill. I should head out — got early rounds tomorrow. Cross-department stuff. You know how it is, trying to apply everything I learned in Boston to my patients here.”

After I hung up, I noticed Olivia raise an eyebrow.

“What?” I asked defensively.

She gave me a playful smile. “Nothing. Just surprised at how quickly you went from obstetrician to full-on attending.”

"It's been three whole years," I sighed, staring out at the rain-soaked cityscape.

The city felt heavy tonight, like the weight of unspoken truths pressing down on me. I wondered if the storm outside was a reflection of the one gathering inside my heart.

---

The next morning, I followed Dr. Palmer, head of surgery, as we moved from room to room during rounds. My mind was focused on our cases—a pregnant woman with appendicitis, twins with synchronized hiccups that wouldn't stop, a teenager with unexplained abdominal pain. Normal, medical problems I could solve.

Then we reached a private suite at the end of the hall.

"This patient was admitted late last night," Dr. Palmer explained, flipping through the chart. "Collapsed from chronic stress, poor eating habits. Has minor head trauma and arm injuries from the fall."

I nodded professionally, then froze as we entered the room. Lying in the hospital bed, looking pale but somehow still commanding, was Ethan.

His eyes locked onto mine immediately, and I felt that familiar electric current run through my body. I forced myself to maintain my clinical demeanor, checking his vitals on the monitor while Dr. Palmer discussed his case.

"Blood pressure's still elevated," I noted, desperate to sound detached. "Has he been taking the prescribed medication?"

Ethan didn't answer, just kept staring at me with those intense blue eyes—the same eyes Lucas had inherited. I felt exposed, as if he could see through the carefully constructed walls I'd built.

After examining a few more patients, I escaped to my office, grateful for the momentary privacy. I had barely sat down when Jenny knocked on my door.

"Dr. Thompson? The patient in 56—Mr. Black—is asking for you specifically."

I sighed, putting down the maternity file I'd just opened. "Of course he is."

Walking toward Ethan's room, I tried to steel myself. My heart hammered against my ribs as I approached his door.

Michael was standing outside. He nodded politely when he saw me, then stepped away, closing the door quietly behind me.

Ethan was sitting up in bed, looking less vulnerable than he had earlier. The hospital gown did nothing to diminish his presence.

"We need to talk, Amelia," he said without preamble.

"About your medical condition?" I kept my voice clinical. "The reports suggest—"

"You know that's not what I mean."

I crossed my arms. “Our contract marriage is over, Mr. Black.”

“I saw you and the kids,” he said.

My blood ran cold. How could he know about the children? I’d been so careful. Had Julian said something? Had Ethan been following me?

A cold knot of fear twisted in my stomach, but I refused to show it. My children’s safety was my only priority now.

"I have no idea what you're talking about, Mr. Black. We haven't had anything to do with each other for three years. Honestly, I don’t want your wife and kids coming after me."

His brow furrowed, genuine confusion in his eyes. “What wife and child? What are you talking about?”

I fought to keep my expression neutral. “If you don’t have any medical questions,” I said, my voice steady despite my racing heart, “I have other patients to see.”

When he stayed silent, I turned and walked out, trying my best to keep my legs from trembling. Once in the hallway, I leaned against the wall, taking deep breaths.

I couldn't let him near Lucas and Ella. I didn’t want them caught up in any high-society drama or the chaos of a wealthy family. 

All I wanted was for them to be happy and innocent children, whom I’d protected for three years—and I wasn’t about to stop now.