The Contract That Became Forever

MEETING HIS FRIENDS

CHAPTER 16

The black SUV pulled up to a modern penthouse downtown. Glass walls. City lights. Music spilling out onto the balcony.

Sophia tugged at the red dress. It was the same one from the gala. Armor.

Ethan reached over and took her hand. “Breathe.”

“I’m fine,” Sophia lied.

“You’re shaking.”

“Because Victoria sent roses and now we’re walking into a lion’s den.”

Ethan squeezed her hand. “Then we walk in together. And we leave together.”

The doors opened. Noah.

“FINALLY,” Noah shouted. He was in jeans and a black tee. Behind him were three other guys in suits that cost more than Sophia’s car. “I thought you were going to stand me up.”

Ethan didn’t let go of Sophia’s hand. “This is Sophia. My wife.”

Noah pulled her into a hug before she could react. “I know. I’ve already stalked her i********:. You have 3 photos. All with patients. Boring. We’re fixing that.”

He turned to the other guys. “Boys. Behave.”

---

Inside, the penthouse was full of people Ethan’s age. CEOs. Tech founders. Women in heels. Men with watches that could pay hospital bills.

Sophia immediately felt out of place.

Until one of the guys walked up. Late 30s. Glasses. Grinning.

“Derek Miles,” he said, holding out a hand. “I run Miles Pharma. And I owe this man $20 because I bet he’d die single.”

Ethan: “You’re not getting it.”

Derek laughed. “Worth it. Mrs. Hart, he’s been miserable for years. You fixed him. Thank you.”

Another guy came over. Taller. Tattoos under his dress shirt.

“Marcus Reid,” he said. “Carter Tech CTO. Noah’s work husband.” He looked Ethan up and down. “Dude. You’re wearing a sweater. To dinner. You hate sweaters.”

Ethan’s jaw ticked. “Sophia picked it.”

Marcus whistled. “Whipped.”

“Shut up,” Ethan said. But he didn’t sound mad. He sounded... fond?

Noah clapped his hands. “Food’s ready. And we’re doing a photo. For the press. Casual. Family style.”

Sophia froze. “Photo?”

Ethan leaned down. “It’s to shut Victoria up. And the board. You don’t have to smile.”

“I do have to smile,” Sophia whispered. “Or they’ll say you hate me.”

---

Dinner was loud. Chaotic. Nothing like the silent dining room at the mansion.

Noah kept stealing food off Ethan’s plate. Derek kept asking Sophia questions about nursing. Marcus kept pouring wine and telling stories about college Ethan.

“Did you know he once cried during a rom-com?” Marcus said.

“I did not,” Sophia said, glancing at Ethan.

Ethan: “It was the dog scene. And I was 16.”

“14,” Noah corrected. “And it was Notebook.”

Everyone laughed. Including Ethan. A real laugh.

Sophia watched him. This was a side of him she’d never seen. Relaxed. Younger. Safe.

Halfway through, Noah stood up. “Alright. Photo time. Everyone in.”

They all crowded on the big couch. Noah’s girlfriend Maya showed up last minute with a camera.

“Ethan, arm around her,” Noah directed. “Closer. Like you mean it.”

Ethan’s arm came around Sophia’s waist. His hand rested on her back, warm through the silk.

“Look at each other,” Maya said.

Sophia looked up. Ethan was already looking down at her. Not at the camera. At her.

Click.

The room went quiet for a second.

“Okay that’s disgusting,” Marcus said. “I’m gonna be sick.”

Noah grinned. “Perfect. Sending to press now. Caption: ‘Hart family dinner. #ContractFree’”

Sophia choked. “You can’t post that.”

Ethan didn’t look away from her. “Yes. I can.”

---

Later, on the balcony, Sophia needed air.

Ethan followed her. The city was below them.

“That was... a lot,” Sophia said.

“I know,” Ethan said. “I’m sorry.”

“For what? Having friends?”

“For taking so long to let you meet them.” He leaned on the railing. “Noah said something to me after college. He said, ‘You’re gonna push everyone away until someone’s too stubborn to leave.’”

Sophia turned to him. “Was I stubborn?”

Ethan smiled. Small. Real. “You signed a contract for your mom. That’s not stubborn. That’s brave.”

He brushed his thumb over her knuckles. “Thank you. For coming tonight.”

Sophia nodded. “Thank you. For holding my hand.”

Ethan pulled her closer. “I’m not letting go.”

His phone buzzed. Unknown number.

He glanced at it. His whole body went stiff.

`We need to talk. About the board. And your wife. - Uncle Richard`

Ethan pocketed the phone. His mask was back.

“What is it?” Sophia asked.

“Nothing,” Ethan said. “Let’s go home.”

But his hand was shaking when he took hers.