Contract Marriage with My CEO Boss (Kylan and Katrina) novel Chapter 122

The soft crash of waves provided a soothing backdrop as Kylan sat on a beach chair, the warm sand beneath his toes. Clarence’s laughter rang out nearby as she dug furiously into the sand, her small hands shaping what she proudly declared would be “the biggest castle ever.”

Kylan glanced toward Katrina, who was lounging under the shade of a beach umbrella, her sunglasses perched on her nose as she read a book. She looked peaceful, content. For the first time in months, so did he.

The vibration of his phone broke the momentary stillness. Fishing it out of the pocket of his shorts, he saw Ryan’s name on the screen. Frowning slightly, he told Katrina he had to answer. She nodded and put the book down to focus on Clarence.

Kylan stood and walked a distance away before he answered.

“Ryan,” Kylan greeted, his tone light. “To what do I owe this call? Missing me already?”

Ryan’s familiar laugh came through the line. “Don’t flatter yourself, Ross. Just wanted to check in. How’s the vacation?”

Kylan straightened his back, his gaze flicking to Clarence, who was now enlisting Katrina’s help in her sandcastle endeavor. “Perfect. It’s exactly what we needed.”

“Good, good,” Ryan said, though there was a hesitation in his voice that Kylan immediately picked up on.

“What’s going on, Ryan?” Kylan asked, his easygoing tone giving way to something more serious.

There was a brief pause on the other end. “Just making sure everything’s running smoothly on your end. No surprises or…unexpected visits?”

Kylan straightened slightly. “Unexpected visits? Ryan, what are you talking about?”

Ryan sighed. “I just want to make sure Isabella isn’t anywhere near you or your family.”

Kylan frowned, his jaw tightening. “Isabella? She wouldn’t have a reason to come here. I haven't given her time off so she is back in New York working. Why are you asking?”

Ryan’s hesitation deepened. “Look, I don’t want to ruin your break, and I’m not saying anything happened. Just…keep an eye out, alright? Isabella’s been a little too involved at work lately. Too involved with you.”

Kylan’s brow furrowed as he glanced back toward Katrina and Clarence. “Is this something I should be worried about?”

“Not if you’re careful,” Ryan said, his voice firm. “Just focus on Katrina and Clarence. Enjoy your time. I’ll keep an eye on things here.”

Kylan ran a hand through his hair, unease creeping in despite Ryan’s assurances. “Alright,” he said finally. “But if there’s something you’re not telling me—”

“I’ll handle it,” Ryan cut in, his tone brooking no argument. “You deserve this break, Kylan. Don’t let her ruin it.”

The line went quiet for a moment, the sound of the waves filling the space as Kylan processed Ryan’s words.

“Thanks for the heads-up,” Kylan said eventually.

“Anytime,” Ryan replied, his voice softer now. “And hey—don’t forget to send me a picture of Clarence’s sandcastle. She’s got to be giving you a run for your money in the architect department.”

Kylan chuckled, the tension easing slightly. “She’s already winning. Take care, Ryan.”

“You too, boss,” Ryan said before the line clicked off.

Kylan set the phone down and leaned back in his chair, his eyes drifting to his wife and daughter. He couldn’t shake the nagging feeling Ryan’s words had planted. Isabella had always been ambitious—maybe too much so—but this felt different.

He pushed the thought aside for now. His family was here, safe, and happy. Whatever Ryan was worried about could wait.

For now, this was their time, and Kylan was determined to make the most of it.

~O~O~O~

Katrina had Clarence sitting on her lap as she fed her ice cream by the beach. The little girl wiggled her arms excitedly as Katrina moved the small spoon closer. Clarence hummed happily and licked her lips after each bite. Katrina giggled and kissed her temple. “That good?”

Clarence nodded enthusiastically. “Yes, Mommy.”

“Good.”

“Every time I see you,” a voice interrupted. Katrina looked up to see Dexter standing nearby. “You look more and more beautiful.”

Katrina cuddled Clarence close. “Um, thank you?”

Dexter sighed and sat down beside her. “You’re everything to me, Katrina.”

Katrina’s eyes darted around the beach until she spotted Kylan in the distance, pacing as he took a work call. She cleared her throat, her voice firm. “Look, Dexter, right?” He nodded. “I’m not interested—really, I’m not. I love my husband and my daughter very much. I don’t want to be with anyone else. I’m flattered, but you need to stop. Please.”

Dexter leaned forward slightly. “It’s hard to stop. I mean, you’re just so...wow.”

Katrina leaned in closer, lowering her voice. “Listen, just back off, okay? I told you I’m not interested. So stop.”

He smirked. “I know you really want this. You want us.”

“No, I don’t!” Katrina exclaimed, covering Clarence’s ears with her hands. “For heaven’s sake, man, I’m trying for another baby right now. So just leave me alone.”

“Your anger is sexy,” he muttered.

“Tch, oi?” Kylan’s voice rang out sharply, drawing their attention. Dexter shot up from his seat and sprinted off. Kylan walked over, his expression dark. “What did I say?”

Katrina sighed in relief as Kylan sat down beside her. “You okay?” he asked, his tone softening.

She nodded and resumed feeding Clarence. “So, how was the call?”

“Nothing major. Just Ryan checking in. Everything’s going well, though. Strange thing—Isabella’s off at the moment.”

Katrina wiped Clarence’s face and teased, “Maybe she’s stalking you.”

Kylan raised a brow. “What?”

She laughed. “I’m joking, honey. I doubt she’d do that. Anyway, what’s the plan for our last day here?”

Kylan reached over to tickle Clarence’s cheek. “Whatever our little princess wants.”

Katrina peppered her daughter’s cheek with kisses, making her giggle. “What do you want to do, Clarence?”

Clarence pointed excitedly at the beach. “Play!”

Katrina grinned. “Good thing we’ve got our swim things on.”

Kylan stood. “I’ll go grab all the beach gear from the hotel. You and Clarence can take a little walk.”

Katrina lifted Clarence up to Kylan. “Kiss your daddy.”

Clarence leaned forward, planting a sweet kiss on his cheek. “Love Daddy.”

Katrina hummed a laugh. “That’s right, we love Daddy loads, don’t we?”

“Yes!” Clarence cheered.

Kylan kissed Clarence’s forehead, then leaned in to kiss Katrina. “Love you both. I’ll be back soon.”

Katrina set Clarence on her feet and held her tiny hand. “Lead the way, sweetie.”

Clarence giggled and skipped ahead, stepping onto the sand with a little gasp. “Eh!”

Katrina laughed. “Does the sand feel nice on your feet?”

“Yes!” Clarence exclaimed, running ahead before stopping suddenly. She crouched down, picked up a small shell, and ran back to show it to Katrina. “Mommy!”

Katrina crouched to her daughter’s level, smiling warmly. “It’s lovely. Do you want to keep it?”

Clarence nodded. “Yes, please.”

Katrina kissed her cheek. “Alright, let’s find more, shall we?”

They walked along the shore, Clarence eagerly gathering shells and showing them to her mother. Eventually, she yawned and plopped onto the sand. “Daddy?”