Contract Marriage with My CEO Boss (Kylan and Katrina) novel Chapter 131

Katrina smiled softly as Clarence sat between her legs on the hospital bed. She was reading a colorful picture book to her daughter, who excitedly pointed at the animals and tried to name them. Katrina was healing steadily, though she still bore the marks of the attack—her bruises had shifted to dark purples and yellows, and bandages covered parts of her arms and legs. Clarence, too, had bandages on her arm, though the ones on her head had been removed. Despite everything, Clarence was in high spirits, giggling as she got another animal name correct. She wasn’t having nightmares and found comfort in the familiarity of her mother’s presence.

Kylan entered the room with a bag of food, a grin lighting up his face. “Well, look at my two favorite people up and at it!”

Katrina chuckled. “We’re ready for a treat, and Clarence is doing really well.”

“That’s great to hear.” He pulled the little hospital table closer. “I brought food because hospital meals are, well, not ideal.”

Katrina gave Clarence a playful squeeze. “Daddy is treating us, sweet girl!”

Clarence clapped her hands. “Yaaay!”

Kylan unpacked the food and sat down with them. Katrina smiled at the spread, a rare treat of fast food. “I’ll help Clarence.” She picked up a chicken nugget and fed it to her daughter. “Go ahead, honey, eat up.”

Clarence giggled, munching happily. “Thank you!”

Katrina ruffled her hair affectionately and took a bite of her fries. “Mmm, just what I needed.”

Kylan sipped his drink. “Good. I got milkshakes for both of you too, a special treat.”

Clarence held her cup with both hands, sipping eagerly through the straw. “Yummy, Daddy!”

Katrina laughed. “A solid ten out of ten.”

“Seems like it,” Kylan said with a grin, though his mood shifted as his phone buzzed. He glanced at it, frowning slightly. It was another update from Isabella, his coworker, who seemed overly attentive since the incident. Isabella had been unusually interested in his absence from work, sending constant updates. Kylan texted back, politely asking her to stop for now, only to receive another reply from Ryan saying the group planned to visit today.

“Heads up,” Kylan said with a wry smile. “The gang is dropping by to see you.”

Katrina grinned. “It’ll be nice to see everyone. I’ve missed them.”

“It’ll be good for you to have company,” Kylan agreed. “But no overexerting yourself, okay? Rest when you need to.”

She looked at Kylan seriously. “You and Clarence should be resting at home now.”

“No,” Kylan said firmly.

“But—”

“We’re not leaving you,” he interrupted, his tone brooking no argument.

Katrina sighed but relented. “Alright.”

Just then, Dr. Lee walked in. “Good morning, Mrs. Ross. You’re showing excellent signs of recovery. If you’re ready, you could go home today.”

Katrina’s eyes widened. “Really? Can I?” She turned to Kylan with hope.

Kylan smiled warmly. “Yeah.” He stood up, already gathering their things. “Where do I sign?”

“This way,” the doctor replied. “I’ll also prepare a prescription for her medications.”

Katrina lifted Clarence off the bed, setting her on her feet. “Want to go home, sweetheart?”

Clarence nodded enthusiastically. “Please!”

“Let’s get moving then,” Kylan said as he packed their belongings.

After Dr. Lee removed Katrina’s IV and patched up the needle marks, Kylan carried Clarence and wrapped an arm around Katrina’s shoulders. “Thank you, doctor,” Kylan said before kissing Katrina’s cheek. “Let’s go home.”

On their way out, the doctor cautioned, “Be gentle with her. Her ribs are still fragile, so no strenuous activity and plenty of rest.”

“I’ll take care of her,” Kylan promised.

Once outside, Kylan helped Katrina sit on a bench while Clarence bounced on her lap, her little hands patting her mother affectionately.

“Wait here,” Kylan said, heading to bring the car around.

“I like sitting here in the sun,” Katrina said softly, her eyes closing briefly as she enjoyed the warmth.

Kylan returned, securing Clarence in her car seat before helping Katrina into the front. “Let’s get you home,” he said, concern flickering across his face as he noticed her wince. “Are you okay? Do you want to go back inside?”

“No,” Katrina replied firmly. “I don’t want to go back. Just a little sore—I’ll be fine.” She smiled faintly. “All I need is rest and my husband.”

Kylan gave her hand a squeeze. “I can do that.”

After a stop at the pharmacy for her medications, the family finally arrived home. As Kylan guided Katrina inside, she froze, her breath catching.

“It’s like… nothing ever happened,” she whispered.

Kylan smiled gently. “I cleaned up and had someone fix the place while you were resting.”

Katrina’s lips trembled into a smile. “You did an amazing job.”

“Are you okay staying here?”

She nodded resolutely. “It’s our home. I won’t let what happened ruin that.”

“That’s my girl,” Kylan said proudly, kissing her softly.

As Katrina settled on the sofa, Clarence toddled over with her stuffed panda. “Here, Mommy,” she said sweetly. “Get better!”

Katrina hugged the panda and smiled. “Thank you, Clarence.”

Clarence peppered her mother’s face with kisses. “Love you, Mommy!”

“Love you too,” Katrina said, feeling her heart swell with hope.

Later that afternoon, Ryan, Max and Eleanor, Harry and Emily, and Aaron and Maine arrived at the hospital. They came bearing flowers, balloons, and an assortment of gifts. Clarence ran to them, arms wide open.

“Hello, sweetheart!” Aaron scooped her up, making her giggle. “How’s my favorite little girl?”

“Love you, Uncle Aaron!” Clarence said, hugging him tightly.

Aaron laughed. “Love you too, little one.”

Aaron smiled as Clarence hugged him tightly. “Love you too,” he said warmly, kissing her forehead before carrying her over to Katrina. “Hey, sis.”

Katrina smiled at the sight of her brother. “Good to see you all.”

Ryan settled into the chair beside her. “How are you feeling? Though, I guess that’s a silly question.”

Katrina giggled softly. “It’s okay. I’m doing much better, actually.”