Contract Marriage with My CEO Boss (Kylan and Katrina) novel Chapter 153

Katrina stood on the sidewalk outside Lee Hanes’ house, staring up at the imposing structure. The mansion loomed over her, its clean, symmetrical design making it feel more like a museum than a home, a stark contrast to the danger she knew lurked inside.

Her hands trembled slightly as she adjusted the strap of her coat to secure the roundness of her belly as if her baby would get out because of the tension she felt. Steady yourself, she thought. This was no time to falter.

They’d planned for weeks; every detail was accounted for. And yet, as she walked up to the door, Katrina couldn’t shake the feeling that nothing had prepared her for this moment.

She rang the doorbell. A muffled chime echoed inside. Seconds stretched into eternity before the door opened, revealing Lee Hanes. He looked every bit the picture of refinement - crisp white shirt, sleeves rolled just enough to suggest casual confidence. But Katrina saw the monster beneath that flawless exterior.

He smiled, his voice as smooth as ever. “You really came.”

“Of course,” Katrina replied with a soft, careful smile. “I was very serious about what I said... wanting to be with you.”

Lee stepped aside to let her in, his gaze sweeping over her. “No bags?”

Katrina turned to face him, forcing nonchalance into her voice as she put a hand on her belly. “No. I want a fresh start. If that’s not okay, I can go back.”

His smile widened, teeth gleaming as if this were the answer he’d been waiting for. “No, no, it’s perfect.” He pulled her into an embrace, his arms lingering a second too long. “So perfect. You, our baby, and I together.”

Katrina stiffened but stepped back before he noticed. “Is there somewhere I can sit?”

“Of course. Follow me.”

He led her through a pristine living room that looked more like a showroom than a place anyone actually lived. The walls were decorated with carefully arranged photographs—of her. Katrina’s blood ran cold as she passed the frames, Lee’s obsession on full display. He’d been preparing for this. Planning it.

“Isn’t this nice?” he said, his voice a shade too cheerful as he gestured to the plush seating near the window. “I made sure everything would be perfect for you.”

“Perfect,” she echoed softly, glancing briefly toward the windows. She knew Kylan and the others were out there, listening, watching. Waiting for her signal.

Lee tilted his head, studying her. “You seem nervous.”

Katrina forced a small laugh. “It’s just… a lot.”

“Understandable.” He smiled again and held out a hand. “Come with me.”

Katrina hesitated but let him lead her upstairs. The further they walked, the heavier her steps became. At the end of the hall, Lee opened a door to reveal a massive bedroom. She also saw that there was an adjoined nursery room for her unborn baby.

A silk nightgown was laid out on the bed, the fabric pooling like liquid.

“It’s for you,” he said softly, holding it up against her.

“Oh… thank you,” Katrina replied, trying to mask her unease. "

“Put it on.”

Her smile froze. “Um, wouldn't it be better if I waited until I gave birth to put this on? You know, I might turn you off with my body right now."

Lee shook his head. "Everything about you is a turn-on, Katrina. You're perfect."

"But... wouldn’t it be better if I dressed in the bathroom? You know, so it’s a surprise?”

Lee’s expression darkened for the briefest moment, but he relented with a sigh. “Fine. The bathroom is through that door.”

“Thank you.” She hurried into the bathroom and locked the door behind her.

Her earpiece crackled. “Katrina!” Kylan’s voice cut through her frantic thoughts.

“I have no choice,” she whispered harshly, pressing the device.

The sound of classical music - Bach’s Suite No. 3 in D Major - drifted through the bathroom walls. Lee had planned every detail, even the soundtrack. Katrina looked in the mirror, trying to steady her nerves. Her eyes fell on the medicine cabinet. She opened it and found what she needed, an old-fashioned straight razor.

She slipped the razor into the back of her underwear, her heart hammering in her chest. Just stay calm.