Contract Marriage with My CEO Boss

Chapter 108

5 Years After

Isabella was thrilled to be starting her new job, especially as the assistant to such a remarkable man. Kylan Ross was the definition of exceptional-handsome, stoic, and seemingly flawless. His reputation preceded him: a man ruthless with his adversaries, yet kind and supportive to employees who earned his respect. She could hardly believe her luck in landing a position that would allow her to work closely with him. Waiting by the elevator with a mix of pride and anticipation, she felt her heart race and her cheeks warm as the doors slid open, revealing Kylan in a long coat and hat, his smartphone in hand and a faint, reserved smile on his face.

Isabella gasped, then quickly bowed. "G-Good morning, Sir!"

Kylan glanced up, taking in her appearance with a brief, assessing gaze. Her long blonde hair was tied to one side, and draped over her shoulder, complementing her fitted black skirt, white blouse, and soft pink cardigan with a small, tasteful pin. He acknowledged her presence with a slight nod, though his attention soon returned to his phone, where a picture of his family awaited him-a photo of Kate holding their young daughter, Clarence, who was snuggled in a onesie. Kylan's gaze softened as he looked at the picture, the pride and adoration evident in his eyes. Katrina and Clarence were his world, his everything. He'd do anything to protect them both.

"Morning," he replied, stepping out of the elevator. "You must be my new assistant."

Isabella hurried to keep up with his brisk pace as he moved toward his office. "Yes, Sir. Isabella Stone."

When they entered his office, Kylan set his phone down on his grand desk and shrugged off his coat and hat, surprised when Isabella stepped forward to take them. "Thank Katrina, Mrs. Stone," he said coolly.

She hung up his coat with a blush. "It's Miss, actually."

He handed her his gloves with a polite nod. "Apologies, Miss Stone."

As she took his gloves, her eyes caught on the glint of a wedding ring on his hand. She bit her lip, feeling a pang of disappointment-her hopes of catching his interest were dashed. But, stubbornly, she held on to the thought that maybe she could still find a way into his life, wife or not. Kylan was worth the effort.

She cleared her throat. "May I ask something, Sir?"

Kylan, now seated at his desk and loosening his blazer, glanced at her expectantly. "Go ahead."

"What happened to your last assistant?"

His gaze drifted to a framed photo on his desk-one of them, his beloved wife. "The one before had to transfer to another state."

This was very well known throughout New York, and Isabella despised that woman for sleeping her way

female secretary before, right?" she

glanced at her with narrowed eyes, but seeing only curiosity, he nodded. "She had to leave to avoid some rumors," he quipped. He knew he was oversharing but wanted to talk about Katrina to people over the years he had healed. "She became head of one of the departments before she had to leave to focus on her baby. Although," he added with a faint smirk, "I wanted her to leave sooner." "Oh? Why's that?"

he recalled the past. To be honest, he initially didn't want her to resign as his secretary. But after a few months, he finally understood her intentions. And after she gave birth to Clarence, he wanted her to focus on their child. "Because I wanted my wife to be comfortable and happy at home. She's a bit... stubborn, though. It was only when our daughter was born that she finally agreed. My 'bratty' wife, always so determined," he murmured with a hint of affection. Isabella's hopes

more wrong. Kylan adored Katrina; to him, Katrina was perfect. Every thought he had of her and Clarence filled

she forced a smile and took out her

he began listing tasks for Isabella. As he dictated, he noticed her beginning to sweat. "Am I going too fast for you?" She blushed,

hummed, looking unconvinced. "Alright. You can start on those tasks. I have

and bowed. "Yes,

at the framed photo of Katrina. "Tea. I

the moment the door closed, Kylan's expression softened as he turned his gaze back to

was the one standing across from him, listening to him

ΕΛ

him to "slow

complain about."

that way. But as time went on, he'd fallen hard for Katrina and her fearless spirit. Katrina never asked if he wanted tea; Katrina just brought it, anticipating his needs before he even voiced them. Katrina was his match, the woman who knew him better than he knew

returned, far louder than Katrina had ever been. Even

too overpowering compared to the delicate, sweet scent Katrina wore. Clenching his jaw, he sipped the tea she brought, finding it palatable but nothing special. He missed the way Katrina made it, the subtle warmth that only her hands could infuse into something as simple as tea. The thought crossed his mind that he might need

reprimand her for the noise, the door swung open, and there Katrina was, with little Clarence clutching her hand as he toddled beside Katrina. Kylan

her father and squealed, "Dada!" She let go of her mother's hand and wobbled over to Kylan, who knelt down to scoop her up, showering her little face with

"But

her off with a gentle smile. "Don't worry

Isabella's face fell. "W-wife?"

and moved closer to Kylan. "Hi, handsome. How's work

sighed, eyes flicking to Clarence before answering. "Silly, as always." He tickled Clarence, making her giggle. "But it's much better