Contract Marriage with My CEO Boss

Chapter 109

The room was filled with Clarence's giggles as Katrina clapped her hands and then playfully smacked them against her tiny ones. Her daughter's laughter rang out like a melody, growing louder as Katrina scooped her up for a tickle attack. Her little body squirmed in her

arms, squealing with joy until Katrina leaned down and kissed her soft tummy.

"Mommy loves you," Katrina whispered, brushing her dark curls aside to kiss her forehead.

Just as Clarence settled from her fit of laughter, a familiar voice called out, "Kaaaate?" Katrina looked up to see her best friend, Aaron, bounding in with a very pregnant Maine at his side. The two of them had been married for years now, but their happiness was still contagious as they exchanged playful glances.

"Where's my pretty niece?" Aaron asked, scanning the room.

Katrina lifted Clarence, who immediately began flailing her little arms and legs. "Here she is!" Katrina cooed, setting her down on her feet. "Go to your Uncle Aaron!"

Clarence waddled toward Aaron with open arms and a face lit with excitement. Aaron scooped her up effortlessly, spinning her around like a superhero. "Oh, I love you, little girl!" he exclaimed, peppering Clarence's chubby cheeks with kisses. "You're my favorite princess!" Maine leaned in and gently poked Clarence's cheek. "She really is the cutest little girl. Look at those cheeks!"

Katrina smiled, folding her arms. "She's my little angel."

Maine glanced around. "So, where's the grumpy husband today?"

Sighing, Katrina began tidying up the clutter of toys scattered around the living room. "He had to pop into work for a bit."

Maine shook her head. "He works too much. He should be home."

Aaron scoffed. "That man, I swear. Always putting work before rest."

Katrina let out a soft laugh. "He's not so bad. Anyway, I packed a bag for you two." Katrina handed it to Maine, a sly grin tugging at her lips. "Take good care of my daughter, or I swear I'll murder you both." Aaron feigned a shiver. "You're scarier than Kylan, and that's saying something."

"And we still need to pop this little balloon in a few weeks so please spare me," Maine added as she patted her proud bulging stomach.

"Good," Katrina teased. "Now go on, have fun. I'll see you in a few hours." Katrina kissed Clarence's head, her little hands reaching for her hair as Katrina said, "Be good for Uncle Aaron and Auntie Maine."

Once they were gone, the house fell silent. Katrina took the opportunity to tidy up further, letting the rhythm of organizing soothe her mind. Soon, Katrina found herself in her office, settling down at her desk. The draft of her first novel stared back at Katrina, an ambitious project born from the success of her short stories.

Ever since she stopped working at the Ross Corporations, she decided to make short stories and eventually, it blew up. Maybe because Kylan and her were once the talk of the town, always the headlines of the local news. She thought that, eventually, they were going to die down but it seemed that they were still making the headlines once in a while, especially Kylan.

The sound of the front door opening interrupted her thoughts. Katrina paused, expecting Kylan to come to find her, but after several moments of silence, Katrina frowned. Rising from her chair, Katrina wandered into the hallway. The coat rack was empty, and the house seemed undisturbed. Confused, Katrina made her way to the bedroom-and froze.

Standing by the bed, holding one of Kylan's shirts, was Isabella Stone, his assistant.

"Miss Stone?" Katrina gasped, the surprise evident in her voice.

Isabella jumped, her face flushing as she clutched the shirt tighter. "Mrs. Ross! I-I'm so sorry for startling you!"

doing here?"

up a clean shirt for him...and some other

furrowed. "He could

presentable for you. His shirt got dirty at work-my fault, really. He didn't want to come home looking like a mess." Katrina laughed softly, her excuse sounding exactly like something Kylan

the room. Katrina grabbed a tie as well and handed everything to her. "Here, this should work.

to Katrina, Isabella had lingered longer than she should have, savoring the scent of Kylan's cologne on his clothes, imagining what

~0~0~0~

in the faint scent of his cologne and imagining a world where she wasn't just his assistant but something... more. Something that Katrina and Kylan once had

thought of Katrina being the one in his life made her blood simmer, though she masked her feelings behind a polite smile when she handed him the

the wait," she

at her, raising an eyebrow. "Tch. Took you long enough. What happened? You trip over

"I just got chatting with your

sharp expression softened slightly, and a rare, faint smile tugged at his lips. "She's a

stomach fluttered at the sight of his smile, but her heart sank when she realized it was meant for

chosen. A smirk appeared as he examined them.

tried to avert her eyes,

tone snapped her out of

resist sneaking

and glanced at the bento box Katrina'd packed for him. He opened it and found the note Katrina had written, complete with a drawing from Clarence. He chuckled softly as

muttered to himself, his expression

the office. Isabella sat at her desk, pretending to type, though her flushed cheeks betrayed her

Isabella," Kylan said, breaking

upright. "Yes,

you like sweet things?" he asked, holding out the

nodded eagerly.

her one of the

eyes widening.

head, a rare

d to

to the office. I'd pretend I wasn't interested, but I always hoped she'd

twisting in her stomach. She forced a polite nod as Kylan continued, "Anyway, I'm heading home. My wife and daughter are waiting for me." Isabella watched him leave, her heart sinking. She had hoped for more time, more of a chance to steal

~0~0~0~

faint rustle of his coat were enough to tell Katrina he was back. She felt his hands slide

tension that had

up during the day.

too hard, beautiful," Kylan murmured, his voice low in her ear. "Thank you

her head back to look at him, a smile tugging at her

around Katrina. "By the way, you picked out my outfit, didn't you? Isabella only does what I ask-never more. You always go

Katrina to face