Contract Marriage with My CEO Boss

Chapter 114

The morning sun peeked through the pale curtains of the bedroom, casting soft golden light across the bed where Kylan and Katrina lay tangled in each other's arms. The air still carried the scent of last night's intimacy-a messy, carefree celebration of their love that ended with them laughing breathlessly, their faces pressed close together. Katrina stirred first, brushing a strand of dark hair away from her face as she smiled at the sight of Kylan, still sound asleep.

She trailed her fingers lightly across his chest, tracing one of the scars he'd earned years ago from his disturbing past.

Kylan had grown so much in the past few years. From being trapped in his guilt and grief to finding strength and purpose in healing and self-forgiveness. From being afraid to take risks in love to being a wonderful father and husband. He groaned softly, cracking one eye open.

"Morning," he murmured, voice gravelly and warm.

"Morning," she replied, leaning down to kiss him. The kiss was unhurried, their lips moving together with a familiar rhythm that spoke of years of shared life. His hand came up to cup her cheek, pulling her closer.

Katrina pulled back slightly, resting her forehead against his.

"What are you thinking about?" Kylan asked.

She shook her head slightly. "I was just thinking about how much you changed for the better. And I am very thankful for that."

Kylan's lips curled into a small smile before he kissed her forehead. "It was all thanks to you."

"You mean, thanks to me for confusing you?" Katrina teased. "Just for kissing my forehead?"

Kylan chuckled. "It was hard not to kiss you hard during those times."

Katrina couldn't help smiling from ear to ear. It didn't matter how many years they were as a married couple. She would still feel giddy whenever Kylan talked about how he was falling in love with her. And in his vocabulary, falling in love so hard. "Think we can stay in bed a little longer?" Katrina asked as she resettled on Kylan's chest.

Kylan chuckled. "We both know that's a fantasy."

Almost on cue, a shrill giggle broke the quiet, and they turned to see Clarence standing at the door in her brightly colored pajamas, holding a stuffed bunny by its ear.

"Mama! Dada! Bun bun!"

Katrina chuckled, reluctantly pulling away from Kylan. "Looks like duty calls."

"Every time," Kylan joked, stretching and sitting up. He gave Clarence an exaggeratedly stern look. "You're lucky you're cute, baby."

Clarence giggled again, darting forward and leaping onto the bed. "Tickle tickle!" she squealed, launching her tiny self at Kylan.

Kylan and Katrina looked at each other with wide eyes. It was another new word from Clarence!

"Oh no, not the tickle monster!" Kylan cried dramatically, grabbing her mid-air and burying his face in her neck to blow raspberries. Clarence shrieked with laughter, squirming in his grasp. Katrina sat back, laughing at the sight of the two of them rolling around. "Alright, alright," Katrina said after a moment, reaching for Clarence. "Let's give Daddy a break before we break him."

The family made their way to the kitchen, where the morning routine unfolded like a familiar dance. Kylan whisked eggs while Katrina prepared toast, both of them stealing glances at each other and trading lighthearted banter. Clarence, perched on her high chair, alternated between trying to drink her milk but had it spilled over her and trying to butter a piece of toast with more enthusiasm than precision.

"Dada, look!" Clarence exclaimed, showing off her butter-laden masterpiece.

jealous," Kylan declared,

she discovers

remind me," Kylan muttered with mock

a bright yellow sun. It was

impressed. "You're getting

agreement, pulling Clarence into his lap. "You've got talent, kid. We're

them with a smile that came

circles on her ankle while they watched their daughter, occasionally exchanging knowing glances. "Do you ever stop and think," Katrina murmured, "about how lucky

his gaze

her head against his shoulder. "I wouldn't trade this

his voice steady and certain. "You and Clarence? You're my

Clarence tugged

party, huh?" He grinned. "Can I be

confidence that only

Katrina a helpless look. "I'm always the

Katrina teased, watching as Kylan was pulled to the floor by

and soon the three of them were immersed in an elaborate tea party, complete with imaginary cookies

rhythms of their family life

~0~0~0~

absolute crap. Her body ached, her head pounded, and even breathing felt like a chore. Still, she'd been dreading calling out sick to work.

could

upright.

steady voice. With each ring,

left his phone at home

against her couch, too exhausted to muster her usual irritation. "I'm... I'm sick," she mumbled. "I feel

sounds terrible!" Katrina's voice was light, brimming with concern. "Do you have anyone with

glanced around her empty

few meds. You need someone to look after you." She laughed softly. "Sorry, I go full mom mode when someone's unwell." Isabella hesitated. Her pride

"Really?" Katrina's tone brightened.

off her address before addin "But what about

Katrina said with a laugh. "I'll be over

believe she'd caved and invited someone she disliked into her home. Before she could

knock on the

her mind foggy. As she opened the door, she was greeted by Katrina's warm smile. The woman wore a neat outfit, a bag slung over her shoulder, and held the hand

"You came..."

did. I hope you don't mind that

down at the little girl, who stared back at her with

help Clarence slip

chirped, clutching Katrina's

on the counter. "I'm going to heat up the rice pudding for

heavily on the couch, Clarence toddled over and