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.

would be jealous," Kylan

she discovers glitter. Then we'll

remind me," Kylan muttered with mock

three of them holding hands under a bright

Katrina said, genuinely impressed. "You're getting so good

nodded in agreement, pulling Clarence into his lap. "You've got talent, kid. We're gonna have to

a tight hug. Katrina watched them with a smile that came from somewhere deep and unshakable, feeling grateful

draped over Kylan's lap. He absentmindedly traced circles on her ankle while they watched their daughter, occasionally exchanging knowing glances. "Do you ever stop and think," Katrina murmured, "about how

at her, his gaze

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

neither," he said, his voice steady and certain. "You and

was interrupted when Clarence tugged on Kylan's hand. "Dada,

He grinned. "Can I be the

confidence that only

a helpless look. "I'm

wear it well," Katrina teased, watching as Kylan was pulled to the floor by

of them were immersed in an elaborate tea party, complete with imaginary

their family life continued-little moments stitched together into something beautiful and

~0~0~0~

ached, her head pounded, and even breathing felt like a chore. Still, she'd been dreading calling out sick to work. It wasn't just work she'd miss it was Kylan. But

today-she could barely

upright.

Kylan's number, her heart fluttering at the thought of hearing his deep, steady voice. With each ring, the anticipation tightened her chest. "What if he was annoyed? What if he didn't care?" The ringing stopped,

warm giggle greeted her instead. "Oh, no, this isn't Kylan. The big idiot left his phone at home today. He was a little distracted this morning. Is

Kylan. She slumped against her couch, too exhausted to muster her usual irritation. "I'm... I'm

light, brimming with concern. "Do you have anyone

around her empty apartment.

look after you." She laughed softly. "Sorry, I go full mom mode when someone's unwell." Isabella

"Really?" Katrina's tone brightened.

Isabella muttered, rattling off her address before addin "But what about

I'll handle Kylan," Katrina said with a laugh.

a long sigh. She couldn't believe she'd caved and invited someone she disliked into her home. Before she could dwell on it

sharp knock on

the door, she was greeted by Katrina's warm smile. The woman wore a neat outfit, a bag slung over

"You came..."

did. I hope you don't mind that I brought

stared back at her with wide,

Clarence slip off her shoes. "Say

chirped,

small container on the counter. "I'm going to heat up the rice pudding for you and make tea with honey and lemon.

the couch, Clarence toddled over and placed