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

until she discovers glitter. Then

me," Kylan muttered with mock

three of them settled into the living room. Clarence insisted on showing off her latest drawing-an ambitious crayon masterpiece of the three of them holding hands under a bright yellow sun. It was all a circle of a head, dots for eyes and mouth, and lines for the limbs but it was

impressed. "You're getting so good at

pulling Clarence into his lap. "You've

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

Katrina sat on the couch with her legs 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 lucky we

looked at her, his gaze soft. "All

his shoulder. "I

steady and certain. "You and Clarence?

when Clarence tugged on Kylan's

"Can I be the king this

Clarence said with confidence

helpless

teased, watching as Kylan was pulled to the

in an elaborate tea party, complete

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

~0~0~0~

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

today-she could

upright.

his deep, steady voice. With each ring, the anticipation tightened her chest. "What if he was

his phone at home today. He

not Kylan. She slumped against her couch, too exhausted to muster her usual

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

glanced around her empty

my husband's favorites-and a few meds. You need someone to look after

"Really?" Katrina's tone brightened.

rattling off her address

handle Kylan," Katrina said with a laugh. "I'll be over soon. Hang

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

knock on the door

it, 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 of a small

"You came..."

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

back at her with

slip off her

Clarence chirped, clutching

stepped aside, letting them in. Katrina walked straight to the kitchen, setting a small container on the counter. "I'm going to heat up the rice pudding

heavily on the couch, Clarence toddled over and placed a tiny