Contract Marriage with My CEO Boss

Chapter 122

The soft crash of waves provided a soothing backdrop as Kylan sat on a beach chair, the warm sand beneath his toes. Clarence's laughter rang out nearby as she dug furiously into the sand, her small hands shaping what she proudly declared would be "the biggest castle ever."

Kylan glanced toward Katrina, who was lounging under the shade of a beach umbrella, her sunglasses perched on her nose as she read a book. She looked peaceful, content. For the first time in months, so did he.

The vibration of his phone broke the momentary stillness. Fishing it out of the pocket of his shorts, he saw Ryan's name on the screen. Frowning slightly, he told Katrina he had to answer. She nodded and put the book down to focus on Clarence. Kylan stood and walked a distance away before he answered.

"Ryan," Kylan greeted, his tone light. "To what do I owe this call? Missing me already?"

Ryan's familiar laugh came through the line. "Don't flatter yourself, Ross. Just wanted to check in. How's the vacation?"

Kylan straightened his back, his gaze flicking to Clarence, who was now enlisting Katrina's help in her sandcastle endeavor. "Perfect. It's exactly what we needed."

"Good, good," Ryan said, though there was a hesitation in his voice that Kylan immediately picked up on.

"What's going on, Ryan?" Kylan asked, his easygoing tone giving way to something more serious.

There was a brief pause on the other end. "Just making sure everything's running smoothly on your end. No surprises or...unexpected visits?"

Kylan straightened slightly. "Unexpected visits? Ryan, what are you talking about?"

Ryan sighed. "I just want to make sure Isabella isn't anywhere near you or your family."

Kylan frowned, his jaw tightening. "Isabella? She wouldn't have a reason to come here. I haven't given her time off so she is back in New York working. Why are you asking?"

Ryan's hesitation deepened. "Look, I don't want to ruin your break, and I'm not saying anything happened. Just...keep an eye out, alright? Isabella's been a little too involved at work lately. Too involved with you."

Kylan's brow furrowed as he glanced back toward Katrina and Clarence. "Is this something I should be worried about?"

"Not if you're careful," Ryan said, his voice firm. "Just focus on Katrina and Clarence. Enjoy your time. I'll keep an eye on things here."

Kylan ran a hand through his hair, unease creeping in despite Ryan's assurances. "Alright," he said finally. "But if there's something you're not telling me "

"I'll handle it," Ryan cut in, his tone brooking no argument. "You deserve this break, Kylan. Don't let her ruin it."

The line went quiet for a moment, the sound of the waves filling the space as Kylan processed Ryan's words.

"Thanks for the heads-up," Kylan said eventually.

"Anytime," Ryan replied, his voice softer now. "And hey-don't forget to send me a picture of Clarence's sandcastle. She's got to be giving you a run for your money in the architect department."

Kylan chuckled, the tension easing slightly. "She's already winning. Take care, Ryan."

"You too, boss," Ryan said before the line clicked off.

Kylan set the phone down and leaned back in his chair, his eyes drifting to his wife and daughter. He couldn't shake the nagging feeling Ryan's words had planted. Isabella had always been ambitious-maybe too much so-but this felt different. He pushed the thought aside for now. His family was here, safe, and happy. Whatever Ryan was worried about could wait.

For now, this was their time, and Kylan was determined to make the most of it.

~0~0~0~

Katrina had Clarence sitting on her lap as she fed her ice cream by the beach. The little girl wiggled her arms excitedly as Katrina moved the small spoon closer. Clarence hummed happily and licked her lips after each bite. Katrina giggled and kissed her temple. "That good?"

Clarence nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, Mommy."

"Good."

"Every time I see you," a voice interrupted. Katrina looked up to see Dexter standing nearby. "You look more and more beautiful."

Katrina cuddled Clarence close. "Um, thank you?"

sighed and sat down beside her. "You're everything

She cleared her throat, her voice firm. "Look, Dexter, right?" He nodded. "I'm not interested-really, I'm not. I love my husband and my daughter very much. I don't want to be with anyone else. I'm flattered,

leaned in closer, lowering her voice. "Listen, just back off, okay?

really want this. You

heaven's sake, man, I'm trying for another baby right now. So just leave me alone." "Your anger is sexy," he

Kylan's voice rang out sharply, drawing their attention. Dexter shot up from his seat and sprinted off. Kylan walked over, his expression dark. "What did I say?" Katrina sighed in relief as Kylan sat down beside her. "You okay?" he asked, his

feeding Clarence. "So,

Everything's going well, though. Strange thing-Isabella's off at

wiped Clarence's face and teased, "Maybe she's stalking

a brow.

laughed. "I'm joking, honey. I doubt she'd do that. Anyway, what's

reached over to tickle Clarence's cheek. "Whatever our

her daughter's cheek with kisses, making her giggle. "What do you want

at the

we've got

"I'll go grab all the beach gear from the hotel. You and Clarence can take a little

to

leaned forward, planting a sweet

hummed a laugh. "That's right,

""Yes!" Clarence cheered.

forehead, then leaned in to kiss Katrina. "Love

on her feet and held her tiny hand. "Lead the

onto

"Does the sand

crouched down, picked up a small shell, and ran back to show it to Katrina. "Mommy!" Katrina

Clarence nodded. "Yes, please."

"Alright, let's find

shells and showing them to her mother. Eventually, she yawned and plopped onto the sand. "Daddy?" Katrina ruffled her hair gently. "He'll be back soon, I promise." She glanced toward

he did. "Sorry," he muttered, before catching a whiff of a familiar perfume. His eyes narrowed.

Kylan asked, his tone guarded. His mind quickly

just exploring the area. I didn't realize you'd be here

frowned but nodded politely.

holiday? It's Clarence's birthday,

is," he said. "Speaking of which, I should get back to my family. It's our last day

smiled faintly. "Have you enjoyed

Kylan admitted with a small smile. "We're even trying

it. "Congratulations." She cleared her throat nervously. "Would it be okay if I got Clarence something for her

that, Isabella. Clarence doesn't really know you well. But thank you

nodded and swallowed hard. "Alright then. Well, you look great. You look... happy." She took a deep breath, feigning nonchalance. "I should probably get out of your hair and explore the area by myself. Early night for me, I guess." Kylan noticed Isabella's sigh and the sad expression on her face. He glanced toward the

quickly. "Yeah... but

liking the

regret it, but his soft heart got the better of him. "Would you like to spend some time with

leaped at his invitation. Her calculated sadness had paid off, and she smiled warmly, masking her triumph. "Thank you. I guess I could stay

nodded. "Alright,

like she was floating. To her, it felt like a dream, almost like a date. When they arrived, Kylan's face softened at the sight of Katrina playing with Clarence. Just seeing his wife and daughter filled him

here!" Kylan called out, his voice brightening

in tow. She forced a polite smile,

an umbrella. "I missed you both too. I hope you don't mind I ran into Isabella, and she said she was all

there's plenty of room for

smiled warmly.

and faint nail marks she'd left during their intimate moments. He seemed

turn around." She squeezed some lotion onto her hands, then began rubbing

forget my chest and face,"

come here, baby." She put some lotion on her daughter's hands. "Help me put this on

and patted the sunscreen onto Kylan's face