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?"

sat down beside her.

she spotted Kylan in the distance, pacing as he took a work call. 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

her voice. "Listen, just back off, okay? I

know you really want

trying

shot up from his seat and sprinted off. Kylan walked over, his expression dark. "What did I say?"

nodded and resumed feeding Clarence. "So, how was the

Ryan checking in. Everything's going

face and teased, "Maybe

raised a brow.

"I'm joking, honey. I doubt she'd do that. Anyway, what's the plan for our

over to tickle Clarence's cheek. "Whatever our little princess

daughter's cheek with kisses, making her giggle.

excitedly at

we've

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

up to Kylan.

leaned forward, planting a sweet kiss on his cheek.

right, we love

""Yes!" Clarence cheered.

then leaned in to kiss Katrina. "Love you both. I'll

feet and held her tiny

giggled and skipped ahead, stepping onto the

laughed. "Does the sand

show it to Katrina. "Mommy!" Katrina crouched to

Clarence nodded. "Yes, please."

"Alright, let's find more,

Eventually, she yawned and plopped onto the sand. "Daddy?" Katrina ruffled

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

his tone guarded. His mind quickly

weekend, Sir. And I'm just exploring the area. I didn't realize

frowned but nodded politely. "Well,

holiday? It's

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

faintly. "Have you enjoyed

returned the smile. "I am," Kylan admitted with a small smile. "We're even

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

"I don't know about that, Isabella. Clarence doesn't really know you well.

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

but it's okay.

not liking the idea

the better of him. "Would you like to spend some time with Katrina, me, and Clarence? It's our last day here, and Clarence just wants a fun beach day. Why not join

Her calculated sadness had paid off, and she smiled

"Alright,

When they arrived, Kylan's face softened at the sight of Katrina playing with Clarence. Just seeing his wife

called out, his voice brightening

forced a polite smile, though her

umbrella. "I missed you both too. I hope you don't mind I ran into

plenty of room for

warmly.

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

She squeezed some lotion onto her

forget my chest and face," Kylan added

head at his antics. "Clarence, come here, baby." She put some lotion on her daughter's hands. "Help me put

giggled and patted the sunscreen onto Kylan's face in enthusiastic