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?"

down beside her. "You're everything

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 want to be with anyone else. I'm flattered, but

closer, lowering her voice. "Listen, just back off, okay? I told you I'm not

"I know you really want this. You want

trying for another baby right now.

walked over, his expression dark. "What did I say?" Katrina sighed in relief as Kylan sat down beside her. "You okay?" he

and resumed feeding Clarence. "So, how was

Everything's going well, though. Strange

Clarence's face and teased,

raised a brow.

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

Clarence's cheek.

kisses, making her giggle.

pointed excitedly at

"Good thing we've got

from the hotel. You and Clarence

to Kylan. "Kiss

a sweet kiss on his

a laugh. "That's right, we love Daddy loads,

""Yes!" Clarence cheered.

kiss Katrina. "Love you both. I'll be

set Clarence on her feet and held her tiny hand. "Lead

onto the sand with a

laughed. "Does the sand feel nice on your

Clarence exclaimed, running ahead before stopping suddenly. She crouched down, picked up a small shell, and ran back to show it to Katrina. "Mommy!" Katrina crouched to her daughter's level, smiling warmly.

Clarence nodded. "Yes, please."

"Alright, let's find more, shall

mother. Eventually, she yawned and plopped onto the sand. "Daddy?" Katrina ruffled her hair gently. "He'll be back soon, I

that moment, Kylan emerged, bumping into someone as he did. "Sorry," he muttered, before catching a whiff of a familiar perfume. His eyes narrowed.

doing here?" Kylan asked, his tone

just exploring the area. I

nodded

you enjoying the holiday? It's Clarence's birthday,

he said. "Speaking of which, I should get

faintly. "Have you enjoyed

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

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

of his neck, uncertain. "I don't know about that, Isabella.

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 it's okay. I'm fine,

frowned, not liking

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

leaped at his invitation. Her calculated sadness had paid off, and she smiled warmly, masking her triumph.

nodded. "Alright,

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

Kylan called out, his voice brightening

with Isabella in tow. She forced a polite smile, though her heart sank

set up an umbrella. "I missed you both too. I hope you don't mind I ran into Isabella, and

smile didn't falter. "Of course, there's plenty

smiled warmly. "Thank

proudly displayed the love bites and faint nail marks she'd left during their intimate moments. He seemed to wear them with pride. Kylan caught her staring and smirked knowingly before

around." She squeezed some lotion onto

chest and

antics. "Clarence, come here, baby." She put some lotion on her daughter's hands.

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