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

voice firm. "Look, Dexter, right?" He nodded. "I'm not interested-really, I'm not. I

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

really want

man, I'm trying for another baby right now. So just leave me alone." "Your anger

oi?" Kylan's voice rang out sharply, drawing their attention. Dexter shot up from his seat and sprinted off. Kylan walked over, his

resumed feeding Clarence. "So,

Everything's going well, though.

Clarence's face and

a

do that. Anyway, what's the plan for our last

tickle Clarence's cheek. "Whatever our little

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

excitedly at the beach.

grinned. "Good thing we've got

beach gear from the hotel. You and Clarence can take

Clarence up to Kylan. "Kiss

forward, planting a sweet kiss

hummed a laugh. "That's right,

""Yes!" Clarence cheered.

then leaned in to kiss Katrina. "Love you both.

on her feet and held her tiny hand. "Lead

stepping onto the sand with a little

the sand feel nice

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

Clarence nodded. "Yes, please."

"Alright,

onto the sand. "Daddy?" Katrina ruffled her hair gently. "He'll be back

into someone as he did. "Sorry," he muttered, before catching a whiff of a familiar perfume. His eyes narrowed. "Isabella?" The woman blushed, clearly flustered.

you doing here?" Kylan asked, his tone guarded. His mind quickly

replying, "It's the weekend, Sir. And I'm just

nodded

holiday? It's Clarence's

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

faintly. "Have you

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

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

neck, uncertain. "I don't know about that, Isabella. Clarence doesn't really know you well. But thank you for the

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

nodded quickly. "Yeah... but it's okay. I'm fine,

liking the idea

herself, even though he had misgivings. He knew he might regret it, but his soft heart got the better of him. "Would you like to spend some time with Katrina, me, and Clarence? It's

had paid off, and she smiled warmly, masking her triumph. "Thank you. I guess I could stay

nodded. "Alright,

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

his voice brightening as

up as Kylan approached with Isabella in tow. She forced a polite smile, though her heart sank at the sight. "Welcome back. Clarence missed

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

there's plenty of room for everyone. Come join us,

smiled warmly. "Thank

toned body 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 sitting

the bottle. "Alright, turn around." She squeezed some lotion onto her hands, then

chest and face," Kylan added

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

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