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 to

eyes darted around the beach until 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 want to be with anyone else. I'm flattered, but

her voice. "Listen, just back off, okay? I told you I'm

really want this.

"For heaven's sake, man, I'm trying for another baby right now. So just leave

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,

Clarence. "So,

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

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

raised a brow.

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

Clarence's cheek. "Whatever our

making her giggle. "What

pointed excitedly at the beach.

"Good thing we've got our swim things

grab all the beach gear from the hotel. You and Clarence can take a little

Clarence up to Kylan. "Kiss your

leaned forward, planting a sweet kiss on his cheek. "Love

"That's right,

""Yes!" Clarence cheered.

kiss Katrina.

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

skipped ahead, stepping onto the sand with a

laughed. "Does the sand

and ran back to show it to Katrina. "Mommy!" Katrina

Clarence nodded. "Yes, please."

"Alright, let's find more,

she yawned and plopped onto the sand. "Daddy?" Katrina ruffled her hair gently.

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

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

Sir. And I'm just exploring the area. I

nodded politely. "Well,

you enjoying the holiday? It's Clarence's

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

faintly. "Have

admitted with a small smile.

but she quickly covered it. "Congratulations." She cleared her throat

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

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 door, then back at her, his

quickly. "Yeah... but it's okay. I'm

liking the idea

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

his invitation. Her calculated sadness had paid off, and she smiled warmly,

nodded. "Alright, just follow

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

here!" Kylan called out, his voice brightening

in tow. She forced a polite smile, though her heart sank at the sight. "Welcome back. Clarence missed

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

didn't falter. "Of course, there's plenty of room for

warmly. "Thank

body proudly displayed the love bites and faint nail marks she'd left during their intimate moments.

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

my chest and face,"

put some lotion on her daughter's hands. "Help me put

onto Kylan's face in enthusiastic smacks.