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?"

beside her.

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

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

you really

exclaimed, covering Clarence's ears with her hands. "For heaven's sake, man, I'm trying for another baby right now. So just leave me alone."

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

nodded and resumed feeding Clarence. "So, how was

major. Just Ryan checking in. Everything's going well, though. Strange

and teased, "Maybe she's stalking

raised a brow.

that. Anyway, what's the plan for our

to tickle Clarence's cheek. "Whatever

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

pointed excitedly at the beach.

thing we've got our

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

up to Kylan.

forward, planting a sweet kiss on his cheek.

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

""Yes!" Clarence cheered.

kiss Katrina. "Love you both. I'll

feet and held her

and skipped ahead, stepping onto the sand with a little

sand

and ran back to show it to Katrina. "Mommy!" Katrina crouched to her daughter's level,

Clarence nodded. "Yes, please."

her cheek. "Alright, let's

gathering 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,

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

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

just exploring the area. I

but nodded politely. "Well, have

holiday? It's

it is," he said. "Speaking of which, I should get

"Have you

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

she quickly covered it. "Congratulations." She cleared her throat nervously. "Would it be

the back of his neck, uncertain. "I don't know about that, Isabella. Clarence doesn't really know

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

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

liking the

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

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

"Alright,

floating. To her, it felt like a dream, almost like a date. When they arrived, Kylan's face

called out, his voice

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

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

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

smiled warmly. "Thank

his shirt, Katrina's cheeks flushed. His 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 down. "Sweetheart, could you put some sunscreen

retrieving the bottle. "Alright, turn around." She squeezed

and

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

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