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. "You're everything

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 you need to stop. Please." Dexter leaned forward slightly. "It's hard to stop. I mean, you're just

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

"I know you really want this.

"For heaven's sake, man, I'm trying

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

resumed feeding Clarence. "So, how was the

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

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

a

joking, honey. I doubt she'd do that. Anyway,

to tickle Clarence's cheek. "Whatever our

peppered her daughter's cheek with kisses, making her

excitedly at

we've got

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

up to

leaned forward, planting a sweet kiss on

hummed a laugh. "That's right, we love

""Yes!" Clarence cheered.

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

held her tiny hand. "Lead

skipped ahead, stepping onto the sand

the sand feel nice

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. "It's lovely.

Clarence nodded. "Yes, please."

"Alright, let's find

and showing them to her mother. Eventually, she yawned and plopped onto the sand. "Daddy?"

emerged, bumping into someone as he did. "Sorry," he muttered, before catching a

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

before replying, "It's the weekend, Sir. And I'm just exploring the area. I didn't realize you'd

but nodded politely.

holiday? It's Clarence's

he said. "Speaking of which, I should

faintly. "Have you

admitted with a small smile. "We're

throat nervously. "Would it be okay if I got Clarence

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

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

but it's okay. I'm fine,

frowned, not liking

being by 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 our

heart leaped at his invitation. Her calculated sadness had paid off, and she smiled warmly, masking her triumph. "Thank you. I guess I could

nodded. "Alright,

led the way, Isabella felt like she was floating. To her, it felt like a dream, almost like a date. When they arrived, Kylan's face softened at the sight of Katrina playing with Clarence. Just

Kylan called out, his voice brightening as he

looked up as Kylan approached with Isabella in tow. She forced a polite smile, though her heart sank

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

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

warmly.

the love bites and faint nail marks she'd left during their intimate moments. He seemed to wear them with pride. Kylan caught

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

my chest and face,"

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

the sunscreen onto Kylan's face in enthusiastic smacks.