Contract Marriage with My CEO Boss

Chapter 131

Chapter 131

Katrina smiled softly as Clarence sat between her legs on the hospital bed. She was reading a colorful picture book to her daughter, who excitedly pointed at the animals and tried to name them. Katrina was healing steadily, though she still bore the marks of the attack- her bruises had shifted to dark purples and yellows, and bandages covered parts of her arms and legs. Clarence, too, had bandages on her arm, though the ones on her head had been removed. Despite everything, Clarence was in high spirits, giggling as she got another animal name correct. She wasn't having nightmares and found comfort in the familiarity of her mother's presence.

Kylan entered the room with a bag of food, a grin lighting up his face. "Well, look at my two favorite people up and at it!"

Katrina chuckled. "We're ready for a treat, and Clarence is doing really well."

"That's great to hear." He pulled the little hospital table closer. "I brought food because hospital meals are, well, not ideal." Katrina gave Clarence a playful squeeze. "Daddy is treating us, sweet girl!"

Clarence clapped her hands. "Yaaay!"

Kylan unpacked the food and sat down with them. Katrina smiled at the spread, a rare treat of fast food. "I'll help Clarence." She picked up a chicken nugget and fed it to her daughter. "Go ahead, honey, eat up."

Clarence giggled, munching happily. "Thank you!"

Katrina ruffled her hair affectionately and took a bite of her fries. "Mmm, just what I needed."

Kylan sipped his drink. "Good. I got milkshakes for both of you too, a special treat."

Clarence held her cup with both hands, sipping eagerly through the straw. "Yummy, Daddy!"

Katrina laughed. "A solid ten out of ten."

"Seems like it," Kylan said with a grin, though his mood shifted as his phone buzzed. He glanced at it, frowning slightly. It was another update from Isabella, his coworker, who seemed overly attentive since the incident. Isabella had been unusually interested in his absence from work, sending constant updates. Kylan texted back, politely asking her to stop for now, only to receive another reply from Ryan saying the group planned to visit today.

"Heads up," Kylan said with a wry smile. "The gang is dropping by to see you."

Katrina grinned. "It'll be nice to see everyone. I've missed them."

"It'll be good for you to have company," Kylan agreed. "But no overexerting yourself, okay? Rest when you need to."

She looked at Kylan seriously. "You and Clarence should be resting at home now."

"No," Kylan said firmly.

"But-"

"We're not leaving you," he interrupted, his tone brooking no argument.

Katrina sighed but relented. "Alright."

Just then, Dr. Lee walked in. "Good morning, Mrs. Ross. You're showing excellent signs of recovery. If you're ready, you could go home today."

Katrina's eyes widened. "Really? Can I?" She turned to Kylan with hope.

Kylan smiled warmly. "Yeah." He stood up, already gathering their things. "Where do I sign?"

"This way," the doctor replied. "I'll also prepare a prescription for her medications."

Katrina lifted Clarence off the bed, setting her on her feet. "Want to go home, sweetheart?"

Clarence nodded enthusiastically. "Please!"

"Let's get moving then," Kylan said as he packed their belongings.

After Dr. Lee removed Katrina's IV and patched up the needle marks, Kylan carried Clarence and wrapped an arm around Katrina's shoulders. "Thank you, doctor," Kylan said before kissing Katrina's cheek. "Let's go home." On their way out, the doctor cautioned, "Be gentle with her. Her ribs are still fragile, so no strenuous activity and plenty of rest."

of

a bench while Clarence bounced on her lap, her little

said, heading to

sitting here in the sun," Katrina said softly, her eyes closing

her wince. "Are you okay? Do you want to go back inside?" "No," Katrina replied firmly. "I don't want to go back. Just

hand a squeeze.

her medications, the family finally

like... nothing ever happened,"

gently. "I cleaned up and had

trembled into a smile. "You did

you okay

resolutely. "It's our home. I won't let what

said proudly,

with her stuffed panda. "Here, Mommy," she said sweetly. "Get

panda and smiled. "Thank

face

said, feeling her heart swell with

arrived at the hospital. They came bearing flowers, balloons, and an assortment of gifts. Clarence ran to them, arms wide open. "Hello, sweetheart!" Aaron scooped her

Clarence said,

"Love you too,

as Clarence hugged him tightly. "Love you too," he said warmly, kissing her forehead before carrying her over to Katrina.

sight of her brother. "Good to see

her. "How are you feeling? Though, I guess that's a

softly. "It's okay.

tinged with emotion. "We were all so worried. It was painful to hear how badly you got hurt." He then handed her a present. "I brought you flowers, but I bet Kylan's going to give me a death glare for it." Katrina laughed lightly. "Thank you, Ryan." She carefully opened the gift, her eyes lighting up at the sight of a soft teddy

for snuggling up while you recover. Plus, it'll come in handy when the baby

the blanket to her cheek. "I'm a sucker for

chuckled. "I know-Kylan let us in

with a playful

He then noticed Katrina giving him a teasing look. "Stop staring

another gift. "This one's

opened it and smiled brightly at the fluffy hoodie inside. "For comfort,"

Thank you

continued opening gifts, she marveled at their thoughtfulness-there was even a replacement tea set for the one that had been broken. "You guys are amazing. Thank you

closer, holding out a stuffed bear. "This is for

you, Isabella. And thank you for holding down

hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Of course. I'm

and Aaron. A pang of guilt swept over

doing?" Isabella

really well. Her bandage should come off tomorrow. She's

Isabella said, her tone

couldn't shake off their suspicions anymore. Harry, who had noticed the signs later than everyone else, leaned toward Ryan and whispered, "There's something off about her." Ryan nodded. "Agreed.

she looked at Katrina the last time we saw her. Like she's

overhearing their conversation, stepped over. "Alright,

Isabella's up to something. She's too invested in all this,

"I appreciate you looking out for Katrina, but I've got it handled. Let's

exchanged uneasy looks but nodded, trusting Kylan

investigation going?" Ryan asked when

"There's no lead yet. It seems that the burglar who wanted to harm Kate disappeared in thin air. But I will catch

was standing seemingly awkward among the group. "You might want to consider our suspicions, Kylan. It's good to be vigilant around her.

"Alright. I will." He went to scoop up Clarence and glanced at the group. "Sorry, everyone,

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