Contract Marriage with My CEO Boss (Kylan and Katrina)

him and while Katrina had joked about it, he couldn't help but worry that it had upset Katrina.

Kylan sighed as he stared at a photo of Katrina on his desk, a deep frown on his face. His earlier conversation with Katrina replayed in his mind, making him feel torn between frustration and sadness. The flowers that had arrived at the house with a love note weren't from "Sir?" Isabella's voice pulled him from his thoughts. She was standing at the door with a curious expression, though her lips twitched, betraying her amusement. "Everything okay?"

Kylan shook his head. "No, Isabella. Not really. Someone sent flowers to my house-a love note included."

Isabella's heart raced in triumph. Those flowers had been her idea, a subtle maneuver to sow doubt. She had seen them and taken the opportunity to have them sent anonymously. She feigned surprise. "Oh?"

Kylan leaned on his hand, his brows knit together. "My wife laughed it off, but... I'm worried it bothered her. She means everything to me." He tapped his lip, his thoughts drifting to Katrina and Clarence. Isabella watched because she couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to kiss Kylan on his soft lips.

Then, a sudden idea struck Kylan. He jumped to his feet, grabbing his coat and keys.

"I'm leaving early today," he declared. "There's something important I need to do."

Isabella panicked and hurried after him. "But sir! There's so much work—"

He turned to her with a firm yet kind look. "I'll handle it from home if I have to. Right now, I need to be with my wife and daughter."

Isabella bit her lip, masking her annoyance. "But sir, are you sure? You've been swamped."

Kylan smiled warmly. "I'll manage. Besides, you should leave early too. Go out, relax, maybe even go on a date."

Isabella blushed, though her mind worked frantically. "I already have someone I like...but he doesn't notice me."

Kylan's brow furrowed. "Then make him notice. Be yourself-flirt, talk, spend time together. If he's worth it, he'll see how amazing you are."

Isabella's heart sank. The advice hit too close to home, as it only fueled her determination to make Kylan see Katrina differently.

She nodded, realizing she needed to work much harder. "What if he's with someone, but that person is really bad for him?"

Kylan frowned. "You mean, like, abusive?"

Isabella clenched her teeth. "She's manipulative, pushy, and two-faced."

"Tch, sounds awful."

"She's the absolute worst."

Kylan paused, his thoughts drifting to Katrina. He couldn't imagine seeing her with someone like that. "Well, you can't make someone leave a relationship, no matter how bad it is. But you can help them realize the truth-help them see that they need to get out of it on their own. Does that make sense?"

She nodded with a smile, a new resolve forming in her mind. She knew what she had to do with Kylan now. She needed to open his eyes to the truth, to show him that Katrina was worse than he realized and that she had been right about her manipulative nature all along. With a firm nod, she said, "Thank you," she murmured, forcing a small smile.

Kylan ruffled her hair affectionately. "You'll figure it out."

She sniffled, tears welling up in her eyes. She was a master at fake crying-truly impressive. Kylan's eyes widened at the sight of her tears, and she wiped her eyes dramatically. "I'm s-sorry, sir," she stammered.

Kylan hesitated, looking uncomfortable, but he couldn't just leave her crying. With a sigh, he pulled her into a one-armed hug. "It's okay. Everything will be alright."

Her cheeks flushed as she felt the warmth of his embrace, thrilled by his kindness. "How about you come with me? I'll get you something sweet-it always cheers up my wife and daughter."

She nodded, sniffling again. Her plan had worked. "I'd like that. Thank you."

He stepped into the lift. "Come on, then."

She grabbed her bag and hurried in beside him, her heart racing. This felt like a date to her, and she couldn't believe it. They rode down in the lift together and then walked to a quaint sweet shop down the street. "What would you like?" he asked, gesturing to the display case.

She scanned the options before choosing something that seemed romantic. "That one, please."

He nodded, adding it to his order. He also picked out a treat for his daughter and something special for Katrina. "That's all."

As she reached for her purse, she asked, "How much?"

Kylan opened his wallet, revealing a wad of cash that caught her attention. She was impressed. He handed the money to the cashier. "I've got this, Isabella. It's my treat."

He handed her the bag and her chosen sweet. "Enjoy."

She blushed, clutching the bag tightly. "Thank you." To her, it felt like the first gift he'd ever given her, and she was over the moon.

As they walked back, he glanced at her. "Do you have a way home?"

She pretended to look around and then blushed again. "No."

He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Alright, I'll drive you. Come on, let's head to my car."

"Okay."

He led her to his car, opening the passenger door for her. "Hop in."

Sliding into the seat, she couldn't help but smile. Being in his car felt surreal like she was moving closer to her fantasy of them being a couple. Every time they had to take a car for a business meeting, it was always with a driver. There would be absolutely no chance to ride with him in his personal transportation. She watched him drive, admiring how handsome he looked, especially in his waistcoat, which perfectly accentuated his figure. She shifted in her seat, tugging her skirt slightly higher, hoping he'd notice. But he didn't.

She sighed softly. "Thank you."

He glanced at her briefly. "Hmm?"

"For all of this. It's really nice of you."

"You're welcome," he replied, pulling up outside her apartment. "Get yourself inside, have a warm bath, and a good meal."

She smiled and nodded. "I will." Leaning over, she kissed his cheek. "Thank you so much."

Kylan stiffened at the kiss, guilt gnawing at him. It didn't feel right. "It's nothing. Just take care of yourself."

She got out, waving as she headed into her apartment block. "Bye!"

"Bye," he called back, watching to make sure she got inside safely. She misread his gesture, her cheeks flushing as she assumed he liked her.

As soon as she disappeared inside, Kylan drove to the florist, his heart set on undoing any unease the flowers might have caused. He chose the most stunning arrangement of roses, their deep red petals arranged in an ornate vase. Afterward, he stopped by a toy store, selecting an oversized teddy bear for Clarence. Driving home, a smile spread across his face. He couldn't wait to see the two people he cherished most. He parked, grabbed the gifts, and hurried to the house, his excitement building with every step.

He burst through the door, startling Katrina.

"Kylan!" Katrina gasped, clutching her chest. "You nearly gave me a heart attack!"

Her annoyance faded as Katrina spotted the roses in his arms. "Kylan..."

"They're for you." He grinned, setting the bouquet on the counter.

Katrina approached them, marveling at the arrangement. "They're beautiful... What's the occasion?"

Kylan stepped closer, his hands settling on her waist as he leaned in. "Do I need a reason to remind you how much I love you?"

Katrina laughed softly. "Well, aren't I lucky?" Katrina kissed him but froze when Katrina caught the faint scent of unfamiliar perfume. Her eyes fell on a blonde hair on his waistcoat. "Kylan?" Katrina held up the strand, raising a brow.

He sighed. "It's from Isabella. She cried after work, so I bought her something sweet and gave her a ride home. Nothing more." He cupped her face. "You're not mad, are you?" Katrina shook her head, smiling faintly. "No, just curious. You're too softhearted now, I see."

He growled playfully, pulling her close. "And you love me for it."

Her laughter rang out as Katrina swatted him. "Kylan, not in front of Clarence!"

"Speaking of the little mischief-maker, where is she?"

"She's napping on the sofa," Katrina replied with a giggle, pulling away slightly as Kylan began peppering her neck with kisses. "And that doesn't mean you can get all flirty." He released her with a sheepish grin. "Sorry, I just love you so much."

Katrina smiled playfully. "You're such a flirt."

He picked up a bag from the floor. "Well, I brought us a treat." He pulled out a heart-shaped cake. "Surprise!"

Katrina giggled, delighted. "That's adorable!"

Kylan placed the cake on the counter, then pulled out a smaller one. "This one's for Clarence-and I got her a teddy too."

Katrina grabbed him by the belt, pulling him closer. She smiled and nuzzled him with her nose before leaning in to kiss him. "I love you."

"I love you too," he murmured, kissing her back. "You're so wonderful. Did you have a good day today?"

Katrina nodded. "We had some fun playtime, and I got a lot done in the garden."

"Sounds great."

She hugged him tightly. "But I missed you. You were so sweet and loving this morning."

He chuckled, pulling her closer. "I can repeat that tonight."

Katrina looked up at him with a sly smile. "Please do." Then her eyes lit up. "Oh! Are you off this weekend?"

He nodded. "I am."

Katrina squealed in excitement, throwing her arms around him and kicking her legs up. He laughed as he held her tightly. She peppered his face with kisses before humming happily. "I'm so glad!" "Good. I'm glad you're happy."

She hopped down, running to Clarence as the little girl began waking up. "Mommy?"Content protected by Nôv/el(D)rama.Org.

Katrina smiled gently. "Hey, baby. Sorry, mommy was being loud, but someone came home and made mommy very happy. Go see!"

Clarence rubbed her eyes as she climbed off the sofa and spotted Kylan. "Daddy!" she squealed, running toward him. "Daddy, daddy, daddy!"

Kylan scooped her up, spinning her around before tossing her gently in the air. "Hello, my little princess! Oh, I missed you today." He kissed her cheeks repeatedly. "You're so beautiful!" Clarence giggled, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Love you, Daddy."

"I love you too." He set her down and handed her the teddy bear. "Look! A new friend for you."

Clarence clapped her hands in delight, hugging the bear tightly. "Love, Daddy!"

Kylan crouched to her level. "Can you say, 'Thank you"?"

"Th... thank you!" Clarence said proudly.

Kylan laughed, ruffling her hair. "That's my girl. I also got you a little cake for dessert."

Clarence hugged her teddy tightly. "Love you, Daddy."

"I love you too."

As Katrina moved into the kitchen to start dinner, she tied on an apron and began humming softly while Kylan played with Clarence. He adored their daughter, cherishing every moment with her. Watching her grow brought him immense joy, though he dreaded the day she'd grow up and leave.

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His gaze shifted to Katrina in the kitchen. The sight of her apron tied snugly around her waist and the way her figure moved caught his attention. Leaving Clarence to her cartoons, he sneaked up behind Katrina, wrapping his arms around her and pressing his face into her neck. He inhaled deeply, Savoring her scent.

Katrina jumped slightly but smiled, enjoying his affectionate hold as she continued cooking. His hands slid around her waist, and she hummed happily. You're in a cuddly mood she teased, though her smile faded when she felt his lips nipping at her shoulder. "Kylan, stop that, she whispered sternly, glancing toward

Clarence. "She's awake, and you

shouldn't be doing this now."

When his hand slipped under her shirt, she slapped it away. "Oi! Keep those hands to yourself, mister."

He grinned mischievously, sliding his hands up to her chest instead. "But you're so tempting."

Katrina grabbed his hands and firmly pulled them away. "I don't care how tempting I am. Behave, or you'll be sleeping with no action tonight."

"Mean," he muttered, pouting.

Katrina giggled. "I'm serious. And why does this happen every time I put on an apron?"

He shrugged, smirking. "I don't know. It just looks so good on you."

Katrina hummed in amusement. "Thanks. Hey, I have an idea. Clarence's birthday is coming up. What do you think we should do?"

Kylan stopped his teasing, wrapping his arms around her in a proper hug and resting his chin on her head. He loved holding her like this-it calmed him. After a thoughtful sigh, he said, "Well, she loves flowers. Why don't we take her to that flower garden you mentioned?" Katrina gasped. "Oh, that's perfect! If you can get the time off, we could make a whole day of it."

"I'll make it happen," he promised with a smile. "We could even book a hotel and spend another day at the beach."

Katrina turned to face him, her eyes sparkling. "Really?"

He nodded. "Really."

She hugged him tightly, her excitement contagious. "That sounds amazing!"

"Great. I'll take care of the planning," he said, already imagining the joy on their daughter's face.