Contract Marriage with My CEO Boss (Kylan and Katrina)

As Isabella plotted and schemed, Katrina woke up that morning to the warmth of Kylan's embrace, their night before filled with love and tenderness. His cheerful mood carried into the day, and he left for work with a spring in his step. After changing Clarence and completing their morning routine together, Katrina hummed a soft tune while Clarence toddled behind her, clutching a toy. She headed into the living room, considering how she might spend the day, perhaps writing while Clarence played by her side. Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the front door opening. Katrina froze, her breath catching as she turned to see a rough-looking man step inside and lock the door behind him.

"Who... who are you?" she managed, her voice trembling.

The man smirked, his gaze unsettling. "Just someone here to make your day interesting."

Her heart pounded as she edged behind the sofa, putting some distance between them. "You need to leave. Now."

He chuckled darkly and took a step closer. "Not until I get what I came for."

"What do you want? I can give you money, jewelry-whatever you need." She tried to keep her voice steady.

"Not interested." His tone was casual, but his intent was clear. "I want you."

Katrina's instincts screamed at her to protect Clarence. She grabbed a teacup from the table and hurled it at the intruder, the porcelain shattering against his arm. When he lunged, she threw a pot, then another cup, before darting toward the kitchen. But he was fast. He caught her wrist, his grip like iron, and yanked her back. She twisted and struck him across the face, but the force sent her tumbling against the kitchen island, pain flaring in her ribs as she hit the edge and crumpled to the floor.

Gritting her teeth, Katrina crawled away, gasping for breath. The man grabbed her ankle, dragging her back, but she thrashed and kicked with everything she had. "No! Let go of me!"

He pinned her down momentarily, his weight crushing, but she managed to bring her knee up sharply, hitting him where it hurt most. He groaned, releasing her momentarily, and she scrambled to her feet. Blood trickled from scratches on her legs as she staggered toward the drawer to grab a knife, her hands trembling.

"Stop!" she cried as he yanked her back by her hair. He grinned, clearly enjoying her defiance, but her determination to protect Clarence outweighed her fear. She stomped on his foot and jabbed her elbow into his nose, breaking free. "You're tougher than you look," he sneered, wiping at his face, which now glistened with blood.

Before she could respond, he shoved her toward the small glass partition by the kitchen. The impact shattered it, and Katrina collapsed amid shards, the glass cutting into her arms and legs as she struggled to crawl away.

"Mommy?" Clarence's small, frightened voice rang out, and Katrina's heart sank. Her daughter stood at the edge of the living room, clutching a stuffed toy.

"No!" Katrina screamed as the man turned toward Clarence. "Stay away from her!"

The man sneered. "You should've stayed quiet." He stepped toward the child, but Katrina, fueled by a mother's instinctive fury, launched herself at him, grabbing a shard of glass. She slashed at his arm, forcing him to stumble back with a curse. Clarence ran to her mother, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Mommy!"

Katrina scooped her daughter into her arms, blood smearing onto Clarence's pajamas as she bolted for the bathroom. Once inside, she locked the door and slid to the floor, holding Clarence tightly. Her breathing was shallow, her body trembling. She reached for her phone and dialed emergency services. "Help... I need help," she whispered, her voice weak.

"Ma'am, what's your emergency?" the operator asked calmly.

"A man broke into my home. I fought him off, but I'm hurt. My daughter... she's only two. Please send help quickly."

"We're dispatching police and an ambulance now. Are you safe?"

Katrina's voice cracked. "We're locked in the bathroom. Please hurry." She hugged Clarence tighter. "I'm two months pregnant," she added softly.

"You're incredibly brave. Stay with us, ma'am. Help is on the way."

Tears streamed down Katrina's face as she whispered soothing words to Clarence. "It's okay, sweetheart. The superheroes are coming."

Clarence sniffled and nodded, her small hand clutching her mother's. "Okay, Mommy."

The sound of the front door breaking open jolted Katrina back to the moment. "They're here," she breathed into the phone.

Moments later, heavy boots thudded down the hall. A voice called out, "Ma'am? Where are you?"

"In here!" Katrina managed to yell, though her voice wavered.

The bathroom door opened, and an officer knelt beside her. Relief washed over Katrina as a medic moved to take Clarence from her arms. "Please... call my husband. He needs to be here for her," she murmured before her strength gave out, her vision fading to black.

~0~0~0~

Kylan ran into the hospital, his emotions in complete disarray. Tears streamed down his face, but beneath them, a storm of rage brewed. He looked up as a doctor stepped out of a room and approached him with a soft smile.

"Mr. Ross, I'm Dr. Lee. Would you like to come see your daughter?"

He nodded quickly, his voice hoarse. "Please."

Dr. Lee gestured for him to follow her. She led him to a room where Clarence lay on the bed, her arm in a cast and a patch on her forehead. The doctor offered an encouraging smile. "Here she is. I'm about to tend to her, but she'll need you to be by her side." Kylan rushed to Clarence's bedside, his eyes catching the smudges of blood that someone, likely Katrina, had tried to clean. "Clarence," he whispered, voice thick with emotion.

Clarence beamed up at him, her voice soft. "Daddy!"

Kylan sat on the bed and hugged her gently. "Hey, sweetheart."

Clarence rubbed her tired eyes. "Mommy?"

Kylan managed a strained smile, fighting back his emotions. "She's resting right now."

Dr. Lee returned with a hospital gown. "Your daughter needs to wear this. The police have already taken pictures of her injuries, so her clothes will be collected as evidence."

Kylan swallowed hard, helping Clarence out of her clothes and into the gown. "Thank you," he murmured.

The doctor nodded, taking the clothes to a waiting officer. "I'll tend to Clarence now, but the police need to ask you a few questions, Mr. Ross."

Kylan settled Clarence in his lap, keeping an arm securely around her. "That's fine."

A detective approached, extending his hand. "Detective Garrett Hale. I'm so sorry about what happened. Our hearts go out to your family." "Thank you," Kylan said quietly.

"We just need to know if you're aware of anyone who might have a grudge against you or your wife."

Kylan shook his head firmly. "No. I can't think of anyone."

"Would you be okay with us speaking to your friends and colleagues?"

"Of course," Kylan replied without hesitation.

The detective offered a small smile. "Your daughter is very brave, and your wife... she's incredible. The way she fought back is remarkable. We'll give you some time with her once she wakes up, but we'll need to talk to her after that." Kylan nodded, kissing the top of Clarence's head. "Thank you."

Dr. Lee smiled at Clarence. "There, all done. No stitches were needed. She'll heal just fine, but those cuts need to stay wrapped up for now. The one on her head isn't too bad, but I've patched it up. She's such a brave little girl."

"She is," Kylan agreed, holding Clarence close. "Can I see my wife now?"

"I'll check with my colleague to see if she's ready for visitors."

"Thank you." Kylan waited anxiously, holding Clarence in his arms. When Dr. Lee returned, he immediately stood. "Is it okay?"

Dr. Lee smiled. "Follow me." Kylan picked up Clarence and hurried after her. She gestured to a room. "You may go in."

Kylan stepped inside, his heart sinking as he saw Katrina hooked up to IVs and surrounded by medical equipment. Her arms were wrapped in bandages, her neck supported, and her face bruised. The breathing mask covering her nose and mouth made his chest tighten with guilt and sorrow.

Fighting back tears, he turned to another doctor in the room. "What...what happened?"

Dr. Chapman approached. "Your wife sustained multiple injuries: broken ribs, lacerations, a bruised throat and windpipe, and numerous facial contusions. We were initially concerned about her eye, but scans showed no internal swelling. She'll be okay. She's resting and should wake up soon."

"And the baby?"

The doctor smiled gently. "The baby is safe and healthy."

Relief washed over Kylan. He moved closer to Katrina's bedside. "Can I stay with her?"

"Of course. We'll give you privacy."

Kylan sat beside her, holding her hand. Clarence reached out, placing her small hand on Katrina's wrist. "Mommy?"

"She's sleeping," Kylan said softly.

"Wake?"

"Soon," Kylan promised. "She'll wake up soon."

Satisfied, Clarence yawned and snuggled into Kylan's chest. "Nap, Daddy."

It tore Kylan apart to see Katrina like this... to know he hadn't been there to protect her, to shield her and Clarence from harm. The sight of her fragile form, bruised and battered, haunted him. He couldn't stop replaying the "what ifs" in his head, each one slicing deeper into his heart.

Kylan sat in the sterile hospital

room, Clarence curled up in his

arms, her small face streaked with dried tears but peaceful in sleep. He cradled her tightly, as though his grip could somehow undo all that had happened. His thoughts drifted to a sunny afternoon just weeks ago when they'd all been laughing in the park. Clarence had squealed in delight as he hoisted her onto his shoulders, and Katrina had snapped a picture of them mid-laugh. The memory burned against the stark contrast of the present, and a lump formed in his throat.

Somehow, he had lost track of time, his exhaustion overwhelming him. He was startled awake when a light tap on his shoulder brought him back to the fluorescent-lit room. He blinked up at the nurse standing beside him. "Sorry, I must've fallen asleep," he murmured, his voice thick with fatigue.

The nurse offered a kind smile. "It's okay, but visiting hours are over. I'm afraid you need to leave."

Kylan shook his head, clutching Clarence closer. "No. No, I'm not leaving."

"Sir-"

"I can't leave her. Look, I'll pay whatever it takes." His voice cracked, and his eyes glistened with unshed tears. "Please. I need to be here when she wakes up. Clarence needs me to be here."

The nurse hesitated, then sighed. "Alright. You can stay. I'll let the doctors know. No payment necessary."

Kylan's shoulders sagged in relief. "Thank you."

The nurse gestured toward Clarence. "I could bring a small bed in for her. Those chairs can't be comfortable." "If it's not too much trouble," Kylan said softly.

The nurse returned moments later with a child-sized hospital bed, and Kylan carefully transferred Clarence onto it, tucking the blanket around her as though she might shatter He sat back down, his gaze drifting to Katrina. Her pale complexion and steady beeping monitor were a painful reminder of how close he'd come to losing her.

Reaching out, he took her hand, pressing it to his lips. "Katrina," he whispered, his voice raw. "I love you. I need you to wake up. Clarence needs you." His forehead dropped to the edge of the bed as he fought back tears.

For hours, he stayed like that, occasionally stroking her hair and murmuring words of encouragement. When her fingers twitched faintly in his hand, he sat upright, his breath hitching.

"Kylan?" Katrina's voice was barely a whisper, her eyes fluttering open weakly.

His heart leaped as tears spilled over. "Katrina," he choked out, leaning down to kiss her forehead. "You're awake. Thank god."

A faint smile tugged at her lips. "Is Clarence okay?"

"She's fine. She's been so brave, just like her mother." He brushed a tear from her cheek. "You don't have to worry about anything right now. Just rest."

Katrina sighed, closing her eyes briefly before reopening them. "I should've protected her better..."

"Stop," he interrupted gently. "You were amazing. You saved her. You saved both of you." His voice hardened. "That man will never hurt you again. I'll make sure of it."

Detective Hale arrived shortly after, stepping into the room with a respectful nod. "Mrs. Ross, I'm glad to see you're awake. Do you feel up to sharing your account of what happened?"

With Kylan's support, Katrina recounted the terrifying events, her voice trembling at times but steady. Kylan's expression shifted from sorrow to rage to awe as she described how she had fought back to protect Clarence. When she finished, Hale gave her a small, approving smile. "You did everything you could and more. You're remarkable, Mrs. Ross."Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

As the detective left, Kylan returned to Katrina's side, his hand enveloping hers. "You are incredible," he said, his voice full of emotion. "I don't know how I ever got so lucky to have you in my life." Katrina smiled weakly. "I didn't feel very lucky back there..."

"You don't need to. I'll carry the weight for both of us." He kissed her knuckles gently. "But right now, you need to rest. Clarence and I will be right here when you wake up."

Kylan adjusted her bed and watched

as Katrina's eyes fluttered closed. As the room fell silent, he leaned back in his chair, his hand still holding

hers. The memories of their life et

before this nightmare replayed in his mind. laughter-filled mornings, bedtime stories with Clarence, and the quiet moments they shared when the world felt far away.

Those moments weren't gone, he told himself. They would find their way back to them. For now, he would stay right where he was... her unwavering protector, just as he always should have been.