Chapter 111
Kylan leaned back in his office chair, his fingers grazing the edge of the lighter Katrina had gifted him long ago. The memories it held were a lifeline to him-a reminder of her warmth, love, and the happiness she brought into his life. As he flicked it open and shut, the
rhythm soothed his frayed nerves, though it couldn't completely push away the lingering tension from his workload.
He pulled out a cigarette and put it against his lips. He jumped when he felt arms around his shoulders, then a familiar hand grabbed his cigarette. He hummed and said her name as her hand ran down his chest. "When did you get here? I didn't see you come in." Katrina walked around in a tight dress and sat on his lap. "Naughty husband for not noticing his wife."
"I'm sorry."
Katrina smirked with her red lips, then looked at the cigarette between her fingers. "Smoking again? I thought you quit?"
He took it from her, then put it out. "Sorry, I was just a little stressed out."
She tangled her fingers in the back of his hair and leaned closer. "I can get rid of your stress."
He smirked. "Oh yeah?"
Katrina nodded, then kissed him. "You know I can always get rid of your stress."
He nipped her lip, then deepened the kiss as his hands began to venture on her body. He frowned when her body started changing, and her hair felt different too. He pulled away and his eyes widened as he locked eyes with Isabella. He shoved her off and flew backward out of his chair. "What the f**k? Where's my wife?"
Isabella giggled and crawled closer. "What are you talking about honey? I am your wife."
Kylan opened his eyes and looked around his office in frantic. He shook his head, then sat up at his desk panting. He ruffled his hair.
"A dream?" He put his head in his hands, feeling terrible as he thought about how he dreamed of another woman and not his wife.
A knock on the door broke his reverie. He barely had time to look up before Isabella stepped in, her face polite but carrying a hint of hesitation.
"Tea, Sir," she said softly, placing the tray on his desk.
"Thanks," Kylan muttered, taking the cup. As the aroma wafted up, a small smile tugged at his lips. Katrina taught her how to make it just right. Always leaving her mark, huh?
Isabella hovered by the door, shifting slightly. "Are you feeling alright? You seem... distracted."
"I'm fine," Kylan replied curtly, not looking up. "I need to get back to work, so I'll see you later. Don't let anyone disturb me."
Isabella hesitated but nodded, retreating quietly. She sat at her table and sighed. "I worry about him so much."
Meanwhile, outside, Katrina stepped out of the lift, brimming with excitement. Today was going to be special a little surprise for the man she adored. Her day had started perfectly, with Clarence safely tucked away with her abuelo, and now Katrina had time to focus on Kylan. She smoothed her coat and adjusted her scarf as she greeted Ryan, Kylan's CFO and best friend, who looked up from his files with a warm smile.
"Morning, Mrs. Ross," he greeted.
"Morning!" Katrina chimed. "Thought I'd surprise Kylan. He's been so busy lately; he deserves a little break."
Ryan chuckled, his admiration evident. "He talked about you constantly, you know. It's always, 'My wife did this,' or 'She said that.' It's endearing."
Katrina felt her cheeks flush. "He's too sweet. I just worry sometimes. After having Clarence, I—"
"Stop right there," Ryan interrupted with a laugh. "Kylan worships the ground you walk on. I don't think there's anything in this world that could change that."
Her heart swelled at his reassurance, and she smiled at him. "If we think about it, I will always be thankful to you and Max. Because of you, two, we wouldn't be together."
Ryan smiled back as he shook his head. "Our goal was to save the company. It was always the two of you."
Katrina laughed and waved goodbye as she continued to Kylan's office. But when she arrived, Isabella blocked her path, her face taut with urgency.
"You can't go in," she said, her voice tight.
She frowned. "Why not?"
"He's out on business," she lied smoothly, her eyes darting away.
Disappointment flickered across her face, but Katrina didn't press further. "Alright, thanks. Tell him I stopped by."
Isabella's smile was strained as she watched Katrina leave.
Kylan had thought he heard her soothing voice, so he leaned out his office door and looked around, but he couldn't see anyone or Isabella. He sighed, then went back to his office. "I swore I heard her."
Katrina pouted in the lift because she really wished she could have seen Kylan. So, Katrina texted him saying she hoped his meeting was going well and she popped around his office to take him on a date. Katrina jumped when Kylan called her right away. "Hey, Kylan. You okay?" "You came to my office?"
Katrina nodded. "Yeah, I did, Isabella said that you were out on business. Was going to ask you on a date to a café too."
"Where are you now?"
Katrina looked up at his building. "Just walked out of your office building, why?"
"Well, I'm in my office."
Katrina frowned. "What?"
"Yeah, I'm in. Tch, I told Isabella for no one to disturb me." He ruffled his hair. "Might be my fault... hold on, I'm coming to you."
Katrina furrowed her eyebrows. "Okay."
Inside, Isabella released a breath as she returned to her desk, unaware that Kylan had already called his wife. He stepped out of his office, his sharp eyes scanning the area. "Isabella?"
She jumped, spinning around. "Sir?"
"You told my wife I wasn't here?" His tone was clipped, his gaze icy.
"I-I thought you didn't want to be disturbed," she stammered.
Kylan sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "My wife is always an exception. Next time, let her in."
"Yes, Sir," she murmured, her cheeks burning.
Without another word, Kylan grabbed his coat and headed for the lift. He moved past his employees as he strode through the lobby, not even listening to an employee calling his name. All that mattered was finding Katrina.
When he spotted her standing outside, fiddling with her phone, he felt his chest tighten. The cold air kissed her cheeks, painting them a soft pink, and the coat he'd bought her fit like a dream. Unable to hold back, he ran up behind her and wrapped his arms around her
waist.
"God, I love you," he murmured into her neck, his voice thick with emotion.
Katrina squeaked in surprise but giggled as she turned to face him. "Kylan! You scared me."
He didn't respond, simply leaning down to kiss her temple. "Why didn't you wait for me upstairs?"
"Isabella said you were out," Katrina replied with a small smile. "You know outsiders shouldn't wait in your office."
His jaw tightened, but he softened at the thought that she was just following his rules within the company. Just like before. "Let's go. You wanted a date, right?"
Katrina nodded then tilted her head. "You really didn't remember, did you?"
He looked at her with furrowed eyebrows and narrowed eyes before his eyebrows shot up in realization. "The day you became my assistant."
She broke into a huge smile. "Yes." She turned and gestured to their destination. "So, shall we go to the café?"
He nodded. "Yes, but I'd much prefer eating you."
Katrina held his hand and laughed. "Dirty perv."
"Only with you." He kissed her cheek and temple as they both walked. "So, where's my little girl?"
"With Papa. He flew all the way here to visit his granddaughter and make sure we go visit him one of these days."
He smiled as he nodded. "He's right. I'll have Isabella clear my schedule for a week." He pulled her close and kissed the top of her head. "Love you."
Katrina smiled. Kylan wasn't very open to kissing and touching her in public but he was, it was very endearing and sweet. She kissed his cheek. "I love you too."
As they walked hand in hand to the café, Kylan couldn't keep his eyes off Katrina. The way her hair framed her face, the faint shimmer of makeup highlighting her natural beauty-it was all too much for him.
"So," Katrina teased, glancing up at him, "do you still love me after all this time?"
He stopped abruptly, pulling her into his arms. "What kind of question is that? Of course, I do."
"But I've changed," Katrina said softly, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "After Clarence-"
Kylan silenced Katrina with a firm kiss, his hands cupping her face. "You've changed, yeah. Into someone even more incredible. Stop doubting yourself, okay?"
Her heart fluttered as she smiled. She pinched his cheek. "You sure you don't want to trade me in for a better woman?"
"There is no better woman than
you." He hugged her and kissed her face all over making Katrina giggle. "You are so perfect and sexy and
want you always." He let her go et
"Now, let me feed you." He opened the door of the café. "Don't you dare say you can't cause you are fat, because you are perfect."
The café was warm and cozy, a perfect contrast to the chill outside. Kylan pulled out a chair for Katrina, his lips quirking into a small smile as she sat.
"Now," he said, his voice playful, "let me just sit here and admire how beautiful you are."
Katrina rolled her eyes, but her cheeks turned pink. "You are hopeless."
"Only with you," he replied, his tone serious despite the smirk on his face.
Katrina couldn't help laughing. "You are going the right way for a smacked bottom."
He frowned. "Don't you say that when I'm being naughty?"
Katrina nodded. "Yes, but I'm sure you'll like it, right?"
He smirked as Katrina winked at him. "You are a dirty wife."
"Isn't that why you married me?"
"More blackmail."
Katrina faked her gasp. "Oh yeah, I had so much dirt on you that I made you marry me."
He hummed a little laugh. "That's right." He looked at the waiter. "Can I eat her?"
Katrina blushed as the waiter smiled. She looked at the waiter apologetically. "Sorry about my husband."
He bowed. "It's okay."
They listed their orders and the waiter quickly got to work. He came back with two cups of tea.
Katrina looked at Kylan and shook her head. "Have you no shame?"
He hummed. "Nope, not anymore. I used to get flustered with Katrina, but now I'm ready for anything."
Katrina laughed as she took her coat off. "Yeah right, I've caught you out so many times."
He blushed a little. "Tch, no."
Katrina smirked, then sipped her tea. "Okay, sure."
He didn't say anything and just continued to stare at her. Katrina noticed it and sighed with a smile.
"Your son does the same thing. He just stares at me with a smile on his little cute face."
"That's because you are so beautiful."
Katrina giggled. "Flirt."
"Always with you." He sighed as he gazed at Katrina for a while. "So, how's the writing going?"
"Well, really well. I think I might have it finished in a few months, that's if Clarence allows it." Katrina smiled and thought about her song. "Little killer keeps coming in to see me and talking to me loads, well, his version of talking. He, like you, can't seem to get enough of me."
"Can you blame me?"
Katrina smirked. "You and Clarence always see me in a different light, I wish I could see me the way you guys do."
As the waiter brought her tea and
cake, Katrina and Kylan talked and laughed, the weight of the heavy heart he felt and her insecurities melting away. He reached across the table to hold her hand, his thumb brushing against her wedding ring.
"I love you," he said, his voice low but filled with sincerity.
"I love you too," Katrina replied, squeezing his hand.
In that moment, surrounded by the warmth of the café and the love in Kylan's eyes, Katrina knew there was no place she'd rather be.