Chapter 129
Kylan let out a long sigh as he lay in bed, glancing over at Katrina curled up next to him, her bare skin glowing softly in the morning light. A smile tugged at his lips as memories of their tender, passionate night together resurfaced. Yet, the happiness was tinged with lingering guilt from the previous months, seeing Katrina so distraught over the misunderstanding that he had cheated on her. The thought of someone planting such doubts in her mind filled him with anger and sorrow. Kylan would never betray her; he couldn't even fathom another woman in that way. She was everything to him, the love of his life.
Shaking off the unpleasant thoughts, he reached for his phone and dialed Isabella's number. "Morning," he said curtly. "Just letting you know I won't be in the office today."
Isabella, who had been preening in anticipation of showing off to Kylan, froze, her makeup brush slipping from her hand. She had hoped her recent schemes, the insinuating calls, would drive a wedge between him and Katrina. But Kylan had managed to reconcile with Katrina after a few months. He took a week off that time and now, he would take another off.
"What?" she managed to say.
"I'm working from home for at least a week," Kylan continued, glancing over at Katrina still peacefully asleep. "There's no pressing need to be in the office. You can take the time off too, if you want."
Isabella clenched her phone, her anger bubbling over. "Fine, Kylan. Have a nice day." She hung up abruptly and screamed in frustration, flinging her phone against her mirror, shattering it. Yet again, her efforts to break Kylan and Katrina apart had failed.
Kylan set his phone down, rolling over to snuggle against Katrina. He began peppering her face with kisses until she stirred, a smile forming on her lips. "Morning, beautiful," he whispered.
Katrina stretched languidly and sighed. "Morning, handsome. Don't you have work?"
"I do," he replied, brushing a strand of hair from her face, "but I'm working from home this week so I can be with you and Clarence."
Her eyes lit up as she wrapped her arms around him. "It'll be wonderful having you home, but are you sure you won't get distracted?"
He chuckled. "With your pretty face around, I'm sure I will."
Katrina giggled, kissing his face. "I'd love to stay in bed all day and relive last night, but I need to check on Clarence."
Kylan sighed dramatically. "Alright, but only because it's her."
She slipped out of bed and dressed quickly. "We'll pick this up during her nap time," she teased with a wink before heading to Clarence's room.
Clarence was already awake, sitting on the floor playing with her red panda toy. "Hey, honey," Katrina greeted, kneeling next to her. "Ready to start the day?"
"Yes, Mommy!" Clarence chirped with a grin.
Katrina kissed her forehead. "Good news. Daddy's home today!"
"Yay!" Clarence clapped excitedly.
Katrina laughed and got her ready for the day. Soon, the family gathered in the kitchen, where Kylan had prepared breakfast. Clarence ran to him. "Morning, Daddy!"
"Morning, sweetheart," Kylan said, ruffling her hair before turning to Katrina with a smile. "I made breakfast."
"You're spoiling us," Katrina said as she sat down. As they ate, she noticed Kylan staring at her. "What is it?" she asked, tilting her head.
He shrugged, his gaze warm. "You're just beautiful."
After breakfast, Katrina mentioned needing to go shopping. "Can you drive us?" she asked.
"Of course," Kylan agreed, cleaning up quickly. They all piled into the car, Clarence happily chattering from her seat. At the store, they browsed together, laughing and chatting. Katrina paused in one aisle and grabbed three pregnancy tests, placing them in the cart with a small smile. Kylan blushed but said nothing.
Back home, Kylan handed her the tests. "Go on," he urged.
Katrina laughed. "I can do this alone, you know."
"I know," he said, his cheeks reddening, "but I want to be there."
She kissed him lightly. "I'll call you when they're ready. Now go entertain Clarence."
A few minutes later, Katrina emerged with the tests in hand. "All clean," she teased. They sat together, watching as the lines appeared. When the results came in, both smiled brightly. "Three positives," Katrina said softly.
Kylan lifted her off the ground, spinning her around. "We're having another baby!"
Clarence gasped and clapped when she heard the news. "I'm going to be a big sister!" she exclaimed.
Katrina knelt and kissed her daughter's cheek. "That's right, sweetie. Your little sibling is right here," she said, placing a hand on her stomach.
Kylan joined them, kissing Katrina and Clarence. "We're so lucky," he said, his voice filled with emotion. "Let's make an appointment to confirm and see how far along we are."
Katrina nodded, her heart full. "Our family just keeps getting better."
~0~0~0~
Katrina lay on the floor with Clarence, Aaron, Maine, Harry, his girlfriend Emily, and Kylan. All their heads rested close together in the center, their gazes fixed on the ceiling. The atmosphere was light and joyous, Katrina's recent doctor's visit had confirmed she was nearly two months pregnant. She wanted this intimate moment with her loved ones to savor the happiness together.
Aaron broke the silence with a hum. "So, when's the little one due?"
"February," Kylan replied with a proud smile.
"Hmm... Clarence is a May baby, and this one's a February baby. Perfect spacing," Aaron remarked.
Maine giggled, her tone mischievous. "It's great timing, really. Means Kylan and Katrina had a little fun around Clarence's birthday."
Aaron groaned, smacking her arm lightly. "Don't say that! I don't need that visual. My sister is pure and innocent."
Katrina rolled onto her stomach, propping herself up on her elbows with a teasing smile. "Aaron, I have a daughter."
The group followed her move, shifting onto their stomachs. Aaron pouted. "I know you have a daughter, and she's adorable."
"Well," Katrina continued playfully, "having a daughter means I've... you know."
"Once!" Aaron declared stubbornly.
Kylan smirked, his hand settling on Katrina's back. "More than once."
Aaron groaned in frustration. "Fine, twice-because she's pregnant-but that's it."
Maine laughed, ruffling Aaron's hair. "You're such a protective brother. Perfect husband material, just like Harry."
Katrina's eyes widened, a spark of curiosity lighting them as she turned to Harry. "Wait... what? Are you two engaged?"
Emily grinned and nodded. "We are."
Katrina clapped her hands in excitement, and Clarence, always eager to copy, joined in. Katrina laughed. "Congratulations! That's amazing!"
Kylan nodded his agreement. "I'm happy for you both. Have you picked a date yet?"Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.
Harry shook his head. "Not yet. We just got engaged yesterday."
Katrina giggled. "We should throw a party, right, Clarence?"
"Party!" Clarence cheered, her little hands clapping.
"And there'll be cake!"
"Yummy!" Clarence beamed.
Their laughter filled the room until Katrina suddenly clamped a hand over her mouth. "Bathroom!" she blurted, darting out. Moments later, she returned, her face freshly rinsed. Kylan stood nearby, his brows furrowed in concern. "I'm fine," she assured him with a small smile. "Morning sickness. It's starting, but I can handle it."
Kylan pulled her into a warm embrace. "I'm here for you, always."
"I know," she murmured, squeezing him back. She rejoined the group, her energy bright. "So, back to the big news. I'm so happy for you two!"
Harry took her hand, giving it a squeeze. "We wanted to tell you guys first before Mom and Dad. But I've got a favor to ask from someone here." Katrina tilted her head, intrigued. "What is it?"
He turned to Aaron who raised an eyebrow at him. "Will you be my best man?"
The latter's eyes widened with delight. "I'd be honored!" he exclaimed, hugging him tightly.
Emily smirked, turning to Maine. "Well, I've got a favor for you too."
"I'm listening," Maine said with a curious tilt of his head.
"I want you to be my maid of honor. You're my best friend. Katrina is too, but she can't do it cause she will be bloated by that time. You and I have been through everything together, and don't forget, I gave you advice on how to win Aaron over." Katrina raised a brow at Maine. "Wait, you asked Emily for tips to date Aaron?"
Maine flushed. "Stop."
Emily burst into laughter. "And tips for... other things too."
Katrina hummed, her lips twitching with amusement. "Fascinating."
"You're welcome," Emily said, her grin wide.
Amidst the laughter, Harry stood. "Time to share the news with the parents. I'm sure they're already buzzing about another grandkid from my circle of friends. Did Alois knew about the news?"
Katrina nodded. "We called him earlier. Dad was practically bouncing off the walls. He'll be visiting in a few days to see Clarence."
After the two pairs left, Kylan turned to Katrina. "You know, Max also informed me he got engaged with Eleanor a month ago. When we were... you know."
Katrina smirked. "And?"
"He asked if I could become his best man."
"Oh?"
"I said yes."
"Good," she laughed, wrapping her arms around him. "So much good news lately. It's wonderful."
Kylan lifted her off her feet, planting kisses all over her face. "The best news is you having another baby."
""You're sweet," she giggled, tapping his nose.
Setting her down, he grinned slyly. "Shall we celebrate in the bedroom?"
Katrina flicked his forehead playfully. "Clarence is awake."
Clarence toddled over, tugging at her hand. "Paddle?"
Katrina's face lit up. "Of course, sweetheart! Kylan, could you set up the pool?"
With Clarence on her hip, Katrina joined Kylan outside, watching him fill the small pool with water and toys.
"Wow, Clarence, look at all the toys Daddy put in there for you!"
"Thank you, Daddy!" Clarence chirped, clapping her hands.
Kylan's smile was warm and full of love. "You're welcome, sweetheart."
As they spent the sunny afternoon laughing and playing, Katrina found herself overwhelmed with happiness. She glanced at Kylan, who was making Clarence giggle with a squeaky toy, and smiled. "Shouldn't you be working?" she teased lightly.
"Day off," Kylan replied, not missing a beat.
"You're skipping?"
"You're not my assistant anymore. You can't scold me," he teased back.
Katrina smirked knowingly. "Maybe not now... but let's see how you feel when Clarence naps."
Kylan's eyes lit up with understanding, a playful growl escaping his lips. "Yes, please." Laughing, Katrina kissed Clarence's temple. "For now, let's enjoy the sunshine, right, Clarence?" "Yes, Mommy," Clarence replied, giggling.
~0~0~0~
Kylan walked into work with a bright smile and a spring in his step,
greeting everyone he passed. He
headed to his office floor and stepped out of the elevator, immediately spotting Isabella in unusually tight and revealing clothes. Normally, he would have called her out on the unprofessional attire. Kylan preferred everyone to maintain a smart, appropriate dress code. But today, he was in too good a mood to care. Isabella, on the other hand, seemed equally cheerful. He didn't know why, nor did he particularly care. All Kylan wanted was to finish his tasks and get home to his wife, Katrina, and their daughter, Clarence.
Isabella trailed after Kylan, watching his unusually upbeat demeanor with interest. She had dressed up deliberately, believing it would catch his attention. Seeing his smile and energy, she assumed it must be because he was happy to see her. Entering his office behind him, she
handed him a stack of papers.
"Good morning, sir," she greeted sweetly. "I have all the documents you requested, and everyone has been informed about today's meetings."
"Good, good," Kylan replied, skimming the papers briefly. "Let's wrap this up quickly. I want to get out of here as soon as possible."
She tilted her head. "Oh? Do you have plans?"
He nodded, his grin widening. "I do. I need to celebrate."
"Celebrate?" Isabella echoed, her smile faltering slightly.
Kylan spread his arms, practically beaming. "Katrina's pregnant! We're having another baby!"
Isabella's face went pale, her heart sinking into her stomach. "A... baby?" she stammered.
"Yes!" Kylan said, pulling her into a friendly hug. "Isn't it incredible? I can't wait."
She stiffened but managed to plaster on a weak smile. "Congratulations."
"Thanks!" he said cheerfully, letting her go. "I'll finish up early today and head home. Thanks for these papers."
Isabella waved half-heartedly as he
walked out, then slumped into her
chair, her mind racing. Rage bubbled up within her. She had hoped to execute her plan later, but hearing about Katrina's pregnancy filled her with fury. Her mind was made up. She had to act now.
Pulling out her phone, she dialed a number, gripping the edge of her desk tightly. When the line connected, a deep voice answered.
"It's me," she said sharply. "I want... no, I need you to carry out the plan. Now."
The man on the other end chuckled. "Are you sure? Didn't you try this before with Dexter? How'd that work out?"
Her jaw tightened. "He ran off. But I trust you."
"You're crazy," the man drawled. "So, how bad do you want her in pain?"
"As bad as possible," Isabella hissed. "Make sure she suffers. But don't touch the kid."
He laughed. "Got it. But I have to say, she's a looker. Think I could... you know, have a little fun with her first?"
Isabella leaned back, a twisted smile on her face. "Shame her. Make her feel worthless. And don't use a condom."
The man grinned through the phone. "Consider it done. I'll head over now."
"Good. Call me when it's done," Isabella said, her voice cold. She ended the call and sat back, satisfied. Whatever it took, she'd make Katrina regret ever crossing her.