BOUGHT BY THE BILLIONAIRE

THE SURGERY

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*Chapter 9: THE SURGERY*

The hospital smelled like fear and bleach.

Chioma sat on the cold plastic chair outside the theater, hands shaking. Her eyes were red, swollen from crying. Ada’s name was on the surgery door. 50 million naira surgery. Her sister’s only chance.

She didn’t hear footsteps until a jacket was dropped over her shoulders.

Daniel.

He didn’t say a word. Just sat beside her. Close enough that their arms touched. He was still in his black suit, tie loosened. He’d left the board meeting for this.

“You shouldn’t be here,” Chioma whispered, voice hoarse.

“Where else would I be?” Daniel stared at the operating light. “The man who signed your contract is supposed to show up.”

Chioma laughed bitterly. “It’s just a contract marriage. Not real.”

Daniel turned to her. His dark eyes had no coldness tonight. Just... pain. “Tell that to my chest, Chioma. It’s been hurting since you said your sister might die.”

She looked away. Tears fell again.

Hours passed. The light stayed red. Doctors went in and out. Chioma prayed every prayer she knew. Daniel didn’t move. He just stayed. Every time she flinched, his hand would hover near hers... then pull back. Contract marriage. No touching.

At 3am, the surgeon came out.

Chioma stood up so fast her legs almost gave out. “Doctor? Is she—”

“The surgery was successful,” the doctor said. “She’ll wake up in a few hours. But she needs 24 hour care.”

Chioma collapsed to her knees and cried. Not quiet tears. Ugly, desperate sobs. Relief + fear + exhaustion all at once.

Daniel didn’t think. He just pulled her into his chest.

“Shh. It’s over. You did it.” His voice was low, rough. Like he was trying not to break too.

Chioma clutched his shirt. “I’m so scared, Daniel. What if she doesn’t wake up? What if—”

“She will.” He cut her off, pressing his lips to her hair. Just for 2 seconds. Then he remembered. Contract. He pulled back.

But Chioma saw it. The way his hand shook when he stood up.

“Go home, Daniel. You have work.”

He looked at her, then at the surgery room where Ada was. “I’m not going anywhere. I’ll sleep on that chair if I have to.”

“You don’t have to—”

“I said I’m not going anywhere, Chioma.” His tone left no room for argument. Billionaire CEO mode.

So he stayed. Head tilted back, eyes closed. But he didn’t sleep. Not once. Every 5 minutes his eyes would flick to the door, then to her.

Chioma watched him. This cold, rich man who hated women... stayed awake all night for her sister. For her.

And for the first time, she wondered:

Was this contract marriage... already breaking him too?

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*End of Chapter 9*