BOUGHT BY THE BILLIONAIRE

POSSESSIVE

---

*Chapter 20: POSSESSIVE*

It was just coffee.

Chioma was at the hospital café, buying Ada juice. She wore jeans + Daniel’s oversized hoodie. Hair in a messy bun. No makeup.

The man at the counter smiled at her. Tall. Doctor coat. Young. “You’re here every day,” he said, sliding her juice over. “Your sister is lucky to have you. I’m Dr. Tunde.”

Chioma smiled back, polite. “Thank you, Dr. Tunde. She’s a fighter.”

“Coffee on me,” he said, pushing a cup toward her. “You look tired. CEO husband not letting you sleep?”

Chioma laughed, small. “Something like that.”

She didn’t see Daniel behind her.

But she felt the temperature drop 10 degrees.

“Dr. Tunde,” Daniel’s voice cut through like ice. Cold. Final.

Chioma spun around. Daniel stood there, suit perfect, face blank. But his eyes... his eyes were dark. Possessive. Dangerous.

Dr. Tunde’s smile vanished. “Mr. Okoye. I was just—”

“Being dismissed,” Daniel finished. He stepped closer to Chioma. Close. His arm went around her waist. Not gentle. Claiming. “My wife doesn’t take coffee from strange men. Rule #27.”

Chioma’s face burned. “Daniel, he was just being kind—”

Daniel’s hand tightened on her waist. “Kindness from other men is not allowed, Chioma.”

The café went silent. Nurses stared. Dr. Tunde swallowed hard.

Daniel turned to him. Smile sharp, but eyes dead. “If you want to keep your job at this hospital, you’ll forget her face. Forget her name. Forget she exists. Understood?”

Dr. Tunde nodded fast. “Yes, sir. Sorry, sir.” He walked away quickly.

Daniel looked down at Chioma. CEO mask back on. Perfect. Untouched.

Except his thumb was rubbing slow, angry circles on her hip. Through the hoodie. Possessive.

“Car,” he said. One word.

They walked out in silence. Daniel’s hand never left her waist. Not until they were in the car, doors locked.

Then he let go. Like she burned him.

He stared straight ahead. Jaw clenched. Hands gripping the steering wheel until knuckles went white.

“You’re married,” he said finally. Voice low. Rough. “To me. Even if it’s fake. Especially because it’s fake.”

Chioma stared at her lap. “I know. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry,” Daniel snapped. Then stopped. Breathed. “Just... don’t smile at other men. Don’t take coffee. Don’t talk to them.”

Chioma looked up. “Clause 7 says no feelings, Daniel. Not no talking.”

Daniel slammed his hand on the steering wheel. Car shook.

“Clause 7 is a lie!” he exploded. Then instantly regretted it. He closed his eyes. Breathed hard. “I mean... Clause 7 is active. Forget what I said.”

Silence. Heavy.

Chioma whispered, testing: “Igwe.”

Daniel’s whole body went still.

“What did you say?” His voice was barely there.

Chioma swallowed. “Igwe. It means... king. My friend calls her husband that.”

Daniel turned to her slowly. Eyes dark. Hungry. Torn.

For 5 seconds he just stared at her lips. Like he was at war with himself.

Then he reached out. One finger. Tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. Touch so light it hurt.

“No one calls me that,” he said quietly. Rough. “Except you. Now.”

His finger stayed on her cheek for 1 second too long. Warm. Shaking slightly.

Then he dropped his hand. Started the car. CEO mask back.

“Rule #1: Don’t call me Igwe again,” he said. But his voice broke on the word.

Chioma smiled small. “Yes, Igwe.”

Daniel’s grip on the wheel tightened. But he didn’t tell her to stop.

Clause 7 said no feelings.

But Daniel Okoye just went caveman CEO for her... and let her call him king.

He was done lying to himself.

*End of Chapter 20*

---