Oops I Banged the CEO novel Chapter 177

What’s there to be afraid of?

When Yvonne heard the question, a line she’d read somewhere flashed through her mind—she couldn’t quite remember where. If you’re willing to forgo wild joy, you’ll avoid devastating heartbreak.

The shadows of growing up were etched deep within her; she couldn’t bring herself to trust him completely. No matter how well he treated her—so much that it sometimes left her dizzy—when she came back to her senses, she always managed to pull herself out of that haze of emotion.

Those who feel loved move through the world with confidence; those who’ve known only loneliness are always tiptoeing around, afraid to break something fragile.

She worried he was just caught up in the moment. But more than anything, she feared she wouldn’t be able to protect her own heart—and in the end, she’d be left in pieces.

Yvonne looked at Marico, whose expression flickered with a trace of wounded anger. Out of nowhere, a wave of sadness washed over her—an ache rising in her chest as if someone had sprinkled salt right into the raw center of her heart.

They held each other’s gaze for what felt like half a minute.

In the end, Marico didn’t press her for an answer. His dark eyes shuttered, hiding away whatever emotion had just surfaced.

Seeing the guarded, bittersweet look in her eyes, his resolve softened.

“Take your time to think about it. There’s no rush to give me an answer,” Marico said, offering her a way out—one that gave them both a little breathing room.

Yvonne nodded. “Okay.”

After replying, she turned and left his office.

A heaviness lingered in her chest. She wasn’t sure if she’d imagined it, but when she’d looked into Marico’s eyes just now, had she seen a hint of hurt there?

God… Everything felt so complicated.

She hadn’t even made it out of the elevator before her phone chimed—a new message from Marico. He’d sent her a file.

She opened it to find photos of wedding dresses and evening gowns.

“Seriously, if Mr. Hamilton’s taking you on a trip, that means he trusts you. I’ve been here for years, and I’ve never seen him take anyone outside the office on a business trip,” Linda chimed in.

And that was exactly why Yvonne’s head hurt!

The trip hadn’t even happened yet, and already she felt like everyone was watching her, waiting for her to slip up.

If she actually went and came back, they’d probably strip her bare with their questions.

Marico really was just setting her up for trouble.

She couldn’t help but wonder if he’d taken her sarcastic comment from last night to heart. Maybe that’s why he insisted she go try on wedding dresses.

Possessive maniac.

“Yvonne, since Mr. Hamilton’s having you join him for the business trip, he must really trust you. Why don’t you come with me to the investor conference this afternoon? It’ll give you some experience—better than making a mistake in front of clients,” Linda said, walking over. Her usual stern expression was replaced with a surprisingly warm smile.