Oops I Banged the CEO novel Chapter 9

In the hospital room, Marico gazed at his grandmother’s pale face behind the oxygen mask, his usually cool expression shadowed by worry.

His phone buzzed.

He slipped it from the pocket of his suit jacket and glanced at the screen: a new friend request.

A flicker of sharpness passed through Marico’s eyes as he tapped “Accept.”

It was a request from Yvonne, accompanied by a brief message. Marico replied with a single word: “Deal.”

Yvonne hadn’t expected him to respond so quickly.

Seeing that one word, she brushed away her tears and, with trembling fingers, typed back: “Come pick me up. Let’s talk.”

His answers were always short, but that word—just that—felt like a lifeline.

She no longer held out hope for marriage; maybe a relationship that served both their needs was good enough.

Yvonne sent him her location. As soon as she hit send, her phone shut off—whether from dead battery or water damage from the rain, she didn’t know.

If he came, she’d marry him.

If not, then so be it.

Marico slipped his phone away and prepared to stand, but his grandmother’s frail hand grasped his.

Mrs. Hamilton was stirring, showing signs of waking.

“You little rascal…”

“Gran, I didn’t mean to upset you. I’ve met someone I care about, and I’m planning to get married tomorrow. So, please, don’t be upset anymore, okay?”

His voice was gentle, almost coaxing.

Hearing this, a faint brightness returned to Mrs. Hamilton’s weary eyes. “Really?”

Her joy made her try to sit up.

Marico gently pressed her shoulder and pulled the blanket up around her, soothing her softly. “Really. I’m going to pick her up now, and I’ll bring her to see you tomorrow morning. Get some rest, Gran.”

“Alright… but you mustn’t lie to me.”

“I won’t,” Marico promised, nodding.

Surprise flickered across her tear-streaked face.

The Mercedes glided to a stop. The storm was so fierce Marico didn’t even bother with an umbrella as he stepped out—within seconds, he was drenched.

He spotted her standing there, small and forlorn, her eyes full of hurt—like an abandoned puppy, pitiful and defenseless.

The sight tugged at something deep inside him.

“Get in.” Marico didn’t ask questions. He strode over, took the suitcase from her trembling hands, and opened the door.

Despite the roar of the storm, his voice rang clear.

Yvonne’s tears spilled over again.

“I thought you weren’t coming,” she choked out, her swollen eyes shining as she looked up at him.

The wind and rain had left her shaking, but as Marico appeared, a fragile sense of safety settled in her chest—as if he’d brought a glimmer of light into her darkness.

Her tears shifted from anguish to relief, her eyes brightening.

Marico took in her soaked, shivering form, then gently took her hand and led her to the passenger seat. “Come on. Let’s get you out of the rain.”