The Forbidden Throb (Emma and Daniel) novel Chapter 118

Chapter 118

R

The silence that followed my confession felt infinite

Viser Laurens munth hang open in a perfect o of surprise, while Sarah’s eyes had grow comically wide

I could feel heat creeping up my neck, spreading across my cheeks like wildfire.

Dr. Prest, Professor Laurent finally managed, her voice climbing an octave. The man who just shook your hand?

I nodded, my fingers instinctively moving to the bracelet on my wrist-the purple amethyst four-leaf clover Daniel had given me

The metal felt cool and solid under my touch, grounding me as I struggled to maintain composure.

Professor Laurent leaned forward, her expression shifting from shock to intense curiosity. “Wait… Prescott. Your ex-boyfriend was Nicholas Prescott, right? Same last name…

I took a deep breath, letting it out slowly.

There was no point in hiding it now, Daniel is Nicholas’s older brother,”

The words hung in the air between us.

Sarah’s hand flew to her mouth, Professor Laurent simply stared, blinking rapidly as if trying to process this information.

For several long seconds, neither of them spoke.

You married your ex-boyfriend’s brother? Sarah finally whispered, her voice a mixture of awe and disbelief.

My face burned hotter. Yes, but it wasn’t like that. It’s complicated.”

Complicated, Professor Laurent echoed, still looking dazed.

I nodded, clinging to the story Daniel and I had constructed. Our families go way back There was an informal arrangement augmally between Nicholas and me, since we were closer in age.”

I paused, feeling the familiar twist of discomfort at the mention of his name But it became clear pretty quickly that Nicholas and I waves! compatible. After we split, Daniel and I just searched for the right words, found our way to each other

It sounded more natural than the truth. Cleaner Less like a desperate transaction boon from heartbreak and family obligation

It sounded more convincing each time I said it Maybe that was dangerous

to be’s been in love with you all along! Sarah’s tone was dreamy, romantic

That’s actually beautiful

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Chapter 118

PPP

I offered a shy smile, ducking my head.

But the truth was, I didn’t know what to say.

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The medical team emerged, Daniel at the forefront.

Even from a distance, he commanded attention-the deep gray cashmere overcoat over his three-piece suit, the subtle gleam of his wire-rim glasses, the way he carried himself with that perfect blend of authority and grace.

‘He looks like he walked out of a medical journal cover, Sarah murmured beside me.

I watched as Daniel engaged with the other physicians, his posture relaxed yet somehow distant.

‘How did a girl like you end up with someone like… that? Professor Laurent’s question wasn’t unkind, just genuinely bewildered.

Pride warred with uncertainty in my chest.

‘He’s not as intimidating as he seems,” I said softly, surprising myself with the truth of it.

I pulled out my phone, preparing to text Daniel about having already confessed our relationship, when I noticed a gate agent approaching with a tablet, her professional smile firmly in place.

My stomach tightened. Is something wrong? Overbooking?

“Excuse me, are you Miss Emma Johnson?” she asked in accented English.

“Yes?”

“Mr. Prescott has arranged complimentary upgrades to La Première for your party.”

I stared at her blankly. “La… what?”

“La Première,” she repeated, her smile widening. “It’s Air France’s premier first-class suite service. Professor Laurent and Miss Martinez’s seats have also been arranged. Someone will come to escort them shortly. If you’ll follow me?”

I glanced back at Professor Laurent and Sarah.

They sat watching me with knowing smiles. The unspoken message was clear: Your husband certainly knows how to take care of you.

Heat flooded my cheeks. I managed a small nod, trying to ignore their conspiratorial looks, and followed the agent down the aisle.

The agent led me through the aircraft, past business class, past premium economy.

Each transition marked a visible upgrade in space and luxury, and with each step, I felt more acutely aware of the distance between Daniel’s world and mine.

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1:56 am

Chapter 118

The agent sgged before a private door marked “Suite |A

li pusbed open the fort

The out beyond stole my breath An enclosed private space with a seat that converted to a fully flat bed-already made up with pristine white

tems and a Gong nary throw blanket folded at the foot.

A Harmes marty kat rested on the side table. Soft amber lighting. The subtle scent of Diptyque candles-blackcurrant and rose. A mini bar with champagne chilling in an ice bucket. The window overlooked Boston’s glittering nightscape.

it was more lozofious than any hotel room I’d ever seen.

Trenurseryes fond mine, something in his expression softened-a brief, unguarded moment.

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