The Forbidden Throb (Emma and Daniel) novel Chapter 19

Chapter 19

Emma’s POV:

“No! The word came out sharper than I intended.

I glanced at Daniel, who was reviewing my chart, though I suspected he could hear every word.

“That won’t be necessary. I’m fine on my own.”

“But Emma-

含43%創

“I’m really tired. The doctor needs to check on me. Bye.”

I ended the call before I had to hear another word about Nicholas, letting the phone drop onto the blanket.

When I looked up, I found Daniel watching me, his expression unreadable behind his glasses.

Heat rushed to my face that had nothing to do with my fever. He must have heard everything my mother said – Victoria always talked too loudly, and my ancient phone’s speaker worked a little too well.

“Sorry about that,” I mumbled, placing my phone on the bedside table.

Daniel adjusted something on my IV drip, his movements precise. “You haven’t told your family about the breakup,” he said. It wasn’t a

question.

I swallowed hard. “No. Not yet.”

He nodded once, his eyes meeting mine. ” Are you waiting for Nicholas to change his mind? To come back to you?”

“What? No!” I exclaimed, then winced as my throat protested the sudden volume.

“That’s not it at all. I promise you, I have absolutely no interest in getting back together with Nicholas. That chapter is completely closed.”

I shifted uncomfortably under Daniel’s steady gaze.

“It’s… complicated. The whole situation with our families…” I trailed off, mother, trying to cling to his family name or status or whatever.

en felt compelled to clarify. I don’t want him to think I’m like my

“My grandmother is getting older,” I said softly. “She’s been looking forwar to this… connection between our families for years. She talks about it like it’s my grandfather’s legacy, you know? Her health isn’t the best, and I’m worried about how she might take the news.” I swallowed against the tightness in my throat,

“It’s alright, Daniel said, his voice calm. “Family expectations can be difficult to navigate.”

I nodded, grateful for his understanding. “I just need some time to figure out how to tell them. I promise I won’t be hanging around your family events or causing any awkwardness. Once I’m feeling better, I’ll find the right moment to explain everything to my family.”

Daniel was quiet for a moment, his gaze thoughtful as he checked the motors beside my bed. Then he said something that made me wonder if my fever was causing hallucinations.

O

1/3

10:55 Mon, Mar 9 MM.

Chapter 19

“Perhaps you don’t need to tell your family about the breakup at all.”

1 blinked at him, confused. “What?”

He turned to face me fully, his expression serious. “The Prescott family has more than one son, Emma.”

My heart skipped a beat as I processed his words. Surely he isn’t suggesting

43%日

“I’m not married,” Daniel continued, his voice matter-of-fact. “If you were with me instead of Nicholas, the arrangement between our families

would still be fulfilled.”

I stared at him, certain I must have misheard.

Daniel Prescott-brilliant surgeon, Harvard professor, the embodiment of everything accomplished and untouchable-was suggesting… what

exactly? That we pretend to date? That we actually date?

My fever-addled brain struggled to make sense of his words.

“I don’t understand,” I finally managed, my voice barely above a whisper.

“What I’m saying,” Daniel replied, his voice measured and calm, “is that if you’re willing, I can handle the rest. The family expectations, the

arrangements-all of it.”

I stared at him, searching his face for any sign that this was some elaborate joke or fever-induced hallucination.

But his expression remained serious, his eyes steady on mine.

“Why would you do that?” I asked, my heart beating uncomfortably fast. “Why would you want to help me with this? Someone like you…”

I trailed off, not quite sure how to phrase it without sounding ridiculous.

Someone like you could have anyone. There must be a line of accomplished, sophisticated women eager to marry into your family. Why would you even

consider someone like me?

He spoke with the same methodical precision he probably used when explaining medical procedures.

“I’ve been avoiding the numerous matchmaking attempts my family arranges. My schedule at the hospital leaves little time for conventional

dating.”

His eyes met mine directly.

“You’re also someone my grandfather has already approved of as a suitable addition to the family.

The way he said it-so matter-of-fact, as if discussing a medical diagnosis ather than a potential life partnership-made me realize how differently we viewed this situation,

For him, this was a logical solution to multiple problems: family expectations, his need for a socially acceptable marriage, the convenience of choosing someone pre-approved by the family patriarch.

“I… I don’t know what to say,” I stammered, fingers nervously plucking at he edge of the hospital blanket. This is all very sudden.”

O

2/3

10:55 Mon, Mar 9 MM.

Chapter 19

Take some time to consider it,” Daniel said with a slight nod. “There’s no jush to decide.”.

A light knock interrupted us, and a nurse poked her head in.

“Dr. Prescott? They need you in trauma room three.”

I’ll be right there, he replied, immediately straightening his shoulders, the consummate professional once more.

As he moved toward the door, he paused, his hand on the doorframe.

“One more thing to consider, Emma.” His voice was quieter now, almost ca xing. “Wouldn’t you like to see Nicholas’s face when he realizes

we’re together?”

Before I could respond, he was gone, the door closing softly behind him.

43%

I stared at the empty doorway, my mind reeling. Had Dr. Daniel Prescott, the epitome of professional restraint, just suggested I consider using our relationship to get back at his brother?

I sank back against the pillows, suddenly exhausted.

The medication was pulling me under, making my eyelids unbearably heavy. The white hospital ceiling blurred and shifted as I drifted in and

out of consciousness.

What exactly do you want, Daniel? I wondered as darkness closed in. And why me, of all people?

Fragments of dreams began to weave between my thoughts-Nicholas’s laughing face dissolving into Daniel’s gentle eyes. His tall figure appeared in every scene, sometimes speaking words I couldn’t quite hear, sometimes just watching me with that unreadable expression of his.

Even in my dreams, he remained an enigma.

Comments

1

III

Write Comments

O

SHARE

3/3

10:55 Mon, Mar 9 MMO