Love by Fate

Rushed to hospital

Daphne's heart froze. "Natasha! What's wrong?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Marion rushed to her side, grabbing her hands. "She's okay, Daphne. She had a high fever, and Mrs. K took her to the hospital. I just got the call."

Daphne's mind was racing. Hospital. Fever. Natasha.

"Let's go," she said, already heading for the door.

Emmason appeared beside her, his face concerned. "I'll drive you. Let's go."

The trip to the hospital was a blur. Daphne's thoughts were with Natasha, praying she was okay. Emmason dropped them at the emergency entrance, and Marion rushed in with Daphne.

The hospital smell hit Daphne like a slap. She felt like she was in a nightmare.

Natasha was in a private room, looking tiny in the big hospital bed. She was asleep, an oxygen mask on her face. Daphne's heart ached.

The doctor came in, a kind-looking woman with a warm smile. "Natasha's going to be okay. She had a severe respiratory infection. We'll keep her overnight for observation."

Daphne felt a wave of relief wash over her. Okay. She'll be okay.

Marion hugged her tight. "I told you, sis. She's gonna be fine."

As they settled in for the night, Daphne couldn't help but think about Emmason. He'd been there for her. Again.

The next morning, Natasha was better, her tiny smile back. Daphne felt like she could breathe again.

Emmason came to visit, bringing flowers and a stuffed toy for Natasha. Daphne's heart melted.

"Thanks," she said, feeling grateful.

Emmason smiled. "No problem. I'm glad she's okay."

As he left, Daphne realized something. She was falling for Emmason. Hard.

Daphne spent the day by Natasha's bedside, watching her sleep, and marveling at her tiny fingers. The doctor had said she could go home soon, and Daphne couldn't wait.

As the sun began to set, Emmason texted her. "Hey, how's Natasha doing?"

Daphne smiled, feeling a warmth in her chest. "She's better. Thanks for asking ."

Emmason replied instantly. "Glad to hear that. Can I come visit tomorrow?"

Daphne's heart skipped a beat. She wanted to say yes, but Marion was watching her like a hawk.

"Yeah, sure," she replied, trying to sound casual.

The next day, Emmason arrived with a big smile and a bag of goodies for Natasha. Daphne couldn't help but notice how kind he was to her daughter.

As they chatted, Marion walked in, her expression unreadable. "Hey, Emmason," she said, her tone neutral.

Emmason nodded, his smile not faltering. "Hey, Marion. How's it going?"

Marion's gaze flicked to Daphne, then back to Emmason. "It's going. Daphne, can I talk to you for a minute?"

Daphne's heart sank. What was Marion going to say now?

She followed Marion out into the hallway, her stomach twisting. "What's up?"

Marion's expression was serious. "Daphne, I know you like Emmason, but are you sure this is a good idea?"

Daphne sighed, feeling defensive. "Marion, I can handle this. Okay?"

Marion rubbed her temples, a frustrated gesture. "I just don't want you to get hurt, Daphne."

Daphne softened, realizing Marion was coming from a good place. "I know, Marion. But I need to make my own decisions."

Marion nodded, her eyes sad. "Okay, sis. Just be careful."

As they headed back to Natasha's room, Daphne felt a sense of determination. She was going to make this work, no matter what.

Daphne and Marion went back to Natasha's room, the conversation lingering in the air. Emmason was playing with Natasha, making silly faces at her, and Daphne couldn't help but smile.

As the day went on, the hospital staff brought lunch, and Daphne sat with Emmason and Natasha, feeling a sense of normalcy. Marion excused herself, saying she needed to run some errands.

After lunch, Emmason walked Daphne to the hospital café, his expression turning serious. "Daphne, can I ask you something?"

Daphne's heart skipped a beat. "What is it?"

Emmason took a deep breath. "I really like you, Daphne. And I think you're amazing with Natasha. Would you... want to go out with me? Like, officially?"

Daphne felt a rush of happiness. No one had ever asked her out before, not like this.

But before she could answer, her phone buzzed. It was a message from an unknown number. "Daphne, it's been a while. We need to talk."

Daphne's heart sank. Who was this?

Emmason noticed her expression. "Everything okay?"

Daphne shook her head, feeling a shiver run down her spine. "I... I don't know."

Daphne's mind was racing as she stared at the message. Who was this person, and what did they want? The words seemed to hang in the air, making her feel uneasy.

Emmason's expression turned concerned. "Daphne, what's wrong? You look like you've seen a ghost."

Daphne hesitated, unsure if she should share this with him. But something about Emmason's kind eyes made her want to trust him.

"Someone sent me a message," she said, showing him the phone. "I don't know who it is."

Emmason's face darkened as he read the message. "We need to talk," he repeated, his voice low. "Do you think it's someone from your past?"

Daphne's heart skipped a beat. She hadn't thought about her past in a long time, not since she'd moved to Uganda with Marion. Could this be connected to... him?

"I don't know," she said, feeling a shiver run down her spine. "But I need to find out."

Emmason's expression turned determined. "We'll figure it out, okay? I'll help you."

Daphne felt a surge of gratitude towards him. She wasn't alone in this.

Just then, Marion walked into the café, her eyes scanning the room. When she spotted Daphne and Emmason, her expression changed, a mix of surprise and concern.

"What's going on?" Marion asked, hurrying to their table.

Daphne showed her the message, watching as Marion's face paled. "We need to talk about this," Marion said, her voice low and urgent.

Daphne's instincts told her that Marion knew something. But what?