Love by Fate

New beginning

Daphne woke up the next morning, her hand instinctively reaching for Emmason's side of the bed. He was already up, making breakfast in the kitchen.

She smiled, feeling a sense of happiness wash over her. She was engaged! To the kindest, most loving man she'd ever met.

Natasha toddled into the room, a big smile on her face. "Mama! Daddy Emmason!"

Daphne laughed, scooping her up in a hug. "Good morning, baby! Isn't it exciting?"

Emmason came in, carrying a tray with breakfast. "Morning, girls! Ready for a big day?"

Daphne's eyes widened. "What's on the agenda?"

Emmason grinned. "I thought we'd start looking at venues for the wedding. And maybe pick a date?"

Daphne's heart skipped a beat. It was really happening.

They spent the day venue-hopping, falling in love with a beautiful garden spot in the suburbs. The owner, a warm woman named Mrs. Patel, showed them around the lush gardens and cozy reception area.

"This is it," Daphne said, her eyes shining at Emmason. "This is our place."

Emmason smiled, pulling her into a hug. "I agree. Let's book it."

As they finalized the details, Daphne's phone buzzed. It was Alex. Again.

She hesitated, not wanting to ruin the mood. But Emmason noticed her expression. "Who is it?"

Daphne sighed. "It's Alex. I don't know what he wants."

Emmason's expression turned protective. "I'll handle it."

Daphne hesitated, unsure if she wanted Emmason to get involved. But he took the phone from her, his expression calm. "I'll talk to him, Daphne. Okay?"

Emmason stepped outside, answering the phone. "Alex, what's going on?"

Alex's voice was cold on the other end. "I heard about the engagement, Emmason. Congratulations. But I need to talk to Daphne. Now."

Emmason's tone turned firm. "Alex, Daphne's moved on. You need to respect that."

Alex laughed, a bitter sound. "I don't think so, Emmason. This is about Natasha. I'll be seeing her soon, and there's nothing you can do to stop it."

Emmason's expression darkened. "You're not going to cause trouble, Alex. Daphne's got a lawyer. You don't want to mess with this."

The conversation ended abruptly, with Alex hanging up. Emmason came back inside, his expression concerned.

"Everything okay?" Daphne asked, noticing his expression.

Emmason pulled her close. "Yeah, don't worry. I handled it. Let's focus on the wedding, okay?"

Daphne nodded, pushing Alex's words aside. She was happy, and she wouldn't let him ruin it.

The wedding planning continued, with Emmason and Daphne making decisions on everything from flowers to music. Natasha was thrilled to be a flower girl, and Marion was busy helping with the preparations.

A week before the wedding, Emmason took Daphne on a surprise trip. "Pack a bag," he'd said, his eyes sparkling.

They ended up at a cozy lodge on Lake Victoria, the sun setting over the water. Emmason pulled out a small box, opening it to reveal a beautiful necklace.

"For my bride-to-be," he said, his voice low.

Daphne's eyes welled up as he fastened the necklace around her neck. "It's beautiful, Emmason."

As they watched the stars come out, Daphne felt a sense of peace. She was ready for this new chapter.