Chapter 7:A Father's Battle
512 Words
Cinta's heart pounded as Emmanuel sped through the busy streets. She clutched her phone tightly, silently praying that her father would be okay.
"Please... nothing must happen to him," she whispered.
Emmanuel glanced at her. "Stay strong. We'll get there."
When they arrived at her house, a crowd had already gathered outside. Neighbors stood in small groups, whispering among themselves.
Cinta rushed inside.
Her father was lying on the living room floor while two men carefully lifted him onto a stretcher.
"Dad!" she cried.
Mrs. Okafor held back tears.
"The doctor says his blood pressure became dangerously high."
An ambulance rushed him to the hospital, with Cinta and her mother close behind. Emmanuel followed in his car.
---
At the hospital, the waiting room felt colder than ever.
Minutes turned into hours.
Finally, the doctor walked out.
"The patient is stable now," he announced. "However, he must avoid stress and get proper treatment. If he doesn't, the next attack could be much worse."
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
Cinta thanked God under her breath.
As they entered the hospital room, her father slowly opened his eyes.
His gaze fell on Emmanuel.
"And who is this?" he asked weakly.
Before Cinta could answer, Emmanuel stepped forward politely.
"My name is Emmanuel. I'm a friend of your daughter."
Mr. Okafor looked from Emmanuel to Cinta but said nothing.
---
Later that evening, Cinta sat alone in the hospital corridor.
She stared at her hands.
"If I hadn't argued with Dad... maybe this wouldn't have happened."
Tears rolled down her cheeks.
Emmanuel sat beside her.
"This isn't your fault."
"But he became sick because of all the stress."
"He became sick because he's carrying too much on his shoulders," Emmanuel replied gently. "Don't blame yourself."
For the first time since arriving at the hospital, Cinta felt a little lighter.
---
The next morning, the doctor handed Mrs. Okafor a list of medications and treatment costs.
Her face turned pale.
"How are we going to afford this?" she whispered.
Cinta looked at the bill in shock.
It was far beyond what the family could pay.
Without saying a word, Emmanuel walked to the payment desk.
"I'll take care of it," he told the cashier.
When Cinta realized what he had done, she hurried after him.
"No, Emmanuel! I can't let you do that."
He smiled warmly.
"I'm not doing this out of pity. I'm helping because I believe in you and your family."
Cinta's eyes filled with tears.
"Thank you... I don't even know how to repay you."
"You already will," he replied. "Finish the dress. Chase your dream."
Just then, someone watched them from the end of the hallway.
Vanessa.
She had seen everything.
A jealous smile spread across her face.
"So," she murmured, "it's not just business anymore."
She pulled out her phone.
"If I can't stop Cinta with words... I'll destroy her reputation."
End of Chapter 7
Cliffhanger: Vanessa is planning a dangerous scheme that could ruin Cinta's name before the birthday gala. Will Cinta discover the truth before it's too late?
- Writer
