Emma's stomach twisted with regret the moment she read Daniel's message. Panic surged through her veins, her hands shaking as she clutched her phone.
My instincts were right. I want us to keep the baby. I will take full responsibility.
"Oh God… what have I done?" Her voice came out in a whisper, her breath shallow.
She ran to the bathroom, dropping to her knees in front of the toilet. With desperation clawing at her throat, she forced her fingers deep into her mouth, gagging as she tried to expel the pill. Her body resisted, but she pushed further, willing herself to vomit. Tears streamed down her face as she retched violently.
Then it happened. The bitter taste of bile and remnants of her breakfast filled her mouth as she vomited into the toilet bowl. Gasping for air, she desperately searched through the mess, her hands shaking as she counted.
One. Two. Three. Four.
All four pills were there. Relief flooded her chest, followed by an overwhelming wave of emotion. She sobbed, half in gratitude, half in exhaustion.
"Thank you, God," she whispered, pressing a trembling hand against her stomach.
She wiped her mouth and stumbled back into the bedroom, grabbing her phone with shaking fingers. Her heart pounded as she typed a response to Daniel.
Yes, I'll meet you tomorrow.
Without a second thought, she dialed Ava's number.
"Ava," she gasped as soon as her best friend picked up.
"Emma? What happened?"
"I almost did something terrible," Emma confessed, tears streaming down her cheeks. "I took the pills, Ava, but I threw them up. Daniel… he wants to keep the baby."
Ava let out a relieved sigh. "Oh, thank God! I knew texting Daniel was a good idea. What did he say exactly?"
"He said he knew it, Ava. That his instincts were right. He said he'll take full responsibility."
Ava squealed. "Oh my God! Emma, this is amazing! A rich, powerful CEO wants to take care of you and the baby? Girl, this is a blessing!"
Emma wiped her tears, a strange warmth spreading through her chest. "I don't know, Ava… what if he's just saying it out of guilt?"
"Are you kidding me?" Ava scoffed. "Men like Daniel Monroe don't say things they don't mean. If he said he's taking responsibility, he means it."
Emma bit her lip, hope creeping into her heart. "I need to pray, Ava. Tomorrow… tomorrow is going to change everything."
***
The next morning, Emma stood in front of the mirror, her heart hammering as she tried to steady her nerves. Ava sat on the bed, watching her with excitement.
"You need to look drop-dead gorgeous," Ava said, rifling through the closet. "Daniel is going to fall head over heels for you."
Emma laughed nervously. "Ava, this isn't a date. It's just a meeting."
Ava tossed a sleek, form-fitting dress onto the bed. "Yeah, well, there's no harm in making an impression. Wear this."
Emma hesitated before slipping into the dress. It hugged her curves perfectly, accentuating her figure without being too revealing. Ava clapped her hands in approval.
"You look stunning," Ava said. "Now, let's do your makeup."
Just as Ava was putting the finishing touches on Emma's look, her phone buzzed. A message from Daniel.
I'm on my way.
Emma's stomach flipped. "Oh God, he's on his way. I need to hurry."
"Relax," Ava chuckled, giving her a once-over. "You're perfect. Now go get your man."
***
The restaurant was upscale, the kind of place where people in designer suits discussed million-dollar deals. Emma walked in, her heart pounding, scanning the room until her eyes landed on him.
Daniel Monroe.
He sat in a corner booth, effortlessly commanding attention without trying. The crisp, tailored suit he wore hugged his broad shoulders and tapered down to his lean waist. His strong jawline, dusted with just the right amount of stubble, only added to his masculine allure. But it was his eyes that made Emma's breath hitch, deep, piercing blue, holding an intensity that made her knees weak.
As soon as their eyes met, he stood up, his movements slow and deliberate, exuding confidence. He walked toward her with purpose, his gaze never leaving hers.
"Emma." His voice was rich, smooth, like honey drizzled over warm bread. "You look beautiful."
Emma's breath hitched. "Th-thank you."
He gestured toward the booth. "Sit. You must be hungry."
She slid into the seat, feeling the warmth of his presence settle around her. A waiter approached almost immediately, and before Emma could reach for the menu, Daniel looked at her.
"What would you like to eat?"
Emma blinked, caught off guard. No man had ever asked her that before. They had always ordered for her, but here was Daniel, waiting for her to decide.
"I—um." She quickly glanced at the menu. "Grilled salmon with roasted vegetables and a fresh mango juice."
Daniel gave a pleased nod before turning to the waiter. "You heard the lady. And I'll have the same."
Emma couldn't help but smile. Something about this moment, this small act of consideration, made her heart swell.
As the waiter left, Daniel leaned forward, his gaze never wavering. "Tell me everything, Emma. No holding back."
She hesitated, not knowing where to begin. But his eyes held no judgment, only certainty—an unwavering determination that sent a rush of warmth through her.
"I've been scared," she admitted softly. "I didn't plan for this pregnancy. And with everything that's happened… I didn't know if I could handle it."
Daniel reached for her hand, his touch firm and reassuring. "I saw you in that hospital and the look in your eyes convinced me that my thoughts were right. When I saw your text, it was as though it was expected"
Emma bit her lip, emotions threatening to overwhelm her. "You barely know me. I didn't think you would want me or the baby, that's why it took me so much time to let you know."
His thumb brushed over the back of her hand. "My instincts have never failed me. From the moment I met you, I knew you were special. And now, knowing that you're carrying my child?" His voice deepened. "There's no question. I want this."
A lump formed in Emma's throat. She had spent so much of her life feeling like an afterthought—like she had to fight for scraps of affection. But here was Daniel, speaking with absolute conviction, offering her something she never thought she'd have: security.
He studied her, as if reading her mind. "I don't want you to struggle, Emma. I want you to be comfortable. To feel safe. Would you consider moving in with me?"
Emma's heart slammed against her ribs. The idea of living under the same roof as him, being surrounded by his presence, was almost too much. It was tempting—so tempting. But she wasn't ready.
"Maybe later," she said softly. "Maybe during the midterm of the pregnancy."
His lips curled into a smirk, as if he had expected that answer. "Fair enough. I'll wait."
The air between them shifted, something deeper settling in. A silent understanding. A shared connection.
Daniel lifted her hand to his lips, brushing a kiss against her knuckles. "Whatever happens, Emma, you're not alone."