The Sunday sun spilled through the stained-glass windows of Grace Chapel International, painting the altar in colors of red, gold, and green. The choir's voices rose in unison, and the church was alive with worship.
Amara Johnson adjusted her dress as she slipped into the front pew reserved for her family. Being the only daughter of Pastor Emmanuel Johnson came with expectations she could never escape. Smiling politely at the ushers, she sank into her seat and tried to steady her heart. It was her first Sunday back home after four years at university, and she already felt the weight of watchful eyes.
From the corner of her vision, she noticed him.
He stood at the pulpit, guitar slung across his chest, eyes closed as he sang. His voice was deep, carrying both strength and brokenness.
"You are worthy, oh Lord…"
The congregation joined, but Amara felt as though his voice reached straight for her.
Daniel Okafor. The worship leader her friends back home wouldn't stop talking about. She had seen his videos online, but in person, he was different—more intense, more alive.
When the song ended, Daniel lifted his gaze toward the congregation, scanning briefly, then pausing. For a fraction of a second, their eyes met. Amara's breath caught. She looked away quickly, pretending to adjust her Bible, but her heart was already racing.
"Welcome back, Amara," whispered Sister Joy, a church mother seated beside her. "Your father must be so proud. We've all been waiting to see the great pastor's daughter again."
Amara forced a smile. She didn't want to be seen as a trophy. She just wanted to belong.
After the service, while people crowded around her father, Amara tried to slip away quietly toward the side door. That's when she heard the voice.
"Excuse me," the worship leader said, stepping into her path. Up close, his presence was even more overwhelming. His smile was warm, but his eyes carried a depth she couldn't place.
"You must be Amara. Pastor Johnson's daughter."
She nodded slowly. "And you must be… Daniel."
He chuckled softly. "I guess introductions aren't necessary then."
For a moment, silence stretched between them, broken only by the hum of voices from the fellowship hall.
Amara clutched her Bible tighter. She didn't know why, but she could already feel it—her life was about to change.