The Forbidden Throb Chapter 20

Emma's POV:

Their words clicked into place like puzzle pieces in my mind—Daniel's odd proposal last night suddenly made more sense.

He wasn't just offering to help me; he was also trying to escape his own social pressures.

"Can I help you with something, dear?" the older nurse asked, her professional smile snapping back into place.

"Yes, I need to ask about the discharge process," I said, keeping my voice steady. "And I'd like to know where I can settle my bill."

"Oh, honey!" Jenny's face lit up with genuine warmth, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "You don't need to worry about any of that. Dr. Prescott has already taken care of everything for you."

"He... paid my bill?" I couldn't hide my surprise, my voice rising slightly.

"Absolutely. The whole thing." Jenny leaned forward, clearly delighted to share more information.

"And you know, he was checking on you constantly last night. We all noticed. We don't see that unless it's a critical case—which, forgive me for saying, a standard flu is not."

She exchanged a meaningful glance with her colleague. "And that breakfast from Thinking Cup this morning—he went out specially to get it. We never see him do that for patients."

The other nurse nodded enthusiastically. "Never."

Jenny tilted her head, her expression openly curious now. "So... what exactly is your relationship with Dr. Prescott? "

I shifted uncomfortably, suddenly at a loss for words.

What exactly was I to Daniel? Former boyfriend's brother? Patient to doctor? Damsel in distress to recurring rescuer?

Every potential explanation that came to mind felt awkward and insufficient.

"We're... family friends," I managed weakly.

"Family friends?" Jenny repeated, eyebrows arching impossibly high. "Well, that's—"

"Ready to go home?"

Daniel's voice behind me was like a life preserver thrown to a drowning woman.

I turned to find him standing there in his white coat, clipboard in hand, expression professionally neutral as always.

"Yes," I said, perhaps too eagerly. "Jenny was just explaining the discharge process."

"I've signed all the paperwork," he said smoothly. "Your clothes are in the room. I'll wait here while you change, then we can go."

I nodded gratefully and retreated toward my room, feeling Jenny and her colleague's curious gazes following me like searchlights.

Ten minutes later, dressed in my now-wrinkled clothes from yesterday, I returned to find Daniel waiting exactly where I'd left him, checking something on his phone.

He looked up immediately as I approached.

"About the bill," I began, clutching my small bag of belongings. "I'll transfer the money to you as soon as I get back to my dorm."

Daniel pocketed his phone. "There's no rush."

"Thank you." I shifted my weight, still feeling weaker than I'd like to admit. "For everything."

"I can drive you back to campus now," he said, already moving toward the exit.

I hesitated. "That's really not necessary. You've already done so much, and I'm sure you have patients waiting. I've taken up enough of your time."

*And your money. And your attention. And your professional reputation with those nurses who now think we're... something.*

"It's not an inconvenience," he insisted, his tone making it clear this wasn't really up for debate.

But I stood my ground. "I appreciate it, but I'll take a cab. Really. You should get back to your patients—they need you more than I do right now."

Something in his expression shifted slightly—perhaps surprise that I was refusing his help, or maybe something else entirely.

After a moment, he nodded.

"As you wish," he said, handing me a small paper bag. "Antibiotics. Take them with food, twice a day, until they're gone. "

Our fingers brushed as I accepted the bag, sending an unexpected warmth up my arm. "I don't know how to repay you for all this."

A hint of a smile touched his lips. "We can talk about that when you're feeling better," he said quietly, and I knew he was referring to his proposal from the night before.

I nodded, suddenly finding my throat dry, and made my way toward the exit on legs that felt far too wobbly for comfort.

The cab ride back to campus passed in a blur.

By the time I climbed the stairs to my floor, my limited energy reserves were nearly depleted.

I fumbled with my key, finally pushing open the door to find Olivia rushing around our room, throwing things into her backpack, her coat already on.

She froze mid-motion when she saw me standing in the doorway.

"Emma!" she shrieked, dropping her backpack and rushing toward me. Before I could respond, she enveloped me in a tight hug that nearly knocked me off my unsteady feet. "Oh my God, you're okay! When did they let you out? Why didn't you call me?"

"Can't... breathe..." I managed to say as she squeezed me.

"Sorry!" She pulled back, but kept her hands on my shoulders, examining me with worried eyes.

"Rebecca texted me that you collapsed in the hallway and they took you away in an ambulance. I've been freaking out! I was just heading to the hospital to see you."

Something warm unfurled in my chest.

"I'm fine," I assured her, sinking onto my bed with a weary sigh. "Just a nasty bout of flu. They kept me overnight for observation, but my fever finally broke this morning, so they discharged me."

Olivia studied me for another long moment, her expression gradually shifting from concern to relief.

"Thank God you're okay," she sighed, finally convinced. "You had me seriously worried there."

"So how was it? Being in the hospital alone must have sucked."

The question hung in the air as my mind flashed to Daniel—bringing me breakfast, checking my chart after hours, handling my bill without being asked.

"I... wasn't exactly alone," I admitted, fiddling with the edge of my comforter. "Daniel Prescott was there."

Olivia sat bolt upright. "Nicholas's brother? You mean that gorgeous guy who brought you home that night?"

Her eyes lit up with sudden interest, all concern momentarily forgotten in favor of potential gossip.