Forsaking the Years of Longing novel Chapter 112

Chapter 36

When Daphne slowly opened her eyes, she found herself lying safely in her familiar room.

Sunlight streamed gently through the gaps in the curtains, warming her face with a comforting glow.

Gracie and Jonathan immediately gathered by her bedside, their eyes filled with worry and tenderness.

"Daphne, you're finally awake. How do you feel? Are you in pain anywhere?"

Gracie's voice trembled slightly as she tightly held her daughter's hand, afraid of losing her again.

Daphne mustered a weak smile and replied softly, "Mom, I'm fine. Don't worry. But. why did I faint again? What happened?"

Jonathan's face darkened at her words. He turned away from the bed, his tone brimming with anger. "It's Matthew again! This time, I won't let him off the hook!"

Gracie, trying to comfort her daughter, spoke gently, "Daphne, let's stay far away from Matthew from now on. Don't give him another chance to hurt you, okay?"

A wave of conflicting emotions surged through Daphne. She thought back to her conversation with Matthew the night before and the fleeting image of Calvin that seemed to appear.

"Mom, how did I get back last night? I remember..." She hesitated, hoping Gracie might offer some clue about Calvin.

"Oh, your brother went to pick you up," Gracie replied simply, unaware of the subtle shift in Daphne's expression.

Jonathan, still fuming, caught Daphne's questioning look and made an effort to suppress his anger.

"What did Matthew say to you last night?" he asked.

Daphne carefully studied her brother's reaction, speaking softly, "He. he said we were married once."

Her voice grew quieter as she spoke, worried she might provoke Jonathan.