Broken Dreams Stories

Chapter 82

“What are you talking about Evelyn asked, folding her arms as she regarded Maya with a raised brow

Maya cleared her that, suddenly feeling a bit nervous under Evelyn’s scrutinizing gaze. “Evelyn,” she began, choosing her words carefully, “I mean. Samantha wasn’t talking about a child. Rek is an adult.”

Evelyn blinked, her smile faltering “What do you mean an adul?“.

Maya hestated, casting a quick glance at Samantha, who was nodding vigorously. “He is a grown man.”

For a mom

a moment, Evelyn didn’t respond. her brain struggling to process the information. She felt a cold shiver race down her spine. “What?” she managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper.

Maya rushed on, sensing the tension building “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you earlier, Evelyn. I thought you knew. I mean, I assumed when Samantha talked about Rek, you knew he was an adult. I didn’t think he would come across as a child-

Evelyn’s face paled visibly, her heart skipping several beats. “You let a stranger spend time with my daughter?” she asked, her voice rising in pitch, her gaze sharp as it focused on Maya. “A man we know nothing about?” She asked as she rose from her seat.

Samantha piped up. “But Mommy, Rek is not a stranger! He’s my friend!” She looked from her mother to Maya, confusion clouding her young

Evelyn turned to Samantha, her expression harsh “Hush, Samantha. This is an adult conversation. Go to your room,” she ordered as she picked up the remote controller and turned off the television.

Samantha’s face fell, and she rose from her seat, her steps slow and reluctant as she walked away. Maya waited until Samantha was out of earshot before she spoke again, her voice a touch defensive. “Evelyn, I didn’t think

“Exactly, Maya! You didn’t think!” Evelyn cut in sharply. “What if he’s a kidnapper, a child trafficker or a pedophile targeting Samantha? Did you

Even consider that?”

Maya’s o eyes widened, and she shook her head quickly. “No, I didn’t think that at all. He seemed like a decent man, Evelyn. He was polite, and he genuinely seemed to care about Samantha’s wellbeing”

Evelyn let out a shon, disbelieving laugh. “And how do you know that, Maya? Because he seemed decent? You can’t judge a person by a few polite words and a smile?

looked down. “I’m sorry, Evelyn. 1 really am. I should have told you sooner. I just… I didn’t see any harm in

She asked, her heart skipping a

said he’s been

Evelyn cut

owner of Stone

instead of calming her, Maya noticed her words had the opposite

as she tried to piece together the implications of what she’d just heard. “Mr. Stone… Rek?” she repeated, as if trying to make the name fit into the chaotic puzzle of her

she

forward, concern etched on her face. “Evelyn, are

unable to find her voice. Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. How was it possible that despite all her efforts to keep Sarmantha away from

and shaky. Without waiting for a response, the nimed and hurried to her room, the

floor, her back against the door. Her breathing was erratic, her chest tight with panic. How

had she not figured it out this whole time? All those times Samantha had mentioned Rek,

about Rek from the very first day they

Chapter 82

how hard Evelyn tried to escape, Derek would always find

Samantha’s innocent smile, her eyes lighting up when she talked about her friend Rek. How was Evelyn supposed to

she whispered to herself, her voice choked with emotion. She pressed a

would get to spend time with

one!

them together or Samantha

deep breath before walking out of her bedroom to go answer the pizza delivery

took it already.” Maya said,

said

I’m very sorry. I really don’t know what I was

need to talk to Samantha, Evelyn said, and headed for Samantha’s

and sobbing quietly looked up