Broken Dreams Stories

money today.”

Chapter 101

As Evelyn walked back into the house after Derek Jeff, a smile tugged at the corners of her lips. She barely had time to close the door before Samantha came barreling out of her room with the pure, unfiltered joy that only children can express.

“Moruny!” Samantha squealed, her arms outstretched as she ran straight for Evelyn, practically launching herself into her mother’s embrace.

Evelyn caught her mid–sride, lifting her effortlessly and holding her close. She inhaled the familiar scent of her daughter as the warmth of the hug seeped into her bones, easing the tension she hadn’t realized she still carried.

Evelyn smiled, her heart swelling as she looked into Samantha’s bright, eager blue eyes. “Are you that happy?” she asked, laughing softly.

Samantha nodded enthusiastically, her curls bouncing with every motion. “I’m very happy, Mommy! I love Rek.. no, I love my daddy.” She corrected herself proudly, her voice filled with certainty as if the mere acknowledgment solidified her newfound bond with Derek.

–

Evelyn’s laughter bubbled up, but there was a softness to it an echo of the joy that only this moment could bring. She pressed a kiss to Samantha’s forehead. I’m glad you’re happy, sweetheart.”

Her voice was thick with emotion, and when she glanced up, she saw Maya standing a few feet away, watching them with an expression that matched Evelyn’s own- tender, joyful, and a little bit in awe.

“I bet that was a surprise.” Evelyn said with a knowing look, her voice gently t

Maya chuckled, her gare warm as she watched Samantha’s happiness radiate through the room. “It was more than a surprise. Pleasantly so,” she admitted, her eyes lingering on Samantha. “Talways wondered why Sammy was so taken with him. It all makes sense now.”

Evelyn smiled softly, but a thread of concern tugged at her heart, winding tight as she thought about the future. The moment was perfect, but the road ahead still seemed uncertain. “We might have to move again soon” she said, her voice quieter as the looked between Maya and Samantha, her daughter still nestled in her arms.

Samantha’s bright eyes widened in curiosity. Evelyn’s chest

“Are we going to live with my daddy?” Her innocent question, laced with hope, sent a pang through

She hesitated, considering her words carefully: “We might eventually,” Evelyn said slowly, brushing a stray curl from Samantha’s face. “But not just yet. For now, we’re going to move to a safe place, and when the time is right, your daddy will come Live with us. Would you like that?”

Samantha’s face it up, her happiness practically radiating through the room. She bobbed her head eagerly. “Yes! Will he take me to school? Teach me how to ride my bike? And buy me dolls?” she asked in one breath, her excitement bubbling over.

Evelyn and Maya both burst into laughter, the sound light and unburdened. Tm sure he’d love to do all those things.” Evelyn said, her heart swelling at the image of Derek doting on their daughter.

I know you

on the floor, “why don’t you be a good girl

a grin, skipping off toward her bedroom. Evelyn watched her go, her smile lingering

her smile was wide, her

voice softened. “Thank you, Maya.

them was

not sure I’ve done anything, but you’re welcome,” Maya said before walking away

stillness that followed. Her heart felt light, almost unrecognizable compared to the weight

to share this feeling to voice the excitement that buzzed in her chest. Without hesitation, she walked into her bedroom, picked up her phone, and

the third time we are talking today? Tell me you’re calling to tell me you’ve told Derek everything. If that’s not it, hang up right

back her laugh. I started as a giggle but quickly spiraled into

carefree laugh. Rayna grinned, “You told him, didn’t

you. Thank you for making ine do this. I

“Did P Last I checked, you were asking yourself why you ever listened to

12:21 PM

Chapter 101

been out of my mind to say something like that to my sweetest Ray. My genius. My drop of golden sun,” Evelyn said, her voice

to hear what happened. Tell me all of it. Do not spare any detail, Wait. Let’s switch to a

a moment later. The moment the video connected. Evelyn found herself smiling even wider, the excitement barely contained as

and Evelyn went on to tell her all that had

relief, the understanding. As she spoke, tears streamed down her face, and true to form, Rayna, ever the sympathetic crier,

didn’t get so mad like guys do in movies and novels. Derek is a ten. No. He’s a hundred over ten. I love him for you already,” Rayna said as she wiped away her tears after Evelyn

hundred over ten is a ten, Ray. But yeah.

believe you were stupidly going to give him up. I feel like slapping you through the phone.” Rayna’s

manner. And you should know that sometimes… when it’s your life, it’s

Rayna conceded.

nodded, her expression softening. “Yeah. I get that. You’re

Evelyn cleared her throat. “By the way,

raised a brow,

“Sandra

face twisted into a scowl. “What

her mood lifting even higher. “You’ll never believe it. I guess I also haven’t told you that I have been