Broken Dreams Stories

Chapter 105

As Evelyn prepared breakfast for Samantha the following day, her thoughts were scattered. A mix of excitement and anxiety clouded her mind. Today was the day. Today, she would finally face her parents and tell them everything

After dropping Samantha off at school, Evelyn returned home and took a deep breath as she surveyed the living room. It would be her father’s first visit to her apartment, and everything had to be perfect.

Hosting her parents for dinner was one thing: telling them about Samantha, Sandra, and Derek was another. Her stomach churned at the thought, but she forced herself to focus.

She started by wiping down the kitchen counters and straightening the already immaculate furniture. Then, the doorbell rang, and Evelyn hurried to answer it, thinking it was Maya, who had gone out to help her get the items she needed to make dinner.

Instead of Maya, Rayna stood at the door with a wide smile and a bag of pastries. “Thought you could use some extra hands and dessert,” Rayna said, her tone lighthearted but with an underlying concern. She knew how much this evening meant to Evelyn

Evelyn extuled in relief. “Thank you. You’re such an Angel.”

Rayna set the bags on the counter and unpacked them into the refrigerator. “Everything will be fine, Evie. You’ve been stressing over this for years, but your parents will understand. Despite all that has happened, your Dad loves you, and I’m sure he will be happy to hear everything from you Finally

Evelyn’s hands trembled slightly as she joined Rayna in unpacking. “I don’t know, Ray. My dad… he’s traditional, and he’s always expected so much from me. I’m scared of how he’ll react to Sumantha. To the fact that I had a child out of wedlock and kept it from him. And you know my stepmom, although she’s wonderful and has been good to me, she’s still Sandra’s mother. What if she sides with her when I tell them about the affair!

Rayna came up beside her, placing a gentle hand on her arm. “You’re overthinking and overworrying. You’re not responsible for what Sandra did. Claire might be upset, but she’s always cared about you. Trust me, she won’t take Sandra’s side. You’re her daughter, too. And as for your dad, well… I’m sure your Dad will understand that you did what you had to do. Just be honest. You’ve raised a wonderful daughter. He’ll see that”

Evelyn offered a shaky smile, her heart still pounding in her chen. “I hope you’re right.”

Soon, Maya returned with the groceries, and as the hours passed, both Rayna and Maya worked side by side with her to help her prepare a

a lavish

meal

Once it was time to get Samantha from school, Maya left to pick her up while Evelyn and Rayna set the table with the best dinnerware. Evelyn fussed over the placement of the flowers, moving them from one spot to another until Rayna finally laughed and took the vase out of her hands

“Relax,” Rayna said, placing the flowers in the center of the table. “It’s going to be fine.”

Evelyn wiped her palms on her apron. “I just… I want everything to be perfect.”

Rayna smiled. “It already is

some time, Rayna left. Evelyn felt her heart lighten slightly when Samantha ran into the

scent

a party, Mommy!” Samantha asked, her bright eyes scanning the decorated table and the kitchen bustling with

her daughter’s height, smoothing a hand over Samantha’s soft curls. “Not a party, darling. But your grandfather

eyes widened with excitement. “Grandfather? Grandma Claire’s husband?” She asked, and Evelyn

me, so I want you to be a good girl as

gave her mother a

call from Derek. The sound of his voice immediately helped ease some

I’ve been pretty busy. How have you been? How’s Samt And how’s

scanning for any imperfections. “Sam is fine. I’ve been

Wine! Dessert? Derek’s tone was casual, but she could hear

is set. I think…” Evelyn paused. “Actually, maybe wine. Just

Chapter 103

chuckled. “I’ll bring something special. I’ll see you

was always so calm and steady just having him near would help her as she prepared for

to his word, Derek arrived a little while before her parents. He walked in with a bottle of wine in one hand and a box of desserts in the other Evelyn, who had

You b

dessert!” she asked,

wine and dessert down on the dining table and pulled her into a gentle embrace. “You’re doing great. Everything smells and looks

small, shaky breath as she rested her head against his chest. “I’m scared,

gently lifted her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. “He might be upset at first, but I’m sure

room, her face lighting up when she saw Derek “Daddy!” she

toward him.

to greet her with

“Exciting! 11

“Hey there, baby. How

you staying for dinner?

glanced up at Evelyn with a knowing smile. “Of course, I am staying. I don’t want to miss any of this deliciousness I smell. But first, why don’t we see what you learned today before your grandparents

and grabbed his hand, leading him toward her bedroom. Evelyn watched them go, her heart swelling at the sight. Derek was wonderful with Samantha,

to dinner time. She had just finished checking on the roast in the oven when the

This was it.

dress before opening it. Her father,