Broken Dreams Stories

Chapter 110

The evening had taken on a peaceful tone, the weight of secrets lifted and replaced by a comforting sense of unity. As Evelyn saw her parents off to their car, she felt a mixture of relief and gratitude.

Standing beside the car. Evelyn hugged her mother first, holding her tightly as Claire whispered words of reassurance into her ear. “You’re stronger than you know, Evelyn. We’re always here for you.”

Evelyn nodded, her voice thick with emotion. “Thank you, Mom. I don’t know what I would’ve done without you tonight”

Claire pulled back and offered a warm smile before stepping aside so Eric could say his goodbyes. Evelyn’s father wrapped her in a strong embrace, his familiar scent of cologne mixed with the warmth of home.

He held her for a moment longer than usual, his hands gently rubbing her back in a comforting gesture.

“I’m so proud of you, Evelyn,” Eric said softly as he pulled away just enough to look her in the eyes. His gaze was full of affection and pride. “And Samantha she’s a wonderful little girl. I can’t wait to get to know her better and spend more time with her. She’s just as amazing as her mother,”

Evelyn smiled through the tears that threatened to spill over. “She’s going to love spending time with you, Dad. Thank you for coming.”

Eric kissed her forehead gently, a gesture that took her back to her childhood when such kisses were the solution to all her worries. “You take care of yourself. Evelyn. And if you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to call us.”

With a final hug and wave, Evelyn watched her parents enter their car and drive off into the night. The tail lights disappeared around the corner, leaving her standing alone in the quiet parking lot, the cool evening air brushing against her skin.

As she turned to head back inside, she felt a renewed sense of determination. The conversation with her parents had been difficult but necessary. She wasn’t alone in this battle–she had their support and that of Derek and Rayna, too.

Once inside, Evelyn headed to Samantha’s room, where she knew Derek would be. Her steps were light but deliberate. She paused when she heard the soft voices coming from the slightly ajar door and peeked inside.

Derek was sitting on the edge of Samantha’s bed, holding a book in his hands. Samantha, her eyes wide with fascination, was smuggled under her blankets, listening intently as Derek read to her. But it wasn’t the words on the page that held Evelyn’s attention- it was the conversation that

followed.

“Daddy. I’m so happy you’re here,” Samantha whispered, her little voice filled with joy, “I always wanted a daddy to read me bedtime stories”

down at her with a tender smile. I’m happy to be here too,

bond forming between Derek and Samantha was everything she had ever hoped for She quietly stepped back, leaving them to their moment, and made her way to

there, diligently cleaning up after dinner. The kitchen smelled faintly of the evening’s meal, and the clinking of dishes was the only

up, surprised but smiling as she set down the dish

“Yes, Evelyn?”

with everything that’s been going on. And I think you deserve to know what’s happening. So, tomorrow, after Samantha leaves for school, I’ll

have been wondering, but I didn’t want to pry. I appreciate you being willing to tell

responsibility toward Maya, who had

But for now,

the time they finished, the kitchen was spotless, and Evelyn felt a sense of calm wash over

to her bedroom. She stepped into the bathroom, letting the warm water of the shower soothe hier tense muscles. The events of the evening played over in her

out of the bathroom, towel wrapped around her, there was a soft knock on the door, Evelyn’s heart skipped a beat as she instinctively

12:01 PM

Chapter Ho

a shy smile playing on her lips as Derek stepped into the room and shut

a towel. He grinned when he saw her, his eyes Evelyn

tender smile as he took a step closer. “I need to leave now,

finish, Evelyn closed the distance between them and kissed him, her lips pressing against his in a gesture filled with gratitude and something deeper. Derek’s surprise quickly melted into a grin

for?” he asked, his voice low and teasing. “Are you trying to seduce me

thanking you. For standing up for me earlier.

at her, his hand reaching up to tuck a damp strand of hair behind her ear. “Well, I came

were there. By the way, about the clip you showed them earlier. I really didn’t

forcing her to meet his eyes. “I was. From the moment I saw you, I knew I had to find you again.

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a blush creeping up her cheeks. “At what point while I was crying did you fall for me?

the sound deep and warm. “Maybe I do,” he teased, his hand brushing against her cheek. “But I’m glad you came back to the hotel room

lips. “I don’t know what I was thinking. In retrospect, that was