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”

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

swelled with emotion as she watched them. The bond forming between Derek and Samantha was everything she had ever hoped

dinner. The kitchen smelled faintly of the evening’s meal, and the clinking of dishes was the only sound breaking the silence. Evelyn hesitated in the doorway, unsure of how to begin the conversation she knew they needed

room. Maya looked up, surprised but smiling

“Yes, Evelyn?”

against the counter. “I know this past few days have been confusing 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 explain everything. You’ve been here for us through so much, and 1 don’t want to keep

of relief and curiosity evident in her eyes. “I have been wondering, but I didn’t want to pry. I appreciate you being willing to tell

sense of responsibility toward Maya, who had been more than just

it all. But for now, let’s

two women worked together in comfortable silence, washing dishes and tidying up the kitchen. By the time they finished, the kitchen was spotless, and

the shower soothe hier tense muscles. The events of the evening played over in her mind, but instead

a soft knock on the

12:01 PM

Chapter Ho

playing on her lips as Derek stepped into the room and shut the door behind

of us is always seeing the other in a towel. He grinned when he saw her, his eyes Evelyn giggled, feeling a warmth spread through her at his playful tone.

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

low and

mostly, I was thanking you. For standing up

a damp strand of hair behind her ear. “Well, I came to tell you that you

fluttered at his words, and she looked down, feeling a bit shy. “And it was because you were there. By the way, about the clip you showed

“I was. From the moment I saw you, I knew I had to find you again. I

1

while I was crying did you fall for me? Don’t tell me you have a fetish for crying ladies?” she asked playfully, trying to

he teased, his hand brushing against her cheek. “But I’m glad you came back to the hotel room with me that

her eyes, though she couldn’t hide the smile tugging at her lips. “I don’t