The Billionaire's Unexpected Proposal by Samantha

Chapter

16

As evening approached, Evelyn busied herself with preparations to move them out of the Stone Palace Hotel to some other Hotel away from Derek.

She doubted that by going to check out apartments over the weekend she would be able to move immediately into one, so it was better they moved to a different hotel for the time being. Samantha watched her curiously as she packed their bags, sensing the change but not understanding it.

Evelyn tried to keep things light, but the tension was palpable.

"Mommy, are we traveling again?" Samantha asked after watching for some time.

"No, darling. We are not traveling. Tomorrow Mommy is going to move you to a more comfortable place," Evelyn said, flashing her a smile.

"But I like it here. Aunt Maya likes it too," Samantha protested, and Evelyn paused to look at her.

"I'm sure you do, pumpkin, but doesn't mommy's feelings count too?" Evelyn asked with a playful pout and Samantha sighed.

"Will the new place have a playground?" She asked hopefully.

"I'm sorry, darling, I don't think so, Evelyn admitted since she had a policy of not lying to her daughter.

Samantha's face fell, breaking Evelyn's heart. Evelyn reached out a hand to her and when Samantha took it, she drew her to sit on her lap, "We won't be there for long, I promise. And once we move to our own place, I will make sure you can visit the nearest parks often and we can even go to the amusement park together," Evelyn promised.

Samantha looked up into her face, "Before then, can I go play at the playground?"

"No..."

Samantha pleaded, looking at her

Evelyn sighed. What harm could

wasn't like Derek would take one look at her and know who she was. And she doubted a busy man like Derek would

was overthinking everything, Evelyn decided. As long as he doesn't see her and Samantha together,

you must promise me that you won't talk to strangers,"

since she was hoping to

a stranger"" Evelyn

Samantha screamed happily as she got down from Evelyn's lap and ran over to

you are well covered before you leave," she called out to

Maya headed for the playground, Samantha sighted Derek and let go of Maya's hand as she ran

called

upon hearing the little girl's voice and he smiled when

been coming to get hold of her, let her be but stood

excitedly.

trust you're going to have lots of fun at the playground," Derek said

so I might not see you again, she

said, since this was the third time he had seen her already even if it was only the second time he was talking to

you?" Derek asked,

special and I don't have a daddy," she said, and Derek smiled

to make a child feel special,

I will go in and handle my little business, and then I will

cool?" He asked and she held out her little