The Billionaire's Unexpected Proposal by Samantha

Chapter

18

Derek strode through the hotel grounds, as he made his way to the playground. The sun was setting, casting a golden glow over the playground where the beautiful sounds of children's laughter filled the air. He smiled as he approached, glad for the initiative that had made him think of building a playground and making the Hotel child-friendly.

Looking around, he spotted Samantha on the swings, her legs pumping to gain height, her face a picture of pure joy. Maya stood nearby, her watchful eyes tracking the little girl's movements. When Samantha turned and saw Derek, her face lit up even more, and she called out to him, waving energetically.

"Rek!" she shouted, her voice carrying across the playground. Derek waved back and quickened his pace, feeling a strange warmth spread through his chest.

When he reached them, Samantha had already slowed her swing, her excitement contagious.

"Hey, Sam! I see you're having a lot of fun," Derek said, crouching down to her level.

"Yes! But it's more fun when someone pushes me, she said, her eyes twinkling with hope.

Maya started to step forward. "I offered to push you."

"I don't want you. I want Rek," Samantha said, and Derek flashed Maya a reassuring smile as he straightened.

"It's okay. I've got this. You can take a break if you don't mind," he said, and Maya hesitated but then nodded, grateful for the reprieve. She moved to a nearby bench, keeping a close eye on them. Derek took his place behind the swing, giving it a gentle push. Samantha's giggles filled the air as she soared higher.

"Do you like swinging, that much?" he asked and Samantha bobbed her head.

"I love it! It feels like flying," she said, her voice filled with awe.

Derek continued to push, his movements steady and controlled. "How often have you been here?"

"Only once. Mommy won't let me come," she said, her small hands gripping the swing tightly.

"Why? Did you get into a fight when you came here?" Derek asked curiously and Samantha shook her head.

here and we have to leave," Samantha

"Yes."

your mommy for you so you don't have to

my mommy?" she asked and Derek chuckled, reminding himself that

I know your mommy, Sam. I'm sure she would agree to stay here if I talked to her. Should I talk to her?"

the nearest parks and let me go to amusement parks

I will miss you, Sam," Derek said and

too, Rek. Maybe since you know my mom, why don't you ask for her number so that we can talk over the phone," she suggested and Derek raised a

+5

number?"

she will give you her number," Samantha said and Derek nodded, even

he said, as he resumed pushing the swing gently, deciding to ask Maya for the number and see if she was

to push Samantha on the swing, their laughter mingling with the evening

that was forming with this little girl who had unknowingly brought a bit of

smile playing on her lips. She could see the genuine affection in Derek's actions

and when he saw how fondly she was looking at them,

move, Maya's phone buzzed in her pocket and she took the call when she saw that it was Evelyn,

the call, Maya approached Samantha and Derek and he smiled at her, wanting

but we need to head back inside now," Maya

his mouth but turned to look

she said and Derek smiled

you too," he said, ruffling

be my daddy," she said and Maya's

scolded then glanced at Derek, "I'm

alright," Derek assured

see you

let us," he said glancing at Maya and