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.

I didn't. She says she doesn't like it here and we have to leave," Samantha said sadly and Derek stopped pushing her. "She doesn't?"

"Yes."

I could talk to your mommy for you so you don't have to leave,"

mommy?" she asked and Derek chuckled, reminding himself that she was truly a kid otherwise she would have

agree to stay here if I talked to her.

and let

you, Sam," Derek said

my mom, why don't you ask for her number so that we can talk over the

+5

her number?" he asked and Samantha

you tell her you're my friend, Rek, she will give you her number," Samantha said and Derek nodded, even though it was starting to

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

their laughter mingling with the evening

he hadn't anticipated, a bond that was forming with this little

affection in Derek's actions and the joy in Samantha's face. If one didn't

she was looking at them, he decided to go ask for the number so

in her pocket and she took the call when she saw that it was Evelyn, who had

he smiled at her, wanting to ask for the number but before he

sorry, Mr. Derek, but we need to head back inside now," Maya

but turned to look at Samantha when she

like you," she

like you too," he said, ruffling her

to be my daddy," she said and

glanced at Derek, "I'm

Derek

see you again?" Samantha asked

Sam, If your mommy will let us,"