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.

She says she doesn't like it here and we have to leave," Samantha said sadly and

"Yes."

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

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

if I

to the nearest parks and let me

fair then. I will miss you, Sam," Derek said and

you too, Rek. Maybe since you know my mom, why don't you ask for her number so that we can talk

+5

me her number?" he asked and Samantha

my friend, Rek, she will give you her number," Samantha said and Derek nodded, even though it was starting to sound like Samantha's mom was someone

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

the swing, their laughter mingling with the evening breeze as they talked

moment, he felt a connection he hadn't anticipated, a bond that was forming with this little girl who had unknowingly

genuine affection in Derek's actions and the joy in Samantha's face. If one

fondly she was looking at

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

he smiled at her, wanting to ask

to head back

ask, he opened his mouth but turned to look at Samantha when

you," she said

you too," he said, ruffling

be my daddy," she said and Maya's eyes widened

She scolded then glanced at Derek, "I'm sorry about

Derek assured

I see you again?" Samantha

will let us,"