The Billionaire's Unexpected Proposal by Samantha

Chapter 86

Derek chuckled as he stared at his phone in disbelief. Did Evelyn just say she missed him! Derek asked himself, laughing happily.

What had changed, though? Why was she suddenly being this way? He mused as he lay down.

Well, today was a good day. He could go to bed now with a smile on his face

Derek lay in bed, a smile tugging at his lips. Evelyn had said it- she missed him. The words echoed in his mind like a soft melody, filling him with warmth and satisfaction. He had hoped for so long to hear something like that from her, and now that he had, sleep came easily.

When he woke up the following day, the remnants of that smile were still there, his mood as light as the sunlight streaming through the curtains. Stretching lazily, he reached for his phone, ready to start the day in the best way possible. His fingers moved quickly over the screen, composing at good morning message.

[Thanks to you, I slept with a grin and woke up with a smile on my face. You're always on my mind. Good morning, my jewel]

Satisfied, he sent the text, feeling a slight flutter of excitement in his chest at the thought of her reading it. He imagined her smile as she did, and it made the early start to the day all the more pleasant. With a quick shower and a light breakfast, he was out the door, heading for the office with a spring in his step.

While Derek was getting ready to leave for work, Evelyn was seated in the back of the cab, her arm draped protectively around Samantha as they

meared the school.

It was her daughter's first day, and both of thern were jattery. Evelyn could see it in the way Samantha's tiny fingers twisted the hem of her dress and the quiet glances the little girl cast out the window. Maya sat in the front seat, occasionally looking back to check on them.

The hum of traffic filled the air, and Evelyn absentmindedly opened her phone, wanting to find something funny to entertain Samantha. Then she kaw it: Derek's good morning text.

beat, and

not to feel warm ini had been wondering if he wasn't

lip as she quickly type a reply.

closed her eyes as she pressed send, feeling

for Samantha. Maybe she'd stop by his office later and surprise him with her

said, pulling up to the school, Evelyn glanced out the window, and she smiled at the scene outside. Parents were dropping off their kids, some children clinging to their mothers, others running excitedly towards the

attended all those years ago, and coming here to drop her own baby overwhelmed her with an inexplicable feeling. Perhaps it was nostalgia since she remembered being dropped off by her father on her

Evelyn knelt beside Samantha, smoothing her hair back from her face. The little girl's eyes were wide, taking in

be fine, sweetheart," Evelyn said softly, her voice steady despite her own nerves. "You're going to make lots of friends today, and you'll have so much fun I promise." Samantha nodded, though her small hand squeezed Evelyn's a

"Do you r

think so. Mommy?" she asked in a tiny voice,

know so," Evelyn said, smiling warmly. "And Maya will be here when school is over, okay! Maya will pick you up, and I'll see you later after I get back from

as Evelyn was about to usher Samantha forward, a sleek black car pulled up behind them, and a tall heavily pr hand gently guiding a young girl who looked about Samantha's age.

woman stepped out,

Samantha, who was now happily walking into the school with Ella. The pang of separation still tigges at her, but knowing

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Chapter 86

off, the pregnant woman said, coming to stand beside Evelyn. She had a kind smile, her eyes twinkling with warmth.

laughing softly as she turned to face her. "Definitely. I was worried for

way, I'm Sarah the woman

replied, shaking Sarah's hand. "It's my daughter's first day here. I think