The Billionaire's Unexpected Proposal by Samantha

Chapter

101

As Evelyn walked back into the house after Derek left, a smile tugged at the corners of her lips. She barely had time to close the door before Samantha came barreling out of her room with the pure, unfiltered joy that only children can express.

"Mommy!" Samantha squealed, her arms outstretched as she ran straight for Evelyn, practically launching herself into her mother's embrace.

Evelyn caught her mid-stride, lifting her effortlessly and holding her close. She inhaled the familiar scent of her daughter as the warmth of the hug seeped into her bones, easing the tension she hadn't realized she still carried.

Evelyn smiled, her heart swelling as she looked into Samantha's bright, eager blue eyes. "Are you that happy?" she asked, laughing softly.

Samantha nodded enthusiastically, her curls bouncing with every motion. "I'm very happy, Mommy! I love Rek... no, I love my daddy." She corrected herself proudly, her voice filled with certainty as if the mere acknowledgment solidified her newfound bond with Derek.

Evelyn's laughter bubbled up, but there was a softness to it- an echo of the joy that only this moment could bring. She pressed a kiss to Samantha's forehead. "TTM

glad you're happy, sweetheart."

Her voice was thick with emotion, and when she glanced up, she saw Maya standing a few feet away, watching them with an expression that matched Evelyn's own-tender, joyful, and a little bit in awe. "I bet that was a surprise," Evelyn said with a knowing look, her voice gently teasing.

Maya chuckled, her gaze warm as she watched Samantha's happiness radiate through the room. "It was more than a surprise. Pleasantly so," she admitted, her eyes lingering on Samantha. "I always wondered why Sammy was so taken with him. It all makes sense now."

Evelyn smiled softly, but a thread of concern tugged at her heart, winding tight as she thought about the future. The moment was perfect, but the road ahead still seemed uncertain. "We might have to move again soon," she said, her voice quieter as she looked between Maya and Samantha, her daughter still nestled in her arms.

Samantha's bright eyes widened in curiosity. "Are we going to live with my daddy?" Her innocent question, laced with hope, sent a pang through Evelyn's chest.

She hesitated, considering her words carefully. "We might... eventually," Evelyn said slowly, brushing a stray curl from Samantha's face. "But not just yet. For now, we're going to move to a safe place, and when the time is right, your daddy will come live with us. Would you like that?"

Samantha's face lit up, her happiness practically radiating through the room. She bobbed her head eagerly. "Yes! Will he take me to school? Teach me how to ride my bike? And buy me dolls?" she asked in one breath, her excitement bubbling over.

Evelyn and Maya both burst into laughter, the sound light and unburdened. "I'm sure he'd love to do all those things," Evelyn said, her heart swelling at the image of Derek doting on their daughter. "Now," she continued, setting Samantha gently back down on the floor, "why don't you be a good girl and go take your nap? I know you didn't have one today."

watched her go, her smile lingering long after Samantha disappeared down the hallway. "I've never seen you look this

Maya. For everything." The words were simple, but the gratitude behind them

gaze warm. "I'm not sure I've done anything, but you're welcome," Maya said before

that followed. Her heart felt light, almost unrecognizable compared to the weight it

her chest. Without hesitation,

the third time we are talking today? Tell me you're calling to tell

spiraled into something joyful and uncontrollable. "RAYNA!"

much," Evelyn said, her words rushing

didn't tell him sooner. I wish I confided in you earlier. You gave me the best

on the other end. "Did I? Last I checked, you were asking yourself why you ever listened

have been out of my mind to say something like

sun," Evelyn said, her voice

I'll let you bask in my brilliance later. Now

to a video call. I need to see your face," Rayna said, and before Evelyn could agree or protest, she switched to a

her eyes as she received the video call and a moment later. The moment the video connected, Evelyn found herself smiling even wider,

everything," Rayna said, and Evelyn went on to tell her all that

door to the conversation with Derek, the anger, the relief, the understanding. As she spoke, tears streamed down her face, and true to form, Rayna, ever the

can't believe he was so understanding and didn't get so mad like guys do in movies and novels. Derek is a ten.

shaking her head. "A hundred over ten is a ten, Ray. But

I feel

same manner. And you should know that sometimes... when

quiet moment before Evelyn cleared her throat. "By the way, guess who was at my

a

"Sandra."

into a scowl. "What did that

fired," Evelyn said and laughed as Rayna's eyes widened in disbelief. "When? Why? Did that snake have anything to do with it? Are you sure you don't want me to come over?"

You don't have to. I'm

What did she have to say?"

I recorded the