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."

Evelyn watched her go, her smile lingering long after Samantha disappeared down the hallway. "I've never

voice softened. "Thank you, Maya. For everything." The words were simple, but the gratitude

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

moment longer, absorbing the stillness that followed. Her heart felt light,

chest. Without hesitation, she

we are talking today? Tell me you're calling to tell me you've told Derek everything. If that's not it,

It started as a giggle but quickly spiraled into something joyful and uncontrollable. "RAYNA!" she screeched, tears of happiness pooling in her eyes. Hearing Evelyn's

love you so much," Evelyn said, her

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

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

out of my mind to say something like that

of golden sun," Evelyn said,

chuckled. "Alright, alright. I'll let you bask in my brilliance later. Now I want to hear what

Wait. Let's switch to a video call. I need to see your face," Rayna said, and before Evelyn

as she received the video call and a moment later. The moment the video connected, Evelyn found herself smiling even wider, the excitement barely contained as Rayna's face

Rayna said, and Evelyn went on

from her initial nerves at finding Derek at her 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,

didn't get so mad like guys do in movies and novels. Derek is a ten. No. He's a hundred over ten. I love him for you already," Rayna said as she wiped away

out a soft laugh, shaking her head. "A hundred over ten

feel like slapping you through the phone."

Evelyn admitted with a sigh. "But we all can't react to things in the same manner. And you should know that sometimes... when it's your life, it's hard to see clearly, you know?" Rayna nodded, her expression softening. "Yeah. I get

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

a

"Sandra."

face twisted into a scowl. "What did that

guess I also haven't told you that I have been fired," Evelyn said and laughed as Rayna's eyes widened in disbelief. "When? Why? Did that snake have

don't have to. I'm okay," Evelyn assured

Tell me about the visit. What did she have to say?" Rayna asked, and

know what? I