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 happy," Maya said; her smile was wide, her eyes crinkling

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

done anything, but you're welcome," Maya

there for a moment longer, absorbing the stillness that followed. Her heart felt light, almost unrecognizable compared

to voice the excitement that buzzed in her chest. Without hesitation, she walked

was full of playful suspicion. "Isn't this like the third time we are talking today? Tell me you're calling

It started as a giggle but quickly spiraled into something joyful and uncontrollable. "RAYNA!" she screeched, tears

you so much," Evelyn said, her words

Thank you for making me do this. I don't know why I didn't tell him sooner. I wish I confided in you earlier. You gave me

Last I checked, you were asking

have been out of my mind to say something like that to my sweetest Ray. My

drop of golden sun," Evelyn said, her voice still brimming with

my brilliance later. Now

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

happy tears in her eyes as she received the video call and a moment later. The moment the video connected, Evelyn found herself

Evelyn went on to tell her all that had

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

novels. Derek is a ten. No. He's a hundred over ten. I love him for

"A hundred over ten is a ten, Ray.

him up. I feel like slapping you through the phone." Rayna's voice was teasing, but there

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

cleared her throat. "By the way, guess

a brow.

"Sandra."

twisted into a scowl. "What did

and laughed as Rayna's eyes widened in disbelief. "When? Why? Did that snake have

don't have to.

visit. What did she have to say?" Rayna asked,

know what? I recorded the