The Billionaire's Unexpected Proposal by Samantha

Chapter

110

The evening had taken on a peaceful tone, the weight of secrets lifted and replaced by a comforting sense of unity. As Evelyn saw her parents off to their car, she felt a mixture of relief and gratitude. Standing beside the car, Evelyn hugged her mother first, holding her tightly as Claire whispered words of reassurance into her ear. "You're stronger than you know, Evelyn. We're always here for you." Evelyn nodded, her voice thick with emotion. "Thank you, Mom. I don't know what I would've done without you tonight."

Claire pulled back and offered a warm smile before stepping aside so Eric could say his goodbyes. Evelyn's father wrapped her in a strong embrace, his familiar scent of cologne mixed with the warmth of home.

He held her for a moment longer than usual, his hands gently rubbing her back in a comforting gesture.

"I'm so proud of you, Evelyn," Eric said softly as he pulled away just enough to look her in the eyes. His gaze was full of affection and pride. "And Samantha... she's a wonderful little girl. I can't wait to get to know her better and spend more time with her. She's just as amazing as her mother."

Evelyn smiled through the tears that threatened to spill over. "She's going to love spending time with you, Dad. Thank you for coming."

Eric kissed her forehead gently, a gesture that took her back to her childhood when such kisses were the solution to all her worries. "You take care of yourself, Evelyn. And if you ever need anything, don't hesitate to call us."

With a final hug and wave, Evelyn watched her parents enter their car and drive off into the night. The tail lights disappeared around the corner, leaving her standing alone in the quiet parking lot, the cool evening air brushing against her skin.

As she turned to head back inside, she felt a renewed sense of determination. The conversation with her parents had been difficult but necessary. She wasn't alone in this battle- she had their support and that of Derek and Rayna, too.

Once inside, Evelyn headed to Samantha's room, where she knew Derek would be. Her steps were light but deliberate. She paused when she heard the soft voices coming from the slightly ajar door and peeked inside.

Derek was sitting on the edge of Samantha's bed, holding a book in his hands. Samantha, her eyes wide with fascination, was snuggled under her blankets, listening intently as Derek read to her. But it wasn't the words on the page that held Evelyn's attention- it was the conversation that followed.

"Daddy, I'm so happy you're here," Samantha whispered, her little voice filled with joy. "I always wanted a daddy to read me bedtime stories."

Derek's heart melted at her words. He closed the book gently and looked down at her with a tender smile.

"I'm happy to be here too, baby. I'll read you as many bedtime stories as you want every night."

The bond forming between Derek and Samantha was everything she had ever hoped for. She quietly stepped back, leaving them to

diligently cleaning up

the silence. Evelyn hesitated in the doorway, unsure of how to begin the conversation she knew they needed

said, stepping

up, surprised but smiling as she set down the

"Yes, Evelyn?"

a deep breath,

tomorrow, after Samantha leaves for school,

in her eyes. "I have been wondering, but I didn't want to pry. I appreciate you being willing to

nodded, feeling a sense of responsibility toward Maya, who had been more than just Samantha's nanny- she had been family. "I promise I'll explain

her. Excusing herself, Evelyn went to her bedroom. She stepped into the bathroom, letting the warm water of the shower soothe her tense

stepped out of the bathroom, towel wrapped around her, there was a soft knock on the door. Evelyn's heart skipped a beat as she instinctively knew who it

called, a shy smile playing on her lips as Derek stepped into the room

twinkling with mischief. "It seems like one of us is always seeing the other

through her at his playful

a tender smile as he took a

the distance between them and kissed him, her lips pressing against his in a gesture filled with gratitude and something deeper. Derek's surprise quickly melted into a grin as he

was that for?" he asked, his voice low

shaking her head. "No... well, maybe. But mostly, I was thanking you. For standing up for me earlier. For making me speak up for myself. My Dad

a damp strand of hair behind her ear. "Well, I came to

looked down, feeling a bit shy. "And it was because you were there. By the way, about the clip you showed them earlier.

gaze grew serious as he gently lifted her chin, forcing her to meet his eyes. "I was. From the moment I saw you, I knew I had to find

blush creeping

I was

fetish for crying ladies?" she asked playfully, trying

warm. "Maybe I do," he