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."

heart swelled with emotion as she watched them. The bond forming between Derek and Samantha was everything she had ever hoped for. She quietly stepped back,

was there, diligently

breaking the silence. Evelyn hesitated in the doorway, unsure of how to begin

said, stepping into

but smiling as she set

"Yes, Evelyn?"

breath,

have been confusing with everything that's been going on. And I think you deserve to know what's happening. So, tomorrow, after Samantha leaves for school, I'll explain everything. You've been here

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

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

over her. Excusing herself, Evelyn went to her bedroom. She stepped into the bathroom, letting the warm

stepped out of the bathroom, towel wrapped around her, there was a soft

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

when he saw her, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "It seems like one of

feeling a warmth spread through her at his playful tone. "Don't remind

grin softened into a tender smile as he took a step closer. "I need to leave now,

her lips pressing against his in a gesture filled with gratitude and something deeper. Derek's surprise quickly melted into a grin as he

low and teasing. "Are you trying

But mostly, I was thanking you. For standing up for me earlier. For making me speak up for myself. My Dad was

looked at her, his hand reaching up to tuck a damp strand of hair behind her ear. "Well, I came to tell you that you did

"And it was because you were there. By the

meet his eyes. "I was. From the moment

blush creeping

point while I was crying did you

have a fetish for crying ladies?" she asked playfully, trying to

deep and warm. "Maybe I do," he teased, his hand