The Billionaire's Unexpected Proposal by Samantha

Chapter 136

Evelyn's breath hitched as she turned from the door to see Samantha's little face pale and frightened. She wrapped her arms tightly around Evelyn's leg, her small body trembling. "I'm sorry about that, baby. Were you very startled?" Evelyn asked as she patted Samantha's hair.

who was that man?" Samantha asked, her voice barely a whisper. Evelyn knelt down, cupping her daughter's face gently.

"Mommy, that

that was just someone Mommy used to know. He's gone now," Evelyn said softly, brushing Samantha's hair away from her face. "You don't have to worry about him." "But he scared me," Samantha whimpered, clinging to her mother. baby. You're safe. No one will hurt you. I promise."

Evelyn pulled her into a a warm embrace. "It's okay,

at the

As Evelyn held her close, Mayan nodded, knowway, her eyes flicking between the two. "Sammy, come introduce me to your new baby, will you? Mommy needs to finish up in the kitchen," Maya called softly.

Evelyn hesitated for a a moment, then

Maya

had always been a comfort to Samantha. "Go show Maya your new doll while I finish up," she said, kissing Samantha's temple. Maya scooped Samantha up gently, whispering soothing words as she carried her toward the bedroom. Evelyn sighed, feeling the weight of the morning settling into her bones. She turned back toward the kitchen and found Liam standing there, his face filled with concern.

"Evie," Liam said, stepping closer. "Who is Michael? Is he Samantha's father?"

Evelyn shook her head quickly. "No, Michael's not her father. He's... he's my ex-fiancé."

Liam's brow furrowed, and he exhaled slowly, looking a little relieved. "I see. I just... I'm sorry if I overstepped."

shook her head, feeling a mix of emotions. "No, Liam, you didn't overstep. I'm sorry for the embarrassment. I didn't want you to get involved."

gave e her a soft smile. "You don't need to

Evelyn shook

Liam t need to apologize. I'm glad I was here. If he had done anything more, I wouldn't have let him." Evelyn smiled back, her heart swelling with gratitude. "Thank you.

I I should get back to the kitchen," she said, and Liam followed her back in.

they returned to the kitchen, Evelyn hesitated for a

Evelyn took a a breath, ready to say something, but before she thinking that this might be a good time to tell Liam about Derek. could, Liam spoke first.

"I wanted to tell you something," he said, his voice hesitant yet steady.

have s

something to tell you, too. But you can go first," Evelyn said with a small smile.

to say might come as a surprise to you. The thing is, Ilike you. I've always liked you, but I thought it was just platonic love, you know? Like family. That's

words, her mind spinning. Liam? In love

throat

I want to be part of your life, Evie.

heart thumped i in her chest, and thankfully, before Liam could go further, the doorbell rang

before Liam could say more. Her heart pounded

of concern. "Is

her, his gaze quickly assessing the situation. "I was told Michael came by, and I came as soon as I could," Derek said, reminding her that he had someone on Michael's tail. Evelyn sighed, her shoulders sagging. "Yeah,

more, Samantha's excited voice broke through the tension. "Daddy!" she cried, rushing

Derek

"Hey,

Liam

scooped her

holding her close as he stepped into

in the kitchen doorway, his eyes widening slightly as he watched Samantha in another man's arms, calling

"Daddy.

throat. "Liam, this is Derek, Samantha's father. Derek, this is Liam, my friend. He was here when Michael

little pale.

to one arm and shook Liam's hand

a lot about you, Liam. Thanks for looking out for Evelyn and Samantha all these

managed a small smile. "I was

changing the subject smoothly. "I'd like to buy you a drink before you leave." Liam shifted awkwardly "I'm leaving tomorrow. Actually, I should probably get going so I can rest up for my flight." "That's a shame," Derek said, and

"You don't You

have

rush off. Stay for lunch, please," she said, not wanting him to leave

think I'll pass this time. It's... a little awkward now, don't you think? I'll call you when I get settled, I promise." Samantha motioned for Derek to put her down, and when he did, she hugged Liam's leg, her eyes wide.

to her level, giving her a soft smile. "I'll miss you too, Sammy. Be good for your mom,

straightened and looked at Derek. "I'm glad Evelyn and Samantha have you to take care of them," he said, and Derek smiled

am grateful they had you with them," he said, stepping aside with Samantha as Evelyn escorted Liam to

of guilt, knowing his confession hung between them. Her heart was heavy, and she felt a mix of emotions as

"I'm sorry..."

I could stay for lunch, but I'm feeling too embarrassed to face you right now. You should be happy. As long as you are happy, it's worth the heartbreak,"

cool, right?" She asked hopefully, and he

you know

room and found Derek sitting in the dining with Samantha happily chattering away as she sat on

them, she went into the kitchen

support- it all swirled together in her mind, making her heart beat

when Derek's k's arms wrapped around

She

off

that way?" He

he run "Evelyn said, a hint of amusement in her voice as she turned to face him. ecause you showed up