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.

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 why I "But after you left Husla, I realized... it wasn't just that. I was in love with you." Evelyn's breath caught

In love

her throat as

should've said something sooner, but I want to be part of your life, Evie.

Liam could go further, the doorbell rang again, cutting through

more. Her heart

she opened the door, she was met with Derek's familiar face, his expression one of concern. "Is everything alright? What

I came as soon as I could," Derek said, reminding her that he had someone on Michael's tail. Evelyn sighed,

excited voice broke through the tension.

Derek

"Hey,

Liam

down and scooped her up, hugging

'he murmured, holding her close as he

in the kitchen doorway, his eyes widening slightly as he watched Samantha in another

"Daddy.

this is Derek, Samantha's father. Derek, this is Liam, my friend. He was

nod, his face still a little pale. "Nice to meet

to one arm and shook Liam's hand

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

a small smile. "I

Derek asked, changing the subject smoothly. "I'd like to buy you a drink before you leave."

"You don't You

have

off. Stay for lunch, please," she said,

get

"I'll miss you too, Sammy.

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

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

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

"I'm sorry..."

face you right now. You should be happy. As long as

cool, right?" She asked

let you know when I arrive," he

to living room and found Derek sitting in the dining

them, she went into the kitchen to continue what she

Liam's confession, Derek's unwavering support- it all swirled together in her mind, making her heart

Derek's k's arms wrapped

She

off

that way?"

hint of amusement in her voice as she turned to face him. ecause you showed up at such a