Billionaire’s

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 smuggled 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.”

Evelyn’s 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, leaving them to their moment, and made her way to the kitchen.

Maya was there, diligently cleaning up after dinner. The kitchen smelled faintly of the evening’s meal, and the clinking of dishes was the only sound breaking the silence. Evelyn hesitated in the doorway, unsure of how to begin the conversation she knew they needed to have..

“Maya,” Evelyn finally said, stepping into the room. Maya looked up, surprised but smiling as she set down the dish she was drying

“Yes, Evelyn?”

Evelyn took a deep breath, leaning against the counter. “I know this past few days 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 for us through so much, and 1 don’t want to keep you in the dark.”

Maya’s expression softened, a mix of relief and curiosity evident in her eyes. “I have been wondering, but I didn’t want to pry. I appreciate you being willing to tell me.”

Evelyn nodded, feeling a sense of responsibility toward Maya, who had been more than just Samantha’s nanny–she had been family. “I promise

explain it all. But for now, let’s finish up here”

The two women worked together in comfortable silence, washing dishes and tidying up the kitchen. By the time they finished, the kitchen was spotless, and Evelyn felt a sense of calm wash over her.

Excusing herself, Evelyn went to her bedroom. She stepped into the bathroom, letting the warm water of the shower soothe hier tense muscles. The events of the evening played over in her mind, but instead of anxiety, she felt a sense of closure and hope for what was to come.

Just as she 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 was.

12:01 PM

Chapter Ho

“Come in,” she called, a shy smile playing on her lips as Derek stepped into the room and shut the door behind him. NôvelDrama.Org content.

twinkling with mischief. “It seems like one of us is always seeing the other in a towel. He grinned when he saw her, his eyes Evelyn giggled, feeling a warmth spread through her at his playful tone. “Don’t remind me.”

Derek’s grin softened into a tender smile as he took a step closer. “I need to leave now, but.”

Before he could finish, Evelyn closed 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 pulled back slightly.

“What was that for?” he asked, his voice low and teasing. “Are you trying to seduce me again?”

Evelyn laughed softly, 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 was quite shocked”

Derek’s eyes softened as he 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 great tonight. You were wonderful, Eve.”

Evelyn’s heart fluttered at his words, and she looked down, feeling a bit shy. “And it was because you were there. By the way, about the clip you showed them earlier. I really didn’t think you were trying to find me all those years”

Derek’s 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 you again. I fell in love with you at first sight.”

1

Evelyn’s eyes widened, a blush creeping up her cheeks. “At what point while I was crying did you fall for me? Don’t tell me you have a fetish for crying ladies?” she asked playfully, trying to hide her embarrassment.

Derek laughed, the sound deep and warm. “Maybe I do,” he teased, his hand brushing against her cheek. “But I’m glad you came back to the hotel room with me that day. I’m glad you chose to recklessly have sex with a stranger

Evelyn rolled her eyes, though she couldn’t hide the smile tugging at her lips. “I don’t know what I was thinking. In retrospect, that was a very stupid thing to do.”

Derek’s expression softened further as he cupped her face in his hands. “I don’t know what I was thinking either by accepting, but I’m glad we both did something so dumb.

Before Evelyn could respond, Derek leaned in and kissed her deeply, his lips capturing hers in a way that made the room seem to spin. For a moment, they were lost in each other, the intensity of the kiss making everything else fade away. When Derek finally pulled back, his breath was ragged, his eyes dark with desire.

“I should leave now. If we continue this, I’m going to make love to you,” he said, his voice husky.

Evelyn’s heart raced as she looked up at him, her own desire mirroring his. “What if I want you to?” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

“Are you sure!” Derek asked, and she nodded.

“I’m sure.

Derek’s eyes searched hers for a moment, and when he saw the certainty in them, he wasted no time. He scooped her up into his arms, carrying to the bed with a sense of urgency and tenderness all at once. He laid her down gently, his hands and lips exploring her with a reverence that made her feel cherished and loved.

As they made love, their connection deepened in ways words could not express. It was more than just the physical act- it was the culmination of years of longing, of unspoken feelings, and of the love that had blossomed between them despite all the obstacles.

They moved together as if they had always been meant to, their bodies and souls entwined in a dance of passion and love

When it was over, they lay in each other’s arms, their breathing slowly returning to normal. Derek pressed a soft kiss to Evelyn’s forehead, pulling her closer as she snuggled against him.

“I love you” he whispered, the words filled with emotion. “I always will”

Evelyn smiled, feeling a tear slip down her cheek–not out of sadness, but out of the overwhelmin

the words back, and Derek didn’t pressure her to do that either.

Derek waited until she had drifted off to sleep before leaving

the overwhelming happiness that filled her heart. She didn’t say