The Billionaire’s Unexpected Proposal (Evelyn and Derek)

Evelyn was in the kitchen, her hands busy with dinner prep, but her mind elsewhere, thoughts of her conversation with Rayna carlier occupied her mind as she tried to figure out what Sandra was up to.

She was jolted back to reality when she heard the front door burst open. Samantha's voice rang through the house, a high-pitched excitement that brought a smile to Evelyn's face as she quickly wiped her hands on a dish towel and hurried out to meet Samantha.

"Mommy! Mommy! Guess what?" Samantha's small feet pounded against the floor as she raced into the dining, her face flushed with enthusiasm.

"What is it, sweetheart?" she asked, her eyes sparkling as she knelt to her daughter's level.

*1 met Rek!" Samantha exclaimed, bouncing on her toes

Evelyn's brows shot up in surprise. "You did! At the park?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

Samantha nodded vigorously. "Yes! Can you believe it?" Samantha asked, and Evelyn laughed, delighted for her daughter who had reconnected with a lost friend

"That's wonderful, baby. Was he there to play too?" Evelyn asked, genuinely curious.

"He was driving by and saw the park, so he stopped to see if I was there. And I was!" she said, her voice bubbling over with excitement.

Maya was tempted to cut in and say that wasn't exactly what Derek had said, but she didn't want to dampen Samantha's excitement, so she quietly watched with a smile on her Face.

"He said he missed me and kept looking for me at the playground," Samantha said, her eyes gleaming with joy.

Evelyn's heart warmed at the thought of the little boy who had made such a strong impression on her daughter Now she was dying to meet the kid.

"I guess he lives close to

Evelyn asked, and Samantha shock her head.

to the park?"

"No, he still lives at the hotel." Samantha replied, her lane matter-of-fact. “That he said he'll come to the park to play with me every Saturday! And he took Maya's number so he can call if he can't come. Right, Maya?" she asked, and Maya nodded.

Evelyn smiled, feeling a sense of relief. It was nice to know that Samantha had made a friend, someone who cared enough to keep in touch. "That's great, honey. Did you meet his parents? Or his nanny?" she asked, wondering if she'd have a chance to meet them too, perhaps arrange a playdate.

Samantha giggled at the thought that an adult like Derek would have a nanny. "No, Rek was alone. But he promised to come play with me every Saturday," she repeated, her eyes shining with anticipation

ta

Maya frowned, wondering why Evelyn was asking that sort of question about a grown man like Derek

"I guess he was alone with his driver then," Evelyn said, wondering how wealthy the kid's parents must be if he was still living at the hotel, and could afford to drive around so leisurely.

Evelyn felt a wave of gratitude for this thoughtful friend who was making her daughter so happy. She reached out to smooth back a strand of Samantha's hair, her smile softening. "You know, Sam, maybe you could go to the same school as Rek. Would you like that?"

Maya, who was still Estening from the doorway, felt a sudden realization dawn on her. Evelyn had been assuming all along that Rek was a child, not an adult.

Maya decided to correct Evelyn and explain that Rek was actually Derek Stone, the owner of Stone Palace Hotel, but before either her or Samantha could say anything, Evelyn's phone rang, cutting through the air.

Evelyn took her phone out of her pocket and glanced at the phone screen. She raised a brow when she saw Rayna's name flashing "Go wash up sweetie," she said, getting to her feet. "I have to take this. We'll talk more about Rek later, okay?"

Samantha nodried, and Evelyn kissed her forehead before walking towards the living room to answer the call.

Maya watched Evelyn leave, feeling a knot of worry in her stomach. She had to find a way to explain the situation before it get out of hand.

Maya turned back to Samantha, whose eyes were still shining brightly. "Sammy, did you tell your Mommy that Rek is a kid?"

Samantha shook her head. "No. Do you think Mommy thinks Rek is a kid?

Maya nodded, "Yes: We can't let her keep thinking that. Okay! We have to tell her the truth, and maybe she can see him if he comes around next Saturday," She said, and Samantha bolibed her head. She wanted Derek in meet her mother and see how beautiful she was, so that they could both get married

Samantha smiled as she remembered her conversation with Derek while Maya was not close enough to hear.

12:15 PM dd-

Samantha looked up at Derek with big curious eyes. "Rek? Are you married?" she asked,

Derek laughed. "That's a big question! I'm not married yet, Sam. Why do you want to know?"

Samantha thought for a moment. "I want you to marry my Mommy! She's so pretty! And she's nice too. You would like her"

Derek smiled as he glanced at Maya who was keeping an eye on them from the distance. "That's very sweet of you, Sam. But don't you think your Mommy should pick her own husband?" Samantha shook her head. "No no no! I want you! You are nice. And you're handsome like a prince. My Mommy likes princes

Derek chuckled. "Well, I'm flattered, he said, then decided to ask her the question on his mind,

"Isn't that your Mommy?" He asked, jerking his head towards Maya.Exclusive © content by N(ô)ve/l/Drama.Org.

"Maya?" Samantha asked, and when he nodded, she shook her head.

"No. Maya is my nanny and she takes care of me when mommy is busy. My mommy is not Maya," Samantha said, and Derek nodded, realizing his mistake this whole time. "Oh, I see."

"My Mommy is very pretty, and she doesn't have a boyfriend," Samantha said, and Derek nodded, not knowing what more to say to that.

This wasn't a conversation he should be having with a little girl, especially as he knew he would be disappointing her and had no idea how best to turn her down. He had someone he liked and even if he didn't, there was no way he was going to allow a little girl play matchmaker.

"Liam says my Mommy is the best woman in the world. You will like my Mommy when you see her. She is really pretty and smart," Samantha promised confidently

Thankfully, Derek was saved from the conversation when Maya approached them to say it was time to leave.