Evelyn smiled as she re-entered the house after Derek’s departure. A smile tugged at her lips. She barely closed the door before Samantha burst from her room, radiating the unadulterated joy only a child can express.

“Mommy!” Samantha squealed, arms outstretched. She ran straight to Evelyn, launching herself into her mother’s embrace.

Evelyn caught her effortlessly, holding her close. The familiar scent of her daughter filled her senses, the warmth easing a tension she hadn't realized she still carried. Looking into Samantha’s bright blue eyes, Evelyn’s heart swelled. “Are you that happy?” she asked, laughing softly.

Samantha nodded enthusiastically, her curls bouncing. “I’m very happy, Mommy! I love Rek… no, I love my daddy!” She corrected herself proudly, her voice filled with the certainty of a newly solidified bond with Derek.

Evelyn’s laughter bubbled up, soft and echoing the joy of the moment. She kissed Samantha’s forehead. “I’m so glad you’re happy, sweetheart.” Her voice was thick with emotion. She glanced up to see Maya watching them, her expression mirroring Evelyn’s—tender, joyful, and awestruck.

“I bet that was a surprise,” Evelyn said teasingly.

Maya chuckled, her gaze warm. “More than a surprise. A pleasant one,” she admitted, her eyes lingering on Samantha. “I always wondered why Sammy was so taken with him. It all makes sense now.”

Evelyn smiled, but a thread of concern tugged at her heart. The moment was perfect, but the future remained uncertain. “We might have to move again soon,” she said quietly, looking between Maya and Samantha, who was still nestled in her arms.

Samantha’s eyes widened. “Are we going to live with my daddy?” Her hopeful question sent a pang through Evelyn’s chest.

Evelyn hesitated. “We might… eventually,” she said slowly, brushing a stray curl from Samantha’s face. “But not just yet. For now, we’re moving to a safe place, and when the time is right, your daddy will live with us. Would you like that?”

Samantha’s face lit up. “Yes! Will he take me to school? Teach me how to ride my bike? And buy me dolls?” she asked excitedly.

Evelyn and Maya laughed. “I’m sure he’d love to do all those things,” Evelyn said, her heart swelling. “Now,” she continued, setting Samantha down, “why don’t you take a nap? I know you didn’t have one today.”

Samantha pouted, then grinned, skipping to her bedroom. Evelyn watched her go, her smile lingering.

“I’ve never seen you look this happy,” Maya said, her smile wide.

Turning to Maya, Evelyn’s voice softened. “Thank you, Maya. For everything.”

Maya smiled warmly. “I’m not sure I’ve done anything, but you’re welcome,” she said before checking on Samantha.

Evelyn lingered, absorbing the stillness. Her heart felt light, a stark contrast to the weight it had carried hours before. She needed to share this feeling. Without hesitation, she went to her bedroom, grabbed her phone, and called Rayna.

Rayna answered with playful suspicion. “Isn’t this like the third time today? Tell me you’re calling to say you told Derek everything. If not, hang up.”

Evelyn laughed. It started as a giggle and escalated into joyful, uncontrollable laughter. “RAYNA!” she cried, tears welling up. Hearing Evelyn’s carefree laugh, Rayna grinned. “You told him, didn’t you?”

“I love you, Rayna. I love you so much,” Evelyn said, her words pouring out.

“Thank you. Thank you for making me do this. I don’t know why I didn’t tell him sooner. I wish I’d confided in you earlier. You gave me the best advice ever.”

Rayna laughed. “Did I? Last I checked, you were asking yourself why you ever listened to me,” Rayna said dryly.

“I take that back. I must have been out of my mind to say something like that to my sweetest Ray. My genius. My drop of golden sun,” Evelyn said, her voice still brimming with emotion.

Rayna chuckled. “Alright, alright. I’ll let you bask in my brilliance later. Now I want to hear what happened. Tell me all of it. Wait. Let’s switch to a video call. I need to see your face.” Before Evelyn could respond, Rayna initiated a video call.

Evelyn brushed away tears as she accepted the call. Rayna’s face filled the screen, and Evelyn smiled even wider.

“Now tell me everything,” Rayna said, and Evelyn recounted everything—her initial nerves, the conversation with Derek, the anger, relief, and understanding. Tears streamed down her face, and Rayna, ever the sympathetic crier, teared up as well.

“I can’t believe he was so understanding! Derek is a ten. No. He’s a hundred over ten. I love him for you already,” Rayna said, wiping away tears after Evelyn finished.

Evelyn laughed. “A hundred over ten is still a ten, Ray. But yeah, he’s a ten.”

“Whatever. You almost let him go, you dummy! I can’t believe you were going to give him up. I feel like slapping you through the phone.” Rayna’s voice was teasing, but serious.

“I know,” Evelyn admitted. “But we all react differently. And sometimes… when it’s your life, it’s hard to see clearly.” Rayna nodded. “Yeah. I get that. You’re right.”

They shared a quiet moment before Evelyn cleared her throat. “By the way, guess who was at my office today?”

Rayna raised an eyebrow. “Who?”

“Sandra.”

Rayna scowled. “What did that snake want?”

Evelyn laughed. “You’ll never believe it. I guess I also haven’t told you that I’ve been fired.” Rayna’s eyes widened. “When? Why? Did that snake have anything to do with it? Are you sure you don’t want me to come over?”

“Nah. I’m okay,” Evelyn assured her.

“Alright. Tell me about the visit. What did she have to say?” Rayna asked.

“You know what? I recorded the whole conversation. Why don’t I send it to you?” Evelyn suggested.

Rayna’s eyes lit up. “Oh, please do. I’m going to need popcorn for this. I’m going to hang up now. Send it over right away. I’ll call you when I’m done.” Rayna hung up. Evelyn forwarded the video. A short while later, Rayna called back.

“That girl must be high on something cheap! I can’t believe her nerve! Did she really come to ask you to stay away from Derek when she knows about her and Michael? Why didn’t you pull her hair or something? Gosh! Your composure needs to be studied!”

Evelyn laughed. “I can’t be bothered by Sandra right now. I’m just really happy that both Derek and Samantha are happy. I want to focus on a pleasant feeling.”

“Yeah. You should be happy. You deserve it. So, you’re unemployed now. Want a job at my bakery?” Rayna offered.

Evelyn laughed. “Nah. I believe it’s time to go back to my Dad’s company. Sandra is going to wish she didn’t mess with me.”

“Amen to that, bitch!” Rayna said happily.

“I owe you a drink, Ray…”

“A drink? You owe me more than a drink, but we can start with that,” Rayna said.

“Now that I’m jobless, I have time to spare. Let me know when you’re ready for a drink,” Evelyn said.

“I can feel it, Evie. The Evelyn I know is finally coming back,” Rayna said happily. After chatting for a bit, they hung up.

Feeling lighter than she had in years, Evelyn sighed as she flopped onto her bed. The crushing weight on her shoulders was gone. She realized she’d been shouldering burdens she didn’t have to carry alone; all she needed to do was open up.