Evelyn leaned back against the cool leather seat of the cab, her mind buzzing with the morning's events: a visit with her stepmother, a call from Susan, and a trip to Derek's office. She couldn't shake the feeling that everything was moving too fast.
The cityscape blurred past her window as she lost herself in thought, her fingers absentmindedly tracing her phone's edges. Having agreed to work with Derek and secured an interview, she needed to find an apartment—a safe place for Samantha and herself, away from Derek.
The thought of Derek, Michael's cousin, discovering he was Samantha's father, and the subsequent fallout, sent a shiver down her spine. She couldn't let him know about Samantha. She couldn't let anyone know she'd had a child with Michael's cousin. Not even her family.
A sudden realization struck her: she needed to call Claire and ensure Samantha remained a secret—at least for a while. If Claire mentioned Samantha to her father and Sandra, the news could reach Michael, then Derek, who would deduce his paternity based on Samantha's age.
This made her pause. Did Derek even know who she was? They'd spoken a few times during her relationship with Michael. Was he aware she was Evelyn, Michael's fiancée? Had Michael told him? If so, why was he doing this?
Shaking off these thoughts, she took a deep breath and dialed Claire's number (obtained earlier), hoping she wasn't too late. She counted the rings, each one increasing her anxiety, until Claire's pleasantly surprised voice answered on the fourth ring.
"Evelyn! I didn't expect to hear from you so soon. Please tell me you're calling because you've decided to move back home?" Hope tinged Claire's voice.
Evelyn laughed softly, though her thoughts were far from lighthearted. "No, Mom. That's not why I called, but I do have a favor to ask."
"Anything, sweetheart," Claire replied immediately.
Evelyn hesitated, then plunged ahead. "You haven't told Dad or Sandra about Sam yet, have you?"
"No. I was hoping to tell them at dinner. Why?" Claire asked. Evelyn breathed a sigh of relief.
"I need you to keep Samantha a secret for now. I don't want Dad or Sandra to know about her yet."
A brief pause followed. Claire's voice, though gentle, was firm. "If that's what you want, Evelyn. But you'll have to tell your father about his grandchild eventually, especially if you plan to bring Sam to the anniversary party."
Evelyn sighed, glancing out at the passing buildings. "I can't bring Sam to the party, Mom. I promise I'll tell Dad in a month, but right now, I need to keep her out of this."
"Why a month?" Claire asked.
"I need to settle down first. Then I'll tell him. Until then, I want this to remain between us. Please."
Claire sighed, but with understanding. "Alright, if that's what you need. But remember, secrets have a way of coming out, Evie. Be careful."
"I will, Mom. Thank you." Evelyn hung up, feeling a mix of relief and worry. She'd bought time, but not much. She needed to act quickly.
The cab pulled up to The Stone's Palace Hotel. Evelyn stepped out, her determination renewed, nodding absently at the doorman as she entered the grand lobby. Her thoughts were too preoccupied for pleasantries.
In the elevator, she resumed her phone search for real estate listings. She needed to find a place quickly, somewhere safe and discreet. Stepping out of the elevator into her suite, she saw Samantha playing quietly with her toys and Maya tidying up. The sight of her daughter brought a wave of love and guilt.
Samantha deserved to know her father, but Evelyn couldn't give her that—not with Derek, Michael's cousin, involved. It was too complicated.
"Mommy, you're back!" Samantha exclaimed, running to hug Evelyn.
Evelyn scooped her up. "Yes, sweetheart. Did you have fun with Aunt Maya?"
Samantha nodded enthusiastically. "We played with my new dolls. Aunt Maya says they're very pretty."
Evelyn smiled, setting Samantha down. "That's wonderful. Can you play a bit longer? Mommy needs to make some calls."
Samantha returned to her toys, and Evelyn went to the bedroom, closing the door softly. She needed to focus, to find a safe place. The urgency pressed down on her as she dialed a real estate agent's number found online.
"Hello, this is Evelyn Quinn. I'm looking for an apartment, something available immediately."
The conversation was quick, and Evelyn arranged to view several apartments that weekend.
Hanging up and returning to the room, she felt a glimmer of hope. They could move soon, make a fresh start. But beneath that hope, a gnawing fear remained. She was keeping too many secrets, and she knew they'd eventually catch up with her.
Evelyn sat on the bed, her thoughts heavy. She had to be strong, for Samantha's sake. She had to protect her daughter and give her stability, no matter what.