Evelyn stared blankly at the document on her computer screen, unable to focus. Too many thoughts swirled in her mind, the most frustrating being her longing for Derek, despite everything. No matter how many times she reasoned with herself, reminding herself why they couldn't be together, it was useless. Her thoughts drifted to Derek—his seductive charm, the way he challenged her, the decisions she regretted making. She remembered his intense blue eyes, their fingers brushing lightly, and the passionate lovemaking a few days earlier that had eclipsed all else. She couldn't deny their powerful attraction, even knowing it was dangerous.

"Too much is going on, Evie. You shouldn't be thinking about him," she sighed, pushing back her chair and standing. She walked to the window, hoping the view would clear her head. She needed to focus on work, not on Derek and her complicated feelings. Too much was at stake.

She didn't know how long she stood there before her phone buzzed. It was Margaret, her friend and neighbor from Husla. She'd missed several calls in recent weeks, intending to return them but never doing so.

Taking a deep breath, Evelyn answered. "Hello, Maggie! It's been a while!"

"That's because you haven't been returning my calls," Margaret pointed out.

"You're right. I'm sorry. I've been so busy with work and settling in," Evelyn apologized.

"I figured. I've missed you. How's everything? How's Sammy doing?" Margaret asked warmly.

"She's good," Evelyn smiled, thinking of her daughter. "How about you? How's everything going?"

"Oh, you know, the usual craziness with Josh and the twins. I wanted to check on you. I miss you so much," Margaret said.

"I'm fine, and I miss you too," Evelyn assured her. "Have you gotten the interview?"

Evelyn sighed. "It's a long story, Maggie."

"Do you want to tell me about it?"

Margaret had been Evelyn's first friend in Husla six years ago. After Sandra and Michael's betrayal, it had taken time for Evelyn to open up again. She had, however, told Margaret about Derek and the fact that Samantha was the result of a one-night stand.

Evelyn recounted her reunion with Derek, omitting some details.

"You mean Sammy's dad is the guy you're interviewing?" Margaret exclaimed in disbelief.

"Yeah."

"This is what hopeless romantics call fate! It can't be a coincidence. Have you told him about Sammy?"

"No. I don't want to."

"Why not? I thought when you decided to return, you were ready to find Sammy's father," Margaret interrupted.

"That was before I found out he's Michael's cousin," Evelyn said.

"So what! He's Samantha's father. That's the most important thing, not his relationship with your ex," Margaret argued.

"I don't want things to get more complicated. I just want to live quietly with Sam"

"Why should you live quietly? I thought you were ready to face everything, not run or hide?" Margaret asked disapprovingly.

"I'm not running or hiding. I just don't want to expose Sammy to drama. If he weren't Michael's cousin, I would have told him everything, but now it's too complicated. I have to be careful for Sammy's sake," Evelyn explained weakly.

Margaret changed the subject. "By the way, I saw Dr. Liam at the hospital the other day."

Evelyn smiled. "You did? How is he?"

"He seemed okay. He kept talking about you and how worried he was that you moved so far away."

Evelyn remembered Liam's attempts to dissuade her from returning to Ludus. "Liam is such a nice guy. He keeps in touch with Samantha, even though we haven't spoken much since I arrived."

"He does that because he knows Samantha is the way to your heart," Margaret teased.

"No. He's been part of Samantha's life since birth—he was my obstetrician and friend," Evelyn replied, a familiar argument.

"I know he likes you, Evelyn"

"First, you say reuniting with Sammy's father is fate, now you're talking about Liam. Choose a struggle, Maggie," Evelyn said, laughing.

"Well, both men have potential. Don't be alone, Evelyn. You deserve to be in love and happy. And Sammy deserves a father," Margaret said.

"And she deserves peace. So, what's new with you? How's Josh and the twins? Sammy misses them," Evelyn said, changing the subject.

Their conversation ended with a promise to talk more often. Evelyn felt more at ease and returned to work. Since returning to Ludus, she'd forgotten how good it felt to share her problems. She was glad Margaret had called. She didn't have to do this alone.