Chapter 99
Posted on January 26, 2025 · 0 mins read
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Knowing what was about to happen, Evelyn took a deep breath, walked to the door, and opened it to reveal Maya standing with Samantha, who was smiling brightly, unaware of the gravity of the moment. Samantha bounded into the room, her wide eyes lighting up when she saw Derek was still there. "I'm back," she announced, her innocent voice filling the room.

Seeing her again, Derek couldn't believe his luck. Staring at her, he remembered the hotel patron's comment about their resemblance; now he saw it clearly—especially in her eyes. His heart ached with love for his daughter. "Welcome back," he said, flashing her a smile.

Maya's gaze flickered between Evelyn and Derek, sensing a shift in the atmosphere. As she started to leave for her room, Evelyn stopped her. "Join us, Maya. Please sit down," Evelyn said. Maya nodded and sat opposite Derek.

Derek glanced at Evelyn, waiting for her to speak. His heart pounded; in moments, Samantha's world—and his—would change forever. Evelyn knelt in front of Samantha, forcing a smile as she gently took her daughter's hands. "Sweetheart," she began, her voice tender but trembling, "there's something important I need to talk to you about."

Samantha bobbed her head, looking at Evelyn with wide, innocent eyes. Then she glanced at Derek, wondering why her mother looked so serious. "Remember how you always used to say everyone has a daddy? And you always asked me about your daddy?" she said, bobbing her head again.

Evelyn glanced at Derek, who nodded. "Your friend, Rek… isn't just Rek. He's actually your daddy."

Maya gasped behind them, her hand flying to her mouth in shock, but Samantha's curiosity turned to confusion. "My daddy?" she repeated, glancing from her mother to Derek.

"Yes, baby," Evelyn said, her voice thick with emotion. "Rek is not just your friend. He is your daddy."

Samantha blinked, processing the information slowly. Her eyes sought confirmation from Derek, who nodded, his heart in his throat. For a moment, Samantha stood silent. "Are you going to be my daddy because my mommy is pretty and you're marrying her, or are you my daddy?" she asked.

Derek's lips twitched, amused by her intelligent question. Evelyn smiled, but before she could clarify, Derek spoke. "I'm your daddy, Sam. Your mommy and I made you," he said softly, crouching to her level.

Then, in a burst of emotion, she ran into Derek's arms, hugging him tightly. "You're really my daddy, Rek?" she asked, her voice muffled against his chest.

Derek wrapped his arms around her, nodding, his throat tight. "Yes, sweetheart. I'm your daddy. And I'm going to take care of you and your mommy. I promise."

Samantha pulled back, looking up at him with a bright smile. "Are you really going to marry my mommy too? Like I asked?"

Derek chuckled through his tears, nodding. "Yes, I'm going to marry your pretty mommy, just like you wanted."

Samantha squealed with joy, throwing her arms around Derek's neck again. Derek held her close, his heart swelling with fierce love. Tears streamed down his face as he silently promised to protect and cherish both Samantha and Evelyn. He looked at Evelyn and signaled her to join the hug as he rose with Samantha in his arms.

As Evelyn joined the hug, Maya rose and quietly left the living room, wanting to give the family privacy. Her heart was racing. This was his family, and he would fight for them with his life. Derek kissed both their foreheads.

Their family moment was interrupted by Derek's phone buzzing. He pulled back to answer it. Evelyn reached for Samantha, but she clung to Derek. "Not yet, Mommy," she said. Derek laughed while Evelyn rolled her eyes, but a smile played on her lips.

Derek scowled when he saw Michael calling. "It's Michael," he told Evelyn.

"Put her down and take the call," Evelyn said, then gave Samantha a pointed look. "Go to your room, sweetheart," she said firmly. Samantha pouted and obeyed.

Derek answered, placing the call on speaker. "What's up, Mike?"

"Hey, Derek! I was just at your office and learned you weren't there. Where are you?" Michael asked casually.

"Why? Is there a problem?" Derek asked, ignoring the question.

Michael hesitated. "Not exactly. I heard from your mom and Sandra, so I wanted to check on you. Sandra wanted me to apologize for involving your mom."

Evelyn rolled her eyes, and Derek's lips twitched. "Ask her not to worry, I'm not mad at her. I was only meeting with Evelyn to talk about our interview, but now that she's been fired, I guess I have no reason to meet with her anymore," Derek said, and Evelyn scowled at him, making him grin.

"Really? She's been fired?" Michael asked, with obvious joy.

"Yeah. You know my mom. She doesn't joke," Derek said with a sigh. "Why don't we hang out later after work? I need a drink after the craziness of today." Michael smirked.

"Sure. Let's do that. You're not mad at Sandra, right?" Michael asked.

"Nah. Not at all. I'm sure she only did that because she was worried. We all know how jealous these women can be," Derek said, and Michael laughed.

"Of course. You should be careful with Evelyn, though. Sandra told me Evelyn said some shocking things about wanting you," Michael said, and Derek grinned at Evelyn.

"She did! Interesting. Anyway, let's talk later. I'm in the middle of something important," Derek said. He hung up, and Evelyn playfully punched him. "What was all that about?" she asked. He chuckled.

"Alright, I was going to tell you some other things when I got here, but the whole revelation distracted me," Derek said. Evelyn raised an eyebrow. "What did you want to talk about?" she asked. He gestured for them to sit down.

Derek told her about his conversation with his father and his decision to have someone hack Michael and Sandra's phones. "Although I have someone following Michael and keeping an eye on him. Earlier, he was at Sandra's office. But his phone will be much faster to track."

"I think that's a brilliant idea," she said. Derek nodded.

"Yeah. So, that's why I won't be with you publicly for the time being. But that doesn't mean I'm going to stay away from you. I'll get the house as I said. It will be in a secure environment. That way, just anyone can't get in," Derek said. Evelyn stared at him before nodding.

"Alright. Let's do that. Let me know how I can help, although Rayna is helping me keep an eye on Sandra," Evelyn said, then recounted Sandra's visit to Rayna and what she'd said.

Derek shook his head. "She seems obsessed with you."

"I have no idea why," Evelyn said, and Derek chuckled.

"Well, I'm obsessed with you, and I can tell you why," he said, making her smile.

"I guess the interview won't be happening anymore," Derek said. Evelyn scoffed.

"It will. But just not at Empowered. I'm going back to work at the People's Times. Sandra won't know what hit her." Derek laughed. "Fierce! I like it," he said approvingly. "I think your friend Rayna is really good for you; otherwise, we would have kept going around in circles. I owe her one," he added, and Evelyn laughed softly.

"Now, get me Samantha. I need to spend some time with her before leaving. I've got so much to do now."


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