Chapter 100
Although Derek had spent over two hours with Samantha already, she was still clinging to him. Her face was bright with joy as she showed him each of the items around her room and the story behind them. "Daddy" Samantha called, her eyes gleaming with mischief.
"Yes, Samantha!" Derek asked, looking at her with so much love in his eyes.
No matter the number of times he had heard her call him that in the last couple of hours, his heart still did a flip-flop each time the called him that
"Daddddy?" She drawled.Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org
"Yes, Sammannny?" Derek asked, imitating her drawl, and she giggled.
"Daddddddy?"
Derek chuckled this time. "Alright. I give up. What is it. Sam?" He asked, and she giggled as she shook her headl
"I just love to call you Daddy. You're no longer just Rek. You're daddy," Samantha said, and Derek chuckled.
"And you're my baby." Derek said, and Samantha grinned.
"Then when I say Daddy, you should say baby," she said, and Derek nodded.
"Okay, babbbby, Derek drawled, and Samantha giggled happily.
"Dadddddy!"
"Yes, Habbbbby!"
Evelyn, who was busy compiling pictures and videos of Samantha from when she was little to the present into a flash drive, listened to their conversation and laughter. She laughed softly, too, her heart swelling with happiness at her daughter's joy.
She was very relieved now that she had told Derek the truth. And his understanding reaction to it both surprised and pleased her. Now, she didn't have to resist him or her feelings for him anymore. now," he said, and
She looked up from her laptop when Derek knocked on her open bedroom door, carrying Samantha in his arms, "I have to go n Evelyn glanced at her screen to make sure all the pictures had been sent before pulling out the flash drive and rising.
"You're leaving?" Samantha asked with a frown, and Derek chuckled.
"Now, I have to go for a little while, but I be back soon, okay?" Derek replied, giving her a warm smile.
Samantha poured slightly but nodded. "Okay, Daddy Promise you'll come back?"
"Promise," Derek said, giving her a gentle kiss on the forehead. "I'll see you later," he promised before setting Samantha on her feet. Derek turned to Evelyn. "I need to speak with Maya for a moment," he said, his voice serious.
Evelyn nodded, "I'll get her," she said, and as Derek walked towards the living room, Evelyn went to Maya's bedroom to get her, A minute later, Maya joined Derek in the living room with a curious expression, and Derek motioned for her to sit down. "Maya, Derek began once they were alone, "I want to thank you for everything you've done for Samantha. Evelyn's told me h with her, and I really appreciate it. how great you've been
Maya's eyes widened slightly, her heart p
pounding with nervous anticipation, "Thank you, Mr. Derek. I've always tried to take good care of her." Derek nodded. "I've noticed. I used to think you were Samantha's mom because of how attentive you were. I realized you weren't this past weekend."
-Derek paused for a moment. "But now that I know Samantha is my daughter, I want to make sure we're all on the same page."
Maya's expression shifted to one of confusion. "What do you mean?"
"I need to be clear about a few things," Derek said firmly. "As much as I'm grateful that you let me get so close to my daughter unknowingly, I'd like to ask that you not allow any strangers near Samantha or let her go near them. We can't take any risks, especially considering I could have easily been someone dangerous, and you wouldn't have known"
Maya kryes softened with understanding. I understand. I'll make sure no one gets close to her without your on Evelyn's permission."
Derek offered her a reassuring smile. "Thank you, Maya. I appreciate your understanding. And to show my appreciation, I'd like to offer you a salary raise. You've been more than just a nanny; you've been a crucial part of Samantha's life."
Maya's eyes filled with gratitude. "That's very generous of you, Mr. Derek. Thank you,"
Derek nodded. "You're welcome. You're doing a wonderful job, and I wanted you to know it doesn't go unnoticed."
As they finished their conversation, Derek walked back to Evelyn's room, where Evelyn was waiting. He walked over to her, pulling her into a warm embrace and planting a soft kiss on her lips.
"I'll call you later," Derek promised, his voice tender. "And before the end of the week, I'll make sure to have you moved from this place."
Evelyn smiled up at him. "Don't I have a say in what my home should look like?"
"You definitely do. I'll have some of the pictures sent to you. And if you have the time, you can take a look at them in person," he assured her.
"I would like to do that," she said, and he smiled.
Evelyn walked him to the door. "Drive safely," she said as she embraced him and discreetly slipped the flash drive into his pocket.
Derek gave her one last lingering kiss before leaving the house. As he settled into his car, a mixed feeling of completeness and euphoria washed
over him.
He not only had Evelyn's open affection, but he also had a daughter. Samantha. He had a whole family.
He hadn't realized how much he had wanted a family of his own until he stood in Evelyn's living room with his arms around Evelyn and Samantha.
He was so happy that he not only wanted to share the news with someone, but he also wanted to celebrate. Reaching for his phone, he dialed Ethan's number.
"Ethan, you won't believe the news I have," Derek said excitedly when Ethan answered. "Can we meet up? I have something wonderful to share, and I want to celebrate."
"Well, I have something wonderful to share, too. You won't believe the number of ladies that have applied to be my wife, Ethan said with a chuckle,
Derek chuckled, shaking his head in amusement, "I guess your crazy plan is going to work after all. Where should I meet you?"
"Let's meet at the lounge, Ethan suggested, and once they agreed at the time, they hung up.