Chapter 86

Derek chuckled as he stared at his phone in disbelief. Did Evelyn just say she missed him! Derek asked himself, laughing happily.

What had changed, though? Why was she suddenly being this way? He mused as he lay down.

Well, today was a good day. He could go to bed now with a smile on his face

Derek lay in bed, a smile tugging at his lips. Evelyn had said it- she missed him. The words echoed in his mind like a soft melody, filling him with warmth and satisfaction. He had hoped for so long to hear something like that from her, and now that he had, sleep came easily.

When he woke up the following day, the remnants of that smile were still there, his mood as light as the sunlight streaming through the curtains. Stretching lazily, he reached for his phone, ready to start the day in the best way possible. His fingers moved quickly over the screen, composing at good morning message.

[Thanks to you, I slept with a grin and woke up with a smile on my face. You're always on my mind. Good morning, my jewel]

Satisfied, he sent the text, feeling a slight flutter of excitement in his chest at the thought of her reading it. He imagined her smile as she did, and it made the early start to the day all the more pleasant. With a quick shower and a light breakfast, he was out the door, heading for the office with a spring in his step.

While Derek was getting ready to leave for work, Evelyn was seated in the back of the cab, her arm draped protectively around Samantha as they

meared the school.

It was her daughter's first day, and both of thern were jattery. Evelyn could see it in the way Samantha's tiny fingers twisted the hem of her dress and the quiet glances the little girl cast out the window. Maya sat in the front seat, occasionally looking back to check on them.

The hum of traffic filled the air, and Evelyn absentmindedly opened her phone, wanting to replace something funny to entertain Samantha. Then she kaw it: Derek's good morning text.

Her heart skipped a beat, and a smile spread across her face.

Seeing his message now, it was hard not to feel warm ini had been wondering if he wasn't going to send her a good morning text as usual.

She bit her lower lip as she quickly type a reply. Good morning, Derek. You're on my mind, too.]

She pressed her lips together and closed her eyes as she pressed send, feeling like a silly teenager.

Derek's message had lifted her mood despite the nervousness she felt for Samantha. Maybe she'd stop by his office later and surprise him with her presence.

"We're here," the driver said, pulling up to the school, Evelyn glanced out the window, and she smiled at the scene outside. Parents were dropping off their kids, some children clinging to their mothers, others running excitedly towards the entrance.

This had been the same school she had attended all those years ago, and coming here to drop her own baby overwhelmed her with an inexplicable feeling. Perhaps it was nostalgia since she remembered being dropped off by her father on her first day at school.

As they got out of the cab, Evelyn knelt beside Samantha, smoothing her hair back from her face. The little girl's eyes were wide, taking in the sea of unfamiliar faces

"You're going to be fine, sweetheart," Evelyn said softly, her voice steady despite her own nerves. "You're going to make lots of friends today, and you'll have so much fun I promise." Samantha nodded, though her small hand squeezed Evelyn's a little tighter.

"Do you r

really think so. Mommy?" she asked in a tiny voice, her eyes flicking nervously to the school building.

"I know so," Evelyn said, smiling warmly. "And Maya will be here when school is over, okay! Maya will pick you up, and I'll see you later after I get back from work."

Just as Evelyn was about to usher Samantha forward, a sleek black car pulled up behind them, and a tall heavily pr hand gently guiding a young girl who looked about Samantha's age. The little girl, with bright eyes and a shy smile, was clearly just as nervous as Samantha.

pregnant woman stepped out, her

Both children Böckel eyes immediately as though sensing the other's nervousness, and in that magical way only children could, they gravitated Toward one another as they made their way inside, Evelyn fra lighter as she waved goodbye to Samantha, who was now happily walking into the school with Ella. The pang of separation still tigges at her, but knowing Samantha wasn't alone made it easier. Evelyn watched her heart swelling with relief. Samantha had already found a friend.

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Chapter 86

Seems like they've hit it off, the pregnant woman said, coming to stand beside Evelyn. She had a kind smile, her eyes twinkling with warmth. "It's always a relief when that happens, isn't it?" Sarah said, watching the two girls with a fond smile.

Evelyn nodded, laughing softly as she turned to face her. "Definitely. I was worried for a second, but it looks like they'll be just fine."

"By the way, I'm Sarah the woman introduced herself, extending a hand.

"Evelyn," she replied, shaking Sarah's hand. "It's my daughter's first day here. I think I'm more nervous than she is."

"Oh trust me, I know the feeling. My little girl, Ella, was so scared this morning, but I think having a friend here already is going to help.

"I'm sure it will," Evelyn agreed. feeling the tension ease from her shoulders, "Maybe we could arrange a playdate sometime. You know, something

to help them get along well. We moved here recently, and Sam doesn't really have friends her age."

Sarah's face lit up. "That sounds great! I think Ella could use a new friend, especially with the baby on the way."

They exchanged numbers, promising to stay in touch before they parted.

With one last glance at the school, Evelyn slid back into the cab. She smiled, feeling as though a small weight had been lifted.

She had made a new friend, and Samantha had too. The day was off to a good start. Turning to Maya, she gave her a soft reminder.

"Don't forget to pick Samantha up after school, okay?"

Maya nodded "Of course, ma'am. I'll be there"

Satisfied. Evelyn leaned back in her seat, her mind already drifting to her next destination- Derek's office. She hadn't told him yet, but she was looking forward to surprising him.

She felt a sense of peace wash over her. Everything was going to be alright. All she had to do was follow her heart and trust her gut.

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