Derek and Evelyn turned, and to their surprise, Samantha came barreling out of a car, her schoolbag bouncing on her back. She ran toward Derek, her face lighting up with joy.

"Rek!" Samantha shouted, flinging her arms around him in a hug. Derek, taken aback, knelt to embrace her, his eyes wide with surprise.

"Sam," he chuckled, lifting her and rising. "This is my friend Evelyn," he said, looking between Samantha and Evelyn.

"I didn't expect to see you here, Sam. What are you doing here?" he asked, turning to Maya.

Maya's eyes widened as she took in the scene, glancing between Evelyn and Derek. Her surprise was evident, especially as her gaze lingered on Derek, the man Evelyn seemed to know personally.

Evelyn's stomach churned. She felt Maya's curiosity and confusion, but there was no time to address it; she had to focus on Derek, who still stood before her.

"This is my house. And this is my pretty Mommy," Samantha announced proudly, her little face lighting up with excitement, all her mother's warnings forgotten.

Evelyn froze, her heart thudding as the smile slipped from Derek's face. His entire demeanor shifted at that single word.

His confusion was instant; his eyes flickered between Evelyn and the little girl in his arms, his brow furrowing. Evelyn's breath hitched as she met Derek's gaze, his eyes full of questions. The word "Mommy" hung between them.

"Mommy?" His voice was low, almost disbelieving.

Evelyn swallowed hard, panic rising, but before she could speak, Samantha said, "Did you come to see me, Rek?" she asked with hopeful eyes, oblivious to the tension between the adults.

Dragging his gaze from Evelyn, Derek smiled at Samantha. "I guess I did," he said, his gaze flickering back to Evelyn as he wondered what was going on.

Evelyn had a child. Samantha was Evelyn's child? How? Why had she kept it from him? Was that why she'd asked him not to show up unannounced? How long had she planned to keep it secret? Who was Samantha's father? Was it Michael?

Evelyn watched as Derek's expression, softened by concern and care, hardened with confusion and questions. His gaze locked onto Evelyn, his eyes narrowing as though searching for answers.

Before Evelyn could react, Samantha wrapped her arms around Derek's neck. "Mommy, can I show Rek what I drew in school today?" she asked with innocent enthusiasm. Evelyn cleared her throat. "I was going to tell you," she said, her voice unfamiliar.

Maya, still watching awkwardly, moved quickly. "Sammy, let's go inside," she said, reaching for Samantha. Derek let her go.

"You can come in," Evelyn said to Derek after Maya and Samantha went inside. She had no reason to keep him out. Derek stared at her for a few seconds before nodding and stepping inside.

"Make yourself comfortable. I'll join you in a minute," she said, needing time to compose herself; her heart was beating too fast.

Evelyn went into Samantha's bedroom and turned to Maya. "Would you take Samantha to the park for a while? I'll let you know when I'm done," she said. Maya nodded, while Samantha pouted. "Can I play with Rek now?" she asked. Evelyn forced a smile.

"Soon, baby. Mommy needs to talk to Rek right now," Evelyn coaxed softly, and Samantha bobbed her head.

Leaving, Evelyn went to her bedroom to change out of her bathrobe, feeling as exposed and vulnerable physically as she was emotionally.

In the long run, Derek didn't say anything. He remained standing, his gaze lingering over the photo frames of Evelyn and Samantha that decorated the long hallway. Although he was shocked, no anger was present; his mind raced with Evelyn's secrecy.

It all made sense now. He'd met Samantha at the hotel and at the park near Evelyn's home.

Was she the reason Evelyn had refused to date him? Was Evelyn embarrassed about being a single mother?

He looked up when Evelyn returned, dressed in a sweatshirt and jeans. His gaze shifted behind her to Maya and Samantha.

"Rek, I'm going to the park," Samantha announced. She was happy to leave her mother and Rek alone, hoping they would marry and he would become her father. "I'll see you later then," Derek said, smiling.

He watched as Evelyn kissed her forehead before escorting her to the door. The moment the door closed, his smile vanished as Evelyn faced him, her mouth dry.

The silence was thick, charged with unspoken words. She knew what was coming and wasn't sure how to handle it. Derek's gaze hadn't left her. "Samantha is truly your daughter?" His voice was calm.

Evelyn opened her mouth, but her throat felt constricted. How could she explain this? Where to begin?

"Talk to me, Eve," he urged gently.

Evelyn nodded. "Yes. Samantha is my daughter," she admitted.