The Billionaire’s Unexpected Proposal (Evelyn and Derek)

Evelyn woke to the soft press of Derek's lips trailing along her shoulder, moving up to brush against her cheek. A smile tugged at her lips even before she opened her eyes, warmth spreading through her as she felt his closeness. "Good morning, beautiful"" Derek murmured, his voice caressing her, "I didn't want to wake you... but you looked too beautiful, and I couldn't resist kissing you." Evelyn's eyes fluttered open, her smile widening as she looked up at him. "Mmm, good morning," she greeted with a yawn.

"You slept well, yeah?" Derek asked as he watched her stretch languidly under the sheets.

"I think I slept better than I have in weeks. I'd say that massage of yours did wonders."

Derek chuckled softly, his hand moving to rest on her belly. "Glad to hear it. But you know, I think this little one deserves a 'good morning, too." He leaned down, pressing a kiss to her stomach, lingering there as if hoping for a response from the life growing inside her. Evelyn laughed, the sound soft and warm. "I doubt the baby can hear you yet."

"Don't care," he replied with a playful glint in his eye. "I'll talk to our little one every day if I want. They'll know my voice before they even open their eyes.'

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She watched him, heart swelling with a mixture of joy and awe at his devotion. "Do you have a preference, boy or girl?" she asked, a hint of curiosity dancing in her eyes.

Derek shook his head, looking at her with unwavering warmth. "All I care about is that it's ours. Boy or girl, they'll have the best parents to love them." He glanced back up at her with a smile that held unspoken promises. Evelyn reached for his hand, lacing her fingers with his. "There's no doubt about that." After a pause, she asked, "Have you heard anything from the hospital?"

His face softened with concern. "Yes, actually. Your father called.

Your mother made it out of surgery, but she's still unconscious."

Evelyn sighed, a hint of worry shadowing her expression. "I just hope she wakes up soon." She hesitated, then asked, "And Ethan?"

Derek shook his head. "No word from Rayna yet. If we haven't heard, it likely means he's still resting."

Evelyn nodded slowly, the morning light casting a gentle glow across her face. "I'll make breakfast for Dad and Rayna, then take it to the hospital. It's the least I can do."

Derek's

brow

furrowed. "You don't need to exhaust yourself. We could easily order something for them, you know."

"I want to, D. It's something I can give them while I can't be there with them in person," she replied, her voice determined yet gentle.

With a resigned sigh, Derek smiled and shook his head. "You're relentless. Fine, but I'm making the breakfast. All you have to do is

sit back and tell me what to do."

Evelyn raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing at her lips. "Can you cook?"

"I know my way around the kitchen," he replied confidently. "It's been a while, but I'll whip something up for you." He leaned in, his face close to hers. "And maybe I'll even impress you."

She laughed, her eyes sparkling. "I'd like to see that."

Suddenly, a wave of nausea surged through her, catching her off guard. She quickly sat up, pressing a hand to her mouth. Derek's expression shifted to concern as he followed her to the bathroom, his hand at her back as she knelt over the toilet.

"Are you okay?" he asked, holding her hair back as she retched.

She nodded, wiping her mouth once she was finished. "I guess the morning sickness has started. It was hell the last time."

"Is there something that can be done? Derek asked as he flushed the toilet for her, his eyes scanning her face. "Maybe you need to see a doctor?"

Evelyn shook her head, giving him a reassuring smile. "It's just the morning sickness. It comes and goes. I'm fine, D. This is normal."

She suddenly noticed they were still undressed from the night before, and a blush crept up her cheeks. "Since we are already here, we might as well shower."

Derek grinned. "Is that your way of saying you want to shower with me?"

Evelyn giggled, "Not at all. But you're welcome to join if you want to," she said, and he chuckled.

"We both know I want to," he said, and they showered together, sharing tender moments under the warm water.

As they both walked out of the bedroom after they were done freshening up, Evelyn looked down the hall. "Why don't you go ahead? I'll check on Maya and see how she's feeling."

Derek nodded, watching her with quiet admiration. "I'll get started on making breakfast."

She made her way to Maya's room, knocking softly on the door.

When there was no response, she pushed it open, her gaze shifting toward the faint sound of muffled crying coming from the bathroom. Her heart tightened.

"Maya?" she called gently, approaching the bathroom door. "Are you okay?" She asked as she knocked on the door.

The sound of crying abruptly stopped, and she heard the tap being turned on. A few seconds later, the door opened, and Maya appeared, her eyes red-rimmed, though she forced a smile. "Yes, I'm fine, Evelyn." Evelyn reached out, taking Maya's hand and guiding her to sit on the edge of the bed. "No, you're not. Why were you crying? Did something happen?" she asked softly, her eyes full of concern.

Maya shook her head, averting her gaze. "I'm okay, really."

"Then were those tears of joy? I doubt that. Maya," Evelyn said firmly, her tone gentle but insistent, "I know you like to keep things

to yourself, but you're part of this family. I want to know what's bothering you. Is it the stomach ache? What did the doctor say?"

After a long pause, Maya sighed, her shoulders slumping as if the weight of her secret was finally too much to bear. "He said I have an ovarian cyst," she said, unable to hide it from Evelyn. Evelyn's eyes widened, and without a second thought, she pulled Maya into a warm, comforting embrace. "Oh, Maya. I'm so sorry.

Everything will be okay, I promise."

Maya's voice trembled. "I'm so scared. What if I'm unable to have kids? What if they have to take out my ovaries?"

"I'm sure they won't. We will do all we can to make sure you're fine," Evelyn promised.

Maya looked at Evelyn as though she was hesitating to say something, and Evelyn raised a brow, "Is there something else?"

"I've been thinking since yesterday. I could barely sleep. This made me realize just how fragile life is. I could easily have been diagnosed with cancer or something terminal. As much as I love being here with you, looking after Samantha... this isn't all I want for myself. I want to have my own family and achieve other things, too. I don't think I want to keep doing this all my life."

Evelyn's heart ached as she listened, but she understood. She nodded slowly, a mixture of sadness and support in her eyes. "I completely understand, Maya. As much as I love having you with me, you deserve to live for yourself, to explore, to do what makes you happy. If that means quitting your job, I'll support you in any way I can. I'm thankful enough that you agreed to move with us when I decided to relocate." Surprised by Evelyn's easy acceptance, Maya looked at her, her brow furrowing. "You're not mad?"

"Why should I be when you've been here for me and Samantha when we needed you the most? You're family to us, Maya. I'd hate to see you go, but if that's what you need, I will help however I can.

I'll cover the cost of your treatment, and if you want to stay here, you're welcome to, even if you decide not to work as Samantha's nanny anymore. And if you choose to return to Husla, I'll arrange for it, too."

Maya's eyes filled with tears, and she managed a shaky smile.

"Thank you, Evelyn. I don't even know what to say."

Evelyn pulled her into another embrace, holding her tightly. "You don't have to say anything. Just think about what you want, and let me know. I'll be here, whatever you decide."

"I have no one to return to in Husla. I will remain here and think about what to do. You and Sam are the only family I have," Maya said, and Evelyn nodded.

"I'm happy to hear you think of us as family too. Let me know when you decide on what you want to do then," Evelyn said, happy to know Maya would remain with them even if not as Samantha's

nanny.

As she left Maya's room, Evelyn's heart felt light. She was proud to support Maya in making choices for herself. Taking a deep breath, she went downstairs to find Derek, feeling a renewed sense of gratitude for the family she was surrounded by.