The Billionaire's Unexpected Proposal by Samantha

Chapter

105

As Evelyn prepared breakfast for Samantha the following day, her thoughts were scattered. A mix of excitement and anxiety clouded her mind. Today was the day. Today, she would finally face her parents and tell them everything.

After dropping Samantha off at school, Evelyn returned home and took a deep breath as she surveyed the living room. It would be her father's first visit to her apartment, and everything had to be perfect. Hosting her parents for dinner was one thing; telling them about Samantha, Sandra, and Derek was another. Her stomach churned at the thought, but she forced herself to focus.

She started by wiping down the kitchen counters and straightening the already immaculate furniture. Then, the doorbell rang, and Evelyn hurried to answer it, thinking it was Maya, who had gone out to help her get the items she needed to make dinner.

Instead of Maya, Rayna stood at the door with a wide smile and a bag of pastries. "Thought you could use some extra hands and dessert," Rayna said, her tone lighthearted but with an underlying concern. She knew how much this evening meant to Evelyn.

Evelyn exhaled in relief. "Thank you. You're such an Angel."

Rayna set the bags on the counter and unpacked them into the refrigerator. "Everything will be fine, Evie.

You've been stressing over this for years, but your parents will understand. Despite all that has happened, your Dad loves you, and I'm sure he will be happy to hear everything from you finally." Evelyn's hands trembled slightly as she joined Rayna in unpacking, "I don't know, Ray. My dad... he's traditional, and he's always expected so much from me. I'm scared of how he'll react to Samantha. To the fact that I had a child out of wedlock and kept it from him. And you know my stepmom... although she's wonderful and has been good to me, she's still Sandra's mother. What if she sides with her when I tell them about the affair?"

Rayna came up beside her, placing a gentle hand on her arm. "You're overthinking and overworrying.

You're not responsible for what Sandra did. Claire might be upset, but she's always cared about you. Trust me, she won't take Sandra's side. You're her daughter, too. And as for your dad, well... I'm sure your Dad will understand that you did what you had to do. Just be honest. You've raised a wonderful daughter. He'll see that."

Evelyn offered a shaky smile, her heart still pounding in her chest. "I hope you're right."

Soon, Maya returned with the groceries, and as the hours passed, both Rayna and Maya worked side by side with her to help her prepare a lavish meal.

Once it was time to get Samantha from school, Maya left to pick her up while Evelyn and Rayna set the table with the best dinnerware. Evelyn fussed over the placement of the flowers, moving them from one spot to another until Rayna finally laughed and took the vase out of her hands

"Relax," Rayna said, placing the flowers in the center of the table. "It's going to be fine."

palms on her apron. "I just... I want everything to

"It already

Rayna left. Evelyn felt her heart lighten slightly when Samantha ran into the house a short while later with an

sniffed the air, which was filled with the scent of roast chicken, garlic mashed potatoes, and sautéed

we having a party, Mommy?" Samantha asked, her bright eyes scanning the decorated

her daughter's height, smoothing a hand over Samantha's soft curls. "Not

your grandfather is coming to visit tonight, and I

eyes widened with

Grandma Claire's husband?" She asked, and Evelyn smiled

now you get to see your Mommy's Daddy. He's very important to me, so I want you to be a good girl as always when he arrives,"

her mother a tight hug. "I will, Mommy.

her tension. "Hello, love! I'm sorry I haven't called all day. I've been pretty busy. How have you been? How's Sam? And how's everything going?" he asked. Evelyn glanced around the room, still scanning for any imperfections. "Sam is

need anything on

she could

set. I think..." Evelyn

maybe wine. Just in

"I'll bring something special.

of comfort, knowing Derek would be there soon. He was always so calm and steady. Just

arrived a little while before her parents. He walked in with a bottle of wine in one hand and a box of

dessert?" she

set the wine and dessert down on the

shaky breath as she rested her head against his chest.

gently lifted her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. "He might be upset at first, but I'm sure he'll come around. And don't worry, I'm here for you. We'll face

rushing into the room, her face lighting up when

with a

have so much to tell you. Are you

a knowing smile. "Of course, I am staying. I don't want to miss any of this deliciousness I smell. But first, why don't