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."

her apron. "I just...

"It already

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

the scent of roast chicken, garlic mashed potatoes, and

party, Mommy?" Samantha asked, her bright eyes scanning the decorated table and the

knelt to her daughter's height, smoothing a hand

tonight, and I want you to be on your

eyes widened with

husband?" She asked, and Evelyn

Daddy yesterday, and 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," Evelyn said, her own nerves

mother a tight hug. "I will, Mommy.

call from Derek. The sound of his voice immediately helped ease some of 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 fine. I've been busy, but I

on

could hear the concern hidden beneath his

is set.

wine. Just

bring something special.

there soon. He was always so calm and steady. Just having him near would

box of desserts in the other. Evelyn, who had just finished freshening up, greeted him at the door, her nerves still evident, but she smiled when

she asked, raising an

set the wine and dessert down on the dining table and pulled

shaky breath as she rested her head against his chest. "I'm scared, Derek. What if my

meet his gaze. "He might be upset at first, but

her face lighting up when she saw Derek. "Daddy!" she exclaimed,

to greet her with a warm hug. "Hey

so much to tell you. Are you staying for dinner? Will

want to miss any of this deliciousness I smell.