The Billionaire's Unexpected Proposal by Samantha

Chapter

149

The next morning, Evelyn sat at her desk, her fingers tapping restlessly against the cool surface as she stared blankly at her computer screen.

Her mind wasn't on work. It was far from it. She was thinking about Rayna. The image of her friend's tear-streaked face from last night haunted her, making it impossible to focus.

Rayna had always been the one with a level head, the one to offer advice and support. Now, seeing her like that, broken and vulnerable, made Evelyn feel utterly helpless.

She sighed and picked up her phone, dialing Raynas number again, hoping that this time she'd pick up. But once more, the call went straight to voicemail.

'Her phone must be off, Evelyn thought, biting her lip anxiously.

What was she supposed to do now? Rayna needed her, and she didn't know how to help.

As the minutes dragged on, Evelyn found herself spiraling deeper into worry. She couldn't shake the guilt that weighed heavy on her chest. Rayna had always been there for her- Rayna had been her rock. But now, when it was Rayna who needed support, Evelyn felt lost.

I have to do something, she thought. Maybe instead of giving Rayna space, she could swing by her place during her lunch break.

Even if Rayna didn't want to talk, Evelyn could at least check in on her and make sure she wasn't crying alone.

break. As she grabbed her handbag and headed

Liam.

call her after he got back to Husla, but he hadn't. She had brushed it off initially, thinking he was probably busy, but

cared to admit, and so without thinking, once Evelyn got into a cab, she pulled out her phone and scrolled to Liam's

her thumb hovering over the call symbol

her wonder if she should bring up the awkward

going to do that. It was best to leave that as it was. There was no reason to do so when he knew about Derek. She

too much into it. She just needed to check in to confirm that he arrived

she dialed his line and brought the phone to her ear, listening to

voice came through the line, though it sounded

in his voice. "I just wanted to see how

been really busy. Sorry about that. Look, I'm in the middle of something right now, but I'll call you back later, okay?"

had never hung up first, no matter how busy he was. The dismissal stung, even if

her, she decided to respect that and let him be, hoping that

in his apartment, staring at the phone in his hand. The lie had slipped

he'd made it sound. But he couldn't bring himself to have a proper conversation with Evelyn

the walls. He hadn't even unpacked properly yet because he was still regretting his

conference either. He had applied for a job in Ludus and had moved down to be closer to her and Samantha. He had planned to surprise her, to show her that he was ready to be part of her life. But seeing her with Derek had crushed any hope he had. And now, he didn't