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.

she grabbed

Liam.

he hadn't. She had brushed it off initially, thinking he was

Evelyn got into a cab, she pulled out her

moment, her thumb hovering over the call

had seemed so sincere when he confessed his feelings for her, and it made her wonder if she

as it was. There was no reason to do so when he knew about Derek. She didn't

into it. She just needed to check in to confirm that he arrived safely and see how he was doing. That was what

brought the phone to her ear,

his voice came through the line,

she didn't hear the usual cheerfulness in his voice. "I just wanted to see how you're doing. You said

for Evelyn to wonder if the connection had dropped. Then, Liam sighed. "Yeah, I've been really busy. Sorry about that. Look, I'm in the middle of something right now, but I'll call you back later, okay?" Before Evelyn could respond, the line went dead. She blinked, pulling the phone

hadn't even given her a chance to say more. He had never hung up first, no matter how busy he was. The dismissal stung, even if

needed space from her, she decided to respect that and let him be, hoping that he would come around lately. He was a nice friend,

staring

bring himself to have a proper conversation

the apartment, the boxes still stacked against the walls. He hadn't even unpacked properly yet because he was

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 know