The Billionaire's Unexpected Proposal by Samantha

Chapter 173

Inside her car, Evelyn let out a shaky breath as she texted Derek to let him know she was on her way and he could meet them at the intersection ahead since they didn't want anyone to spot them together.

After sending the text, she gazed out the window and occupied her mind by counting the streetlights as they drove past each one so she wouldn't have to worry about what was coming next.

After a few quiet minutes, the driver glanced back. "Ma'am, please fasten your seatbelt," he said, his tone polite but urgent. Startled by the sudden request, Evelyn blinked but complied, clicking her seatbelt into place. Just as she settled, the driver's foot pressed heavily on the gas.

The car surged forward, and Evelyn's heart jumped as they sped down the quiet street. The car weaved sharply as though trying to evade a pursuer.

Her knuckles whitened as she clutched the door handle with one hand and placed the other protectively on her abdomen, nausea rising with each sudden swerve.

"W-What's going on?" she stammered, feeling her stomach turn.

The driver's eyes met hers briefly in the rearview mirror.

"Apologies, ma'am," he said hurriedly. I thought someone was chasing us, but the car just zoomed past us," he said as he slowed to a stop at the side of the road, glancing back with a look of sincere apology. I'm sorry I made you uncomfortable."

Without a word, Evelyn stumbled out of the car, leaning against the curb as her stomach rebelled. Her breaths came in shallow gasps, her body trembling from the sudden rush of adrenaline. The driver approached, his face etched with concern. "Ma'am, I really didn't mean-"

But before he could finish, another car's headlights swept over them from the opposite side, and Derek quickly parked his car and hurried toward her. "Babe!" he called, his voice filled with worry as he reached her side.

Evelyn forced a weak smile, trying to regain her composure, but she felt pale and shaken. Derek's arm slid around her shoulders, guiding her gently toward his own car parked nearby. He opened the door, helped her inside, and handed her a bottle of water. She took a sip, savoring the cool liquid as it eased her nausea.

"Just breathe," he murmured, rubbing her back in slow, soothing circles. His touch calmed the tremors in her hands. "Are you alright? Do you feel better now?"

Evelyn nodded, managing a faint smile as she leaned back against the seat. "Thank you. I'm okay now."

Derek studied her carefully, his gaze filled with a quiet intensity.

When he was satisfied that she'd regained her strength, he reached over, fastening her seatbelt for her, his hand lingering for just a moment in a reassuring touch.

turned to her bodyguard and after being told what had happened, he nodded. "I will take it from here. You can give the police a call

you are ready to go now?" He asked, and when she gave him a nod, he

fingers twisted in her lap, her mind racing with the words she knew she had to say before they got

at her, concern flickering in his eyes. "Are you

herself. "Yeah. About

gave a small nod for her to go on

hoping to tell you in a more relaxed moment... but I think you might want to know now." Derek turned to spare her a glance, and she could see the hint of tension that edged his features. "You can tell me

words out, her voice barely above a whisper. "I... I

foot hit the brake abruptly, and the car jerked to a stop in the middle of the empty road. He turned to her,

gently, glancing around the road. "It's late, and.. you're kind

start,

Once safely pulled over, he looked

you think... are you just

CMS

under his intense gaze. "A few, actually. And

appearing between his brows.

after you left," she said, knowing he was probably trying to figure out how long

shook his head, a mixture of disbelief

didn't you say anything when you began to suspect it?" He asked, placing

of her mouth.

determination replacing

taking you

though the shock was yet ri wear off. But right now, he needed to get her

his tone. "But we had a plan... we were supposed

hell with the plan.

baby, at risk just

Sandra's gay