The Billionaire's Unexpected Proposal by Samantha

Chapter

179

As Evelyn watched them lead Sandra away, her own exhaustion caught up with her. All her fury, all her heartbreak, surged up and then drained out, leaving her feeling hollow.

She turned to her father, who had stood silently, watching her confront Sandra with a weary sadness in his eyes. He suddenly appeared much older than his age, standing there in his pajamas.

Without another word, Evelyn stepped forward, wrapping her arms around him and pressing her cheek against his shoulder. Without meaning to, she began to sob, her shoulders shaking, finally letting out the grief she'd held back.

He embraced her tightly, his own tears slipping silently down his face. They stayed like that, father and daughter, each leaning on the other, trying to piece together what remained after so much hurt and betrayal.

Nearby, Derek and Rayna exchanged a glance, and with a silent agreement, they left to give the two some privacy.

They walked together down the hushed hospital hallway toward Ethan's room, their footsteps muffled on the floor.

As they approached Ethan's room, Derek turned to her. "How's he doing?" he asked after some time, his voice low.

Rayna sighed, glancing down at her hands before looking back at him. "He's still unconscious. The doctor said it was because of the anesthesia and the pain relief medication. His arm got hurt, and it will take a while to heal, she said quietly, and from the time of her voice, Derek could tell she was blaming herself for it. "It's not your fault," he assured her quietly.

"You don't know that. I was standing there. I just stood there like a fool when I should have run. If only I had moved, he wouldn't have had to step in," Rayna said, and Derek's gaze softened.

normal for some people to

said, but Rayna shook

flight person. That's why I just don't get my reaction," she said, then took a

fact, he shouldn't have been there in the first place. Did you... did you have any idea

mind about leaving and just wanted to see you and talk things through. Maybe

long, quiet sigh. "I

with his arm bound in a cast, left a heavy ache in Derek's

"I swear, if I'd been given just a few minutes with her, I would have left her with a bruise or two myself," she murmured, a hint of anger creeping into her voice again. Derek rested a hand on her shoulder, giving it a comforting squeeze. "Let it go, Ray. Sandra's fate is no longer

lifted her gaze to meet his, some of the tension in

Or

only makes sense that I will be here since he wouldn't be in this condition if it weren't because of me." Derek nodded. "Well, the minute he wakes up, let

gratitude. Her eyes remained shadowed with worry as she returned her attention to Ethan. As Derek made his way back down the corridor, he found Evelyn waiting alone in the hall. She looked up when she saw him, her expression both weary and relieved. Without a word, he stepped

Eve. You're safe now," he murmured into her hair. "And don't worry. Everything's going to be okay. Your mother's strong, and she'll pull through this." Evelyn pulled

Derek said, and then he looked around for her father. "Did your dad leave already?" he asked, changing the

to the restroom"" she said, and he nodded as he glanced at his watch, the late hour showing in the quiet of the

midnight, love. You need to rest." Evelyn

just... I can't possibly just

being sad and