The Billionaire's Unexpected Proposal by Samantha

Chapter

181

Evelyn woke to the soft press of Derek's lips trailing along her shoulder, moving up to brush against her cheek. A smile tugged at her lips even before she opened her eyes, warmth spreading through her as she felt his closeness. "Good morning, beautiful"" Derek murmured, his voice caressing her, "I didn't want to wake you... but you looked too beautiful, and I couldn't resist kissing you." Evelyn's eyes fluttered open, her smile widening as she looked up at him. "Mmm, good morning," she greeted with a yawn.

"You slept well, yeah?" Derek asked as he watched her stretch languidly under the sheets.

"I think I slept better than I have in weeks. I'd say that massage of yours did wonders."

Derek chuckled softly, his hand moving to rest on her belly. "Glad to hear it. But you know, I think this little one deserves a 'good morning, too." He leaned down, pressing a kiss to her stomach, lingering there as if hoping for a response from the life growing inside her. Evelyn laughed, the sound soft and warm. "I doubt the baby can hear you yet."

"Don't care," he replied with a playful glint in his eye. "I'll talk to our little one every day if I want. They'll know my voice before they even open their eyes.'

"

She watched him, heart swelling with a mixture of joy and awe at his devotion. "Do you have a preference, boy or girl?" she asked, a hint of curiosity dancing in her eyes.

Derek shook his head, looking at her with unwavering warmth. "All I care about is that it's ours. Boy or girl, they'll have the best parents to love them." He glanced back up at her with a smile that held unspoken promises. Evelyn reached for his hand, lacing her fingers with his. "There's no doubt about that." After a pause, she asked, "Have you heard anything from the hospital?"

His face softened with concern. "Yes, actually. Your father called.

Your mother made it out of surgery, but she's still unconscious."

Evelyn sighed, a hint of worry shadowing her expression. "I just hope she wakes up soon." She hesitated, then asked, "And Ethan?"

Derek shook his head. "No word from Rayna yet. If we haven't heard, it likely means he's still resting."

Evelyn nodded slowly, the morning light casting a gentle glow across her face. "I'll make breakfast for Dad and Rayna, then take it to the hospital. It's the least I can do."

Derek's

brow

to exhaust yourself. We could easily order

while I can't be there with them in

a resigned sigh, Derek smiled and shook his head. "You're relentless. Fine, but I'm making the breakfast. All you

back and tell

a smirk playing at

know my way around the kitchen," he replied confidently. "It's been a while, but I'll whip something up for you." He leaned in, his face close to hers. "And maybe I'll even

her eyes sparkling.

She quickly sat up, pressing a hand to her mouth. Derek's expression shifted to concern as he followed her to the bathroom, his hand at

okay?" he asked, holding her

wiping her mouth once she was finished. "I guess the morning sickness has started. It was hell

Derek asked as he flushed the toilet for her, his eyes scanning her face. "Maybe you need to

reassuring smile. "It's just the morning sickness. It comes and goes. I'm fine, D. This

suddenly noticed they were still undressed from the night before, and a blush crept up her cheeks. "Since we

"Is that your way of saying you want to shower with

at all. But you're welcome to join if

he said, and they showered together, sharing tender moments

down the hall. "Why don't you go ahead? I'll check on Maya and

with quiet admiration. "I'll get started on

way to Maya's

response, she pushed it open, her gaze shifting toward the faint sound of muffled crying coming from the bathroom. Her

she called gently, approaching the bathroom door. "Are you okay?" She asked as

seconds later, the door opened, and Maya appeared, her eyes red-rimmed, though she forced a smile. "Yes, I'm fine, Evelyn."

head, averting her gaze.

that. Maya," Evelyn said firmly, her tone gentle but insistent, "I know you

part of this family. I want to know what's bothering you. Is

too much to bear. "He said I have an ovarian cyst," she said, unable to hide it from Evelyn. Evelyn's eyes widened, and without a second thought, she pulled Maya into a warm, comforting embrace. "Oh,