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

We

I can give them while I can't be there with them in person,"

smiled and shook his head. "You're relentless. Fine, but I'm making

and tell me what

playing at her

while, but I'll whip something up

her eyes sparkling. "I'd like

Derek's expression shifted to concern as he followed her to the bathroom, his hand at her back as

asked, holding her hair

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

be done? Derek asked as he flushed the toilet for her, his eyes scanning her face. "Maybe you

smile. "It's just the morning sickness. It comes and goes.

blush crept up her cheeks. "Since we are already here,

of saying you want

you're welcome to join if you want to," she said, and

to," he said, and they showered together, sharing tender

out of the bedroom after they were done freshening up, Evelyn looked down the hall. "Why don't you

quiet admiration. "I'll get started on

Maya's room, knocking softly on

was no response, she pushed it open, her gaze shifting toward the faint sound of

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

door opened, and Maya appeared, her eyes red-rimmed, though she forced a smile. "Yes, I'm fine, Evelyn." Evelyn reached out, taking Maya's hand and guiding her to sit on the edge of the bed. "No, you're not. Why were you crying? Did something happen?" she asked softly, her eyes full of

her head, averting her gaze.

Maya," Evelyn said firmly, her tone gentle but insistent, "I know you like to

you're part of this family. I want to know what's bothering you. Is it the stomach ache? What did the

secret was finally 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