The Billionaire's Unexpected Proposal by Samantha

Chapter 192

Evelyn stirred awake, a soft brush of lips trailing along her cheek. Her lashes fluttered as she groaned lightly, swatting at the persistent intruder. "Derek," she murmured, her voice thick with sleep, "why are you disturbing my peace?" Derek chuckled, the sound deep and rich. "If it were up to me, I'd let you sleep all day. Maya made breakfast, and she came to fetch us." He placed another kiss on her forehead, his warm breath tickling her skin. Without opening her eyes, Evelyn sighed. "What time is it?"

"It's past ten," Derek replied, his tone teasing. "You've been out like a light. As much as you need sleep, you need food, too."

Evelyn groaned and finally cracked her eyes open, squinting against the sunlight streaming through the curtains. "I didn't realize how exhausted I was," she admitted, her voice soft with lingering sleep.

Derek watched her, his gaze tender. "You deserved the rest. You've been running on fumes for days. Good morning, lover."

Evelyn stretched, her body protesting the movement

after so many hours of stillness. Her hand fumbled on the nightstand for her phone. "I need to check on my mom," she said, already unlocking the screen.

Derek reached out to still her hand. "I already called.

She's fine, and so is Ethan. They're resting."

Evelyn blinked, her lips parting in surprise. "You called my Dad?"

"Of course," Derek said with a small smile. "I knew you'd worry. Now, can we get up and eat before Maya starts complaining that we're ungrateful?"

Evelyn hesitated before nodding. "We need to pick up Samantha. She should visit my Mom."

Derek leaned back, propping himself up on one elbow. "Yeah. Your Mom also asked to see her. But first, you need breakfast. You're eating for two now, remember?"

Rolling her eyes playfully at his comment, Evelyn slid out of bed and padded to the bathroom. As she brushed her teeth, Derek's voice carried from the bedroom, humming some tune she vaguely recognized. It was oddly comforting. When she returned, Derek was waiting, his hand extended toward her. "Shall we?"

They descended the stairs to find Maya sipping from a

mug of coffee at the dining table. The table was laden with food - crispy bacon, golden fried eggs, and fresh toast.

Evelyn's stomach turned the moment the smell of eggs hit her, and she instinctively wrinkled her nose, turning away quickly.

said, rushing to move the offending dishes. "Maya, Evelyn

her

faintly. "I'm okay.

goodness! Congratulations!" She clapped her hands together, her excitement evident. "Samantha's going to be thrilled-she's always wanted a sibling!" Evelyn laughed softly. "Yeah, she's been asking for one

setting down a plate of fresh fruit and yogurt for

your effort for breakfast is going to waste," Evelyn

I will

sat down, Evelyn glanced at

I noticed you weren't home when we got back earlier in the day. Did you go to the hospital again?" she asked since Maya wasn't the type to go out

eyebrow, surprised.

nervous laugh. "Yes, Evelyn. I

but decided

I'm glad to hear that. And I'm glad you're making time for

nodded, though guilt flickered in her eyes. She couldn't bring herself to

thought Sam was coming back

late last night. I didn't want to wake you when we got in. My mom gave us a scare. She was declared dead for a moment but came back to life." Maya's eyes widened in shock; her

happened?

her head. It was... a lot," she said, not wanting to get into the

sounds terrifying. I'm so glad

with you to see

a small smile. "But we have to stop at

head. "I thought she was at

shook her head. "She was,

back in her chair. "I feel so out of the loop lately. I guess I've been too caught

gently, and then she turned to

thinking?" She

should get you a nutritionist or a dietician," he said, and she

that," she said, and he

do. As a matter of fact, we all do. What

she tried to make up her mind, "I think it would be nice to have one," she said, flashing Evelyn an apologetic smile, and Derek grinned. "That