The Billionaire's Unexpected Proposal by Samantha

Chapter 206

0

+5

As Derek drove toward his parents' house, Evelyn sat quietly beside him, occasionally glancing at the backseat where Maya fidgeted with her hands, her anxiety tangible.

Maya had been silent for most of the ride, her thoughts clearly elsewhere. She was a bundle of nerves as she stared out the

window, her eyes darting over the passing landscape but not really seeing it.

She was anxious about being introduced to Derek's parents as his sister. Her breath hitched slightly when Derek turned onto a quiet street lined with stately homes, the houses growing larger as they approached their destination. "Hey," Derek said softly, glancing at her in the rearview mirror. "You okay back there?"

Maya nodded quickly, though her trembling hands betrayed her nerves. "I'm fine. I guess," she replied, her voice too high-pitched to be convincing.

"Anxious?" Evelyn asked knowingly.

"Very," she admitted.

Evelyn twisted in her seat to face her, her expression warm and reassuring. "It's normal to feel that way, Maya. But Derek's parents are wonderful people. They're going to love you." Maya bit her lip and shook her head. "What if they don't? What if

they think I'm lying or trying to take something from them?"

Derek chuckled softly, his voice calm. "Trust me, that won't happen. My parents aren't like that. They've been waiting for this moment just as much as I have- even if they didn't know it yet." "But-" Maya started, only for Evelyn to interrupt.

"No buts" Evelyn said firmly, her tone gentle but decisive. "They're going to be thrilled to meet you. You've been part of their lives longer than you realize. You were Samantha's nanny, remember? They already know how amazing you are."

Maya's lips twitched into a faint smile at the mention of Samantha, but the tension in her shoulders didn't ease. Derek caught her reflection in the mirror and spoke again.

"Maya," he said softly. "You're my sister. That's all that matters.

You belong here, and they'll see that. Just give them a chance."

Maya exhaled shakily, "I wish I could take your word for it. It's not like I deliberately want to worry. My stomach just won't stop jumping," she said, and both Derek and Evelyn chuckled. "Try to relax," Derek said as they pulled into the driveway of his parent's home.

"I will try," Maya said, swallowing hard as Derek parked the car and turned off the engine. Evelyn reached over and squeezed her hand reassuringly before they all stepped out.

three of them climbed the steps to the front door, her nerves surged again as

into the warm, inviting foyer. "Wait here while I get them,"

Maya tried to return it but failed as her stomach twisted in knots. Derek

there?" his mother's

"It's me"" Derek said.

was a pause before his mother spoke again, her tone laced with surprise

Weren't you traveling?"

he

course"" she replied, and Derek pushed the door

bed, his father reading a newspaper while his mother folded laundry. Both of them looked at him, their expressions shifting from surprise to concern when they saw the somber look on Derek's face. "What's wrong?" his mother asked, rising

word, Derek dropped to his

his father lowered the newspaper, his brow furrowing as

trembling. "What's

looked up at her, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.

she asked, crouching down to his level,

cracking. "For resenting the fact that you gave me his name. I thought

mother's face crumpled,

You have nothing to be sorry for. Nothing. I should have explained everything to you when you were old enough to understand. I thought you had moved past it. I only realized you were still bothered by it when the scandal came up, but I was too upset

one who's sorry."

reached for her hands, his grip firm but gentle. "No, Mom. I was ungrateful.

cutting him off as

I could ever ask

their tears mingling as they clung to each other. Derek's father cleared

why you're

"Did you really have to ruin the mood?" Derek's mother asked, dabbing her tears with

to do? Join you both?" He asked

apology is

had to do to protect you. We didn't mind being misunderstood as long as you were safe. It's our job to protect you, I'm glad

is for you to be happy. I know it might not have seemed so when I tried forcing you to marry Sandra, but that was because I honestly thought Evelyn was all they painted her to be, and didn't want you to

that now. I understand. And I'm grateful," he said, and his father

on your way to Husla? I hope you're not planning on taking my granddaughter away. We made plans for the weekend and next week

to introduce someone

someone? Who?" his mother

found my