The Billionaire's Unexpected Proposal by Samantha

Chapter 206

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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 Derek unlocked the

foyer. "Wait here while I get them," he said,

fingers gripping the armrest. Evelyn settled beside her on the couch, offering another reassuring smile. Maya tried to return it but failed as her stomach twisted in knots. Derek walked down the familiar hallway to his parents' bedroom, his steps slowing as he reached the door. He hesitated for a moment

his mother's voice

"It's me"" Derek said.

again, her tone laced with surprise and curiosity. "Derek? What are you doing

Weren't you traveling?"

in?" he asked instead

replied, and

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 to her feet.

a word, Derek dropped to his knees

brow

whispered, her voice trembling. "What's going on? Did something

her, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I'm sorry, Mom,"

crouching down to his

that you gave me his name.

mother's face

down her cheeks as she shook her head vehemently. "No, Derek. 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

one who's sorry."

"No, Mom. I was ungrateful. I've been an unfilial son, and

off as

the best son I could ever ask for. I'm so proud of you,

clung to each other. Derek's father

drama? Because I'd like to know why you're

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

both?" He asked dryly before returning his attention

apology is necessary. You're

It's our job to protect you, I'm glad that you understand now," he said, and his wife

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 make a mistake. All

know that now. I understand. And I'm grateful,"

hope you're not planning on taking my granddaughter away. We made plans for the weekend and next week already," He said, and

introduce someone to

someone? Who?" his

found my