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.

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

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

edge of a plush armchair, her 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 before

his mother's voice

"It's me"" Derek said.

his mother spoke again, her tone

Weren't you traveling?"

I come in?" he asked

replied, and

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

a word, Derek dropped to his knees in front

newspaper, his brow furrowing as he exchanged a look with

mother whispered, her voice trembling.

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

his level, her hands

you gave me his name. I

mother's face

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 to

one who's sorry."

hands, his grip firm but gentle. "No, Mom. I

cutting him off as tears streamed

son I could ever ask for. I'm so proud

tightly, their tears mingling as they clung to each other. Derek's father cleared his throat, breaking

to know why you're really here

as they pulled back from each other. "Did you really have to ruin the mood?" Derek's mother asked, dabbing her

you both?" He asked dryly before

apology is necessary. You're

misunderstood as long as you were safe. It's our job to protect

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,

that now. I understand. And I'm

not 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

introduce someone to

Who?" his mother

found my her," Derek said