The Billionaire's Unexpected Proposal by Samantha

Chapter 207

The sunlight streamed through the hospital window as Ethan sat upright in bed, glaring at his brother, Melvin, who reclined in a chair nearby.

Ethan's injured arm was propped on a pillow, still in a sling. His lips pressed into a thin line, and his irritation was as visible as the tension in his shoulders. "I'm done with this place""" Ethan declared, his tone irritable. "I feel fine. They should discharge me already."

Melvin looked up from his phone, one eyebrow raised. "You can't even use your arm yet. What do you plan to do- telepathically open doors and feed yourself?"

"That's exactly why I need to leave," Ethan shot back. "If I were home, Rayna could work from there while taking care of me, and we'd get to spend some more time together. But no, I'm stuck here with you, and she's out dealing with business." Melvin snorted, shaking his head. "You sound like a lovesick puppy."

Ethan's scowl softened slightly, his lips twitching into a reluctant smile. "I'm not sure about the puppy part, but yeah, I'm lovesick."

Melvin chuckled, leaning forward. "You've got it bad, huh? She'll be back soon. You can survive a few hours without her."

Ethan sighed and leaned back against the pillows. "I know. But

that doesn't make me miss her any less."

"What do you plan to do when your arm gets better and you have to go to work and be away for months?" Melvin asked, and Ethan sighed deeply.

"I've been wondering the same thing. It's... weird. I never expected to feel this way. I didn't plan on falling for the woman I planned to marry. Now the thought of being away from her for too long makes me... uneasy." Melvin chuckled. "Wow. You've fallen hard, Ethan."

"Totally," Ethan admitted, running his good hand through his hair.

His frustration ebbed, replaced by a quiet determination. "While we are on the subject, I need your help with something."

Melvin tilted his head, intrigued. "Oh? What's that?"

"I want to propose to her."

Melvin let out a low whistle. "You're kidding."

"I'm dead serious," Ethan replied, meeting his brother's wide-eyed stare. "You know I'm not. Have you forgotten my plan to get married before I return to the Sea?"

Melvin chuckled and shook his head in disbelief. "I haven't forgotten. But things are different now, right? It's no longer just about your plan. Don't you think it's a little soon?" Ethan's expression didn't waver.

"It's not soon enough. If I could do

it right now, I would. And trust me, we are on the same page. She

knows how I feel about getting married soon. It's just that I want to propose to her. The time might be short, but I want to do it the right way."

little. We can figure something out. Just don't go proposing in

and both men turned their heads. Rayna stepped in, carrying a small box tied with a ribbon. Her face lit up when she saw that Ethan was up, and she made her way to the bedside with

treats" she announced, setting the box on the small table

"Please tell me those are your famous

There's a mix of cookies and some chocolate

her hand with his uninjured one, his earlier irritation melting away. "You didn't have to go through the

trouble," she replied, brushing a stray lock of hair from his forehead. "I figured you could use a

get out of here to have it," Ethan whispered for

box, and he groaned in appreciation as the sweet aroma wafted out. "Rayna, you're a lifesaver. And just so you know, if Ethan messes up, I'd totally disown him for your sake," Melvin said, and Rayna giggled. "No one will be messing up or disowning anyone," she said and turned back to Ethan, her eyes softening as she noticed his gaze fixed

He tugged her hand gently, urging her to

such a smooth talker," Rayna teased, though

hospital romance? I will give you two some privacy now," he

darling

can't take that. She brought it for

gone through the trouble, and she had all the sugar you

"I can't believe you heard that," she said,

having you discharged so you

do that. But I

him the box, and once Ethan grabbed a cookie, Melvin strolled out of the

now, Ethan tugged Rayna closer, his hand resting on

glad that you're back. I missed you sorely. I wasn't kidding earlier. I really

her

on the back of his

had orders to

ve

running smoothly at

"I get that,

than murmured, his

ket

you stay with me. Even if

taking my

eating."

laugh was soft and musical. "Don't

serious. He leaned forward, brushing his

away. Instead, she cupped his face gently, her thumb grazing his cheek as she kissed him. "Have you made up your mind

would be easier for me 'cause I have all my baking