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."

Romeo. Slow down a little. We can figure something out. Just

tell the doctor that I'm ready to go home. I will pay for home service if I have to"" Ethan said, but before Melvin could respond, the door creaked open, and both men turned their heads. Rayna

who brought treats" she announced, setting the box on the small

up. "Please tell me those

mix

his earlier irritation

from his forehead.

just need to get out of here to have it," Ethan whispered for her ears alone, and

if Ethan messes up, I'd totally disown him for your sake," Melvin said, and Rayna giggled. "No one will be

tugged her hand gently, urging her to sit on the edge of

such a smooth talker," Rayna

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

darling daughter. Why?" Melvin asked, and

can't take that. She brought it for me""" Ethan

trouble, and she had

can't believe you

to take these with me, and in exchange, I will go talk to the doctor about having you discharged so you can get out of here

I need a taste of that" Ethan

the box, and once Ethan grabbed a cookie, Melvin

Ethan tugged Rayna closer, his hand resting

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

smiled, her fingers

back of

orders to fill, and I had to make

ve

smoothly at the

"I get that,

than murmured, his

ket

I'd rather you stay with me. Even if it's

taking my

eating."

laugh was soft and musical. "Don't

said, his voice serious. He leaned forward, brushing his

she didn't pull away. Instead, she cupped his face gently, her thumb grazing his cheek as she kissed him. "Have you made up your mind about where to stay? Mine or yours?" Ethan asked,

easier for me 'cause I have all my