The Billionaire's Unexpected Proposal by Samantha

Chapter 210

Evelyn and Derek had breakfast alone the following day because Maya claimed she wanted to sleep in and eat much later. They all knew she was avoiding them because she didn't want to talk about whatever was happening between her and Liam. After breakfast, Evelyn decided to have a word with Maya, so she took a tray of breakfast up to Maya's room and knocked softly on the door.

Evelyn heard a faint rustle from within, and after a moment, the door creaked open. Maya stood there, dressed in a casual hoodie and sweatpants, her dark hair tied into a messy bun. Her guarded expression softened slightly when she saw Evelyn standing there with a tray of breakfast.

"Good morning," Evelyn greeted with a warm smile. "Breakfast delivery."

"Thank you," Maya said as she took the tray from her."

"Can I come in for a quick chat?" Evelyn asked, and Maya's eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of suspicion crossing her face.

"Is this about... last night?" she asked, her voice cautious.

Evelyn chuckled softly. "Not entirely. Just wanted to check on you."

Maya opened the door wider and stepped aside, gesturing for Evelyn to come in. Evelyn entered the small, cozy space, her eyes briefly scanning the neatly made bed and a stack of books on the nightstand.

"So," Evelyn began, her tone light. "How are you doing this morning?" She asked as Maya set the tray down on top of the stack of books by the nightstand.

Evelyn chose the seat by the window, waiting for Maya to settle on the edge of the bed.

Maya shrugged, pulling her legs up to sit cross-legged on the bed.

"I'm alright. What about you?"

"I'm okay, too," Evelyn replied, leaning back against the chair.

"Actually, I wanted to talk to you about something."

Maya tensed slightly. "Let me guess... Liam? I'm sorry I didn't tell you I..."

Evelyn smiled reassuringly as she cut in. "Yes, about Liam, but not in the way you're thinking."

Maya relaxed slightly but stayed cautious. "Okay..."

Evelyn's smile widened. "Actually, I just wanted to say I'm not upset or anything about you keeping his secret. If anything, I'm glad you two got to know each other better. He's a really decent guy, and I think it's wonderful that the two of you have struck up a friendship." Maya's cheeks flushed, and she blinked, her brows knitting together in surprise. "Really?"

"Of course," Evelyn said, her voice gentle. "You don't need to feel

awkward or guilty about anything. I'm totally cool with... whatever is going on between you two."

her eyes wide. "Whatever's going on?" she echoed, a nervous laugh escaping her lips. "I'm not sure there's anything going on," she muttered. "I mean... he likes you, Evelyn. I don't see how someone like him could go from liking someone like you

an eyebrow, leaning forward slightly. "Maya, please don't tell me you

"Not exactly. But it's the truth,"

not," Evelyn countered. She straightened, her tone

is," Maya insisted

the truth? That he liked me or that

me' to you?" Evelyn asked, and Maya gave

mean someone like me?"

can you not see

I need to spell it out? Until a couple of days ago, I was your employee. You're an accomplished lady.

think I'm better than you in any way?" Evelyn cut in

lifes a mess, Evelyn. I've got nothing going for me. Well, until recently, like you know." Evelyn sighed, her expression softening. "Maya, all of those things can change in the next two to five years, and they will if you work towards them as you have planned. But why do you think those are the criteria for

her eyes glistening. "But he's a doctor,

Listen," Evelyn continued, her tone earnest. "You're a kind, genuine, and thoughtful

only be an embarrassment to him in his social

and I'm pretty sure he does- then he sees all the amazing things about you that you can't seem to see in yourself. If you like

it between the two of you while

the chance to

walk away

།

Maya. You, more than anyone else, should believe that about yourself. What do you expect others to do if you look down on yourself? You're more

as a small

"You really think so?"

let your insecurities get in the way. You deserve happiness as much as anyone else."

standing up. "Good. I have to go now. We have an appointment with

get here," Maya said as she saw

and Derek entered the obstetrician's office hand in

checked in at the front desk, exchanged smiles with the receptionist,

around the room. He paused to look at Evelyn,

you nervous?" Evelyn teased, reaching over to still

nervous," he said, his lips twitching into a smile. "Just... I don't know. Excited. This

in. Derek stood immediately and helped Evelyn up, his hand never leaving hers as they followed the nurse down the

monitor mounted

obstetrician, a cheerful woman in her forties, entered with a warm smile. "Good morning, Evelyn. And you must be

me!" Derek said, his voice warm but tinged with awe. His gaze darted between

the doctor asked, slipping on gloves and preparing the

he wanted to say something but couldn't

dimmed the lights,