The Billionaire's Unexpected Proposal by Samantha

Chapter 217

After the close of work the following day, Derek and Evelyn headed for Ethan's house. They stopped by a wine shop on their way for a bottle of wine to celebrate his discharge and recovery.

With the bottle in hand, they headed to Ethan's house, and when they arrived, Derek knocked lightly.

Moments later, Rayna swung the door open. "Evie!" Rayna exclaimed, pulling her friend into a warm hug. "It feels like forever since I've seen you properly."

"It really does"" Evelyn replied, her voice tinged with guilt. "We need to catch up."

Rayna stepped aside to let them in. "We definitely do. Come in, both of you."

Inside, the house was cozy and inviting, with soft lighting and the faint aroma of freshly baked bread wafting from the kitchen. Ethan was seated on the couch, his injured arm still in its sling, but his face lit up when he saw them. "Look who decided to show up!" he teased, his grin wide.

Derek raised the bottle. "Bearing your favorite wine. Thought you'd appreciate it."

Ethan chuckled. "You know me too well. Thanks, man," Ethan said and then smiled at Evelyn.

"Hello, Evelyn. It's always good to see you," he said, and Evelyn smiled.

"It's good to see you, too. How are you feeling? I hope my girl is taking good care of you?" She asked, and Ethan glanced at Rayna, his eyes filled with love for her.

"She's the absolute best," he said, and Rayna grinned.

Before Evelyn could sit down, Rayna looped her arm through Evelyn's. "I'm stealing her, she declared, giving Ethan a pointed look. "You boys can talk about whatever it is men talk about. Evelyn and I need some girl time" she said as Derek sat down across from Ethan.

Ethan waved them off. "Go ahead. Derek and I can handle ourselves."

Evelyn laughed softly as Rayna led her toward the kitchen. Once they were out of earshot, Rayna poured two glasses of juice and motioned for Evelyn to sit at the small dining table.

"So," Rayna began, sliding a glass toward Evelyn. "What's been going on with you? You've been so busy lately."

Evelyn sipped her water, buying herself a moment. "I'll tell you everything," she promised, "but only after you tell me how you're doing. It shouldn't always be about me. How's everything with Ethan? And the business?"

Rayna sighed, her gaze softening. "It's been a lot, honestly. Taking care of Ethan while running my business has been... challenging, to say the least. But now that he's out of the hospital, I think things will get a bit easier. Or at least, I hope so."

Evelyn studied her friend's face, noticing the faint lines of worry etched at the corners of her eyes. "Is there something bothering you?" she asked gently.

Rayna hesitated, then shrugged. "Not exactly. It's just that moving in with Ethan feels like such a big step. I love him, I really do, but I didn't think it would happen so fast. I guess I'm still adjusting to the idea. I love my house, and I didn't think I'd feel so attached or sad about leaving it."

"Have you talked to him about how you're feeling?" Evelyn asked, leaning forward.

Rayna shook her head. "No. I don't want to sound selfish, especially when he's considering giving up his job to be closer to me."

said that?" Evelyn asked, surprised, and

family. I had been hoping that when he recovered and returned to work, I could go back to my place. I

just as you re telling me about it. Otherwise, he won't know, and you'll keep carrying this on your own. Trust me, he'd want to know." Rayna sighed, a small smile tugging at her lips. "You re right. I'll talk to him. I

in any effort

way," Evelyn reassured her. "You re in this together. I'm sure

"Thanks, Evie. I needed to

"Anytime," Evelyn said warmly.

your turn. What's been going on with you?" Rayna asked, and Evelyn took a deep breath,

We found Derek's sister and also

furrowed in concern.

explained everything- the connection between Derek and Maya, the revelation about their parents' murder, and the role Sandra's father had played in it all. By the time she finished, Rayna was staring at her wide-eyed. "That's... unbelievable," Rayna whispered. "How's

on him," Evelyn admitted. "But he's

head, a smile breaking through

"She's been a blessing through all

thought she'd be uncomfortable if I got close since she was working for you. Maybe we can all hang out one

sounds like a great idea. I think

is involved in this," Rayna said with a shake of her

I told

it? When? Did you go to see her?" Rayna asked, and Evelyn nodded and told her about the visit over

didn't make

how you feel, Ray. And I'm not asking you to forgive

plan? Now that all of this has been settled, when are you two getting

"When he proposes to me,

propose since he's taking too

even if it takes him a year. I believed deserve a proper proposal. And I'm not sophisticated enough to want to propose to a man," she said, and Rayna

she said dryly, and they both

strange, though- full

think that it's those twists and turns that make it interesting,

"I couldn't agree

they returned to join their men in the living room, and the moment the men heard

respect to the arrival of our beautiful ladies," Derek joked, and both Evelyn and Rayna

one," Ethan said with a

and then Derek and Evelyn left since they wanted to get home in time to have dinner with Samantha and the rest of the family. After seeing them off, Ethan and Rayna returned inside. As

on the couch, Rayna decided to talk to Ethan about

called softly as he scrolled through Netflix in search of a

he said, turning to

about" she said hesitantly, and his gaze roamed over her face before he gave