The Billionaire's Unexpected Proposal by Samantha

Chapter 219

As Derek drove them home after the interview, Evelyn looked out the window, her mind still swirling with thoughts of the incredible day they'd had.

The live proposal had been the last thing she'd expected, and her cheeks still hurt from smiling so much.

She reached for Derek's hand, squeezing it lightly. "I still can't believe you did that on live television," she

teased.

Derek chuckled as he parked the car in front of their house, "I wanted everyone to know how much I love you."

"Still, that was... surprising," she said with a grin, and Derek laughed.

"I'm glad I could surprise you," he said as he got out of the car and opened her door.

Before Evelyn could get out of the car, Derek leaned inside and kissed her, "You know I love you, right?" He asked, and she grinned

"Yeah. I know. And I love you, too"" she said as she got out of the car, and they both headed for the front

door.

"I'm going to have to give Rayna a call so we can officially start planning the wedding. I wonder if she saw the interview. She's going to be so upset you didn't carry her along," Evelyn said with a giggle, which died on her lips the moment Derek opened the door, and a chorus of voices shouted, "Surprise!"

Evelyn froze in the doorway, her eyes widening as she took in the scene before her. The living room had been transformed into a warm party space. Twinkling fairy lights adorned the walls, soft music played in the background, and a table near the corner was laden with a beautifully decorated cake, trays of pastries, and an array of food and drinks.

Her parents stood near the center of the room, beaming with pride. Derek's parents were beside them, their hands clasped as they exchanged knowing smiles. Rayna and Ethan waved from their own corner, and Maya stood near the food table with Liam, both grinning widely. But it was Samantha, holding a bouquet of daisies and bouncing on her toes, who stole Evelyn's heart.

"What... what is this?" Evelyn asked, her voice a mix of laughter and disbelief.

Derek slipped an arm around her waist, guiding her inside. "This, my love, is our engagement party."

"Surprise!" Samantha yelled again, making everyone laugh. She hurried over to join her parents and kissed Evelyn's belly, saying hello to her younger sibling before handing the bouquet to her mother.

"Thank you, darling," Evelyn said as she took the bouquet from Samantha and kissed her forehead.

Evelyn turned to Derek again, her eyes sparkling with surprise. "When did you even have time to plan this?

How did I not know?"

Derek shrugged, his grin mischievous. "I didn't want you to know. That's the whole point of a surprise." Evelyn turned to Rayna, narrowing her eyes playfully.

"And you? You knew about this, didn't you?"

Rayna giggled, looking entirely too pleased with herself. "Of course I did. I baked the cake and pastries!"

Evelyn gasped, pointing an accusatory finger at her friend. "And yet you were the one asking me to propose to him just yesterday! You're terrible!"

"I was just pulling your leg. Besides, it was so much fun watching Derek steal the show. Congratulations, you two," she said as she embraced Evelyn while Ethan slapped Derek's back

and congratulate them and then Maya stepped forward, pulling Evelyn into a tight hug. "Congratulations, Evelyn! You deserve all

Maya,, Evelyn murmured,

glanced past Maya to Liam, who was standing with his hands in his pockets, with a

It's so good to

forward, shaking

to convince Maya to hang out with me, but I walked into a party instead. They invited me to stay, and, well, here I

her smile soft. "I'm glad

laughed as she followed them while Derek joined the men, leaving Maya and Liam no choice but to part as

about everything ranging from business to sports and politics, and each

around the

everyone while the soft strains of music kept the atmosphere light and

all converged again, and Rebecca announced,

asked,

in three weeks,"

birthday party?" Derek's father asked his wife,

won't be celebrating my birthday party as

is all the celebration I need. I'll hand out the wedding invitation instead

enough to plan a wedding?" Ethan asked thoughtfully, hoping his hand would be

enough to plan a wedding if you have

do is relax and tell us what you want. Between your Mom, Maya, Rayna, and me, you don't need

she said, eyeing her grandmother with disapproval

Of course, you're the best planner in the

by then?" Ethan asked Derek with a

I'll stand in for you," Liam suggested with a teasing

me the chance of looking dashing before my girlfriend? Never!" Ethan said, and

was

able to assist me properly," Derek said dryly with a shake

The doctor said it needs a week or two to heal, Rayna

a long train, but you two should be part of the train," Evelyn said, looking from Maya

she said, referring

over wedding planning. We bond over drinks

we should bond over planning, then we will do that," Derek said, and everyone

be right even when they're wrong," Derek's

right," he said, and everyone

passed in a blur of laughter, heartfelt toasts and stories as Derek's and

car when it

against his car. I wanted to spend some time alone with you

a

smiled, tucking a strand of

"It was."