The Billionaire's Unexpected Proposal by Samantha

Chapter 221

The sun peeked through a cloudless sky, painting the city in hues of gold. The scent of fresh blooms filled the air, mingling with the sound of cheerful chatter as the morning came alive. Evelyn stood in front of the full-length mirror in the penthouse suite of Stone Palace Hotel-- the same room where she and Derek's love story had begun-staring at her reflection in the mirror. Her wedding gown was a dream-a cascade of soft blush satin with silky lace adorning the bodice and sleeves. The gown flowed gracefully to the ground, its soft fabric catching the light as she moved

As she turned, the layers of tulle and silk gently swayed, revealing a subtle glint that sparkled like the stars in the evening sky. The blush hue of the dress complemented her glowing complexion, adding a romantic touch to her overall look.

A diamond tiara and a bouquet of white lilies and blush roses completed her enchanting appearance. At that moment, she truly looked like a vision of love and beauty, ready to embark on her new journey. Samantha stood by her side in a matching flower girl dress, her eyes wide with excitement as she clutched a basket of flower petals.

"Mommy, you look like a fairytale princess!" Samantha exclaimed, spinning in her own dress.

Evelyn laughed softly, crouching to her daughter's level. "Thanks, baby. But you are the princess here," she said, adjusting Samantha's flower crown. "Are you ready to be the best flower girl ever?" Samantha nodded with excitement, twirling around.

Rayna and Maya entered the room with a wide smile on their faces. While Rayna was elegantly dressed in her maid of honor gown-a mauve gown, Maya was dressed in a soft lavender gown. "Ready, bride-to-be?" Maya asked, her eyes shining with happiness.

In the weeks following Derek's proposal, Maya had bonded well with Evelyn, Rayna, and all the others, and now she didn't feel as out of place as she had initially felt.

"As ready as I'll ever be""" Evelyn replied, her voice steady despite the fluttering butterflies in her stomach.

"Even if you aren't, you will be fine. Derek has been ready to marry you since the day you met," Rayna said, and Evelyn laughed softly.

"Evie, it's time!" Claire called from the doorway.

Evelyn took a deep breath, her heart racing. "Okay, let's do this."

"You've got this, Rayna said, squeezing Evelyn's hand.

Meanwhile, in the presidential suite, Derek was flanked on both sides by Ethan and Liam, all of whom were dressed in sharp suits.

Like Maya, Liam had also spent some time bonding with the guys over sports and drinks, and now he could say he had friends in Ludus.

Ethan, whose casts had been taken off, adjusted Derek's tie.

"Nervous?" He asked with a smirk.

"Not at all" Derek said confidently, though the slight tremor in his hands as he fastened his cufflinks gave him away.

"Your hands are shaking," Liam pointed out with a laugh, and Ethan joined in.

Derek scowled at him, "If you were marrying Evelyn, your whole body would shake, too. But you wouldn't know because she friend-zoned you," Derek said, and Ethan chuckled while Liam glared at Derek. "How many times do I have to tell you that I wasn't friend-zoned?

Do you think you would have stood a chance had I asked her out while we were in Husla?" Liam asked, and Derek snorted.

become accustomed to. "Besides, I believe this happened because I was meant to

you sleep well at

two are done bickering, we have a wedding to attend," Ethan said before their argument could

a deep breath as he adjusted his tie once again. Then they walked out of the suite and headed for the hotel's garden, where the wedding

in full bloom. White chairs adorned with ribbons formed neat rows, and a floral arch stood at the end of the aisle. Guests chatted in soft murmurs, the air thick

music started, Samantha walked down the aisle first, scattering rose petals with glee. The crowd cooed at her, and she grinned brightly as she looked at her father, who was

eyes, while Derek's parents, who were seated close to her, beamed with joy as they gazed at

came Rayna and Maya, both of them walking slowly, their gaze locked on their men who were smiling at them from

father by her side. A hush fell over the crowd

She looked like a dream! Derek thought as he

could hear his pulse pounding as she approached, and his heart was overwhelmed with

feel his eyes on her. She looked in his direction, and her

one man look so handsome? She mused as she made her way down the aisle to meet

could only see each other,

Derek, her father kissed her cheek and placed her hand in Derek's. "Take care of her," he said softly, his

Derek promised, his voice steady, but

warm as he led them

brought light and love into my life in ways I never imagined. I promise to love you, protect you, provide for you, support you, and grow with you every day of our lives." Evelyn smiled through her tears as she responded. "Derek, you're my safe place and my greatest adventure. I promise to stand by your side through every high and low with all the love

day even when you've grown toothless,"

their vows, they kept their eyes locked

the band onto her finger. "With this ring, I bind my heart

hands trembling slightly. "With this ring, I promise you my forever,"

the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You

leaned in and kissed Evelyn deeply, the

both hands to cover her eyes. "They're so mushy!" she whispered loudly to her grandparents, making everyone chuckle

was a lively affair, held in the largest hall of the hotel. The glamorous setting felt like stepping into a

bathed in

white

dais held a grand table reserved for the newlyweds and their

in shimmering gold

cake adorned with edible flowers. Evelyn and Derek entered the reception hand in hand, their smiles radiant. The crowd erupted in cheers and applause, rising to their feet to welcome the couple. Samantha, sitting with

last of her petals into the air, her excitement

The music softened, and the

Derek's hand

sync, their eyes locked on each other. Their love was evident,

Derek's father stood up to

exuded warmth as he tapped his glass for attention. The room quieted, all eyes on

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