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.

accustomed to. "Besides, I believe this happened because I was meant to be with Maya, not

at night," Derek drawled to Liams

have a wedding to

Then they walked out of

in full bloom. White chairs adorned with ribbons formed neat rows, and a floral arch stood at the end

petals with glee. The crowd cooed at

row, wiping happy tears from her eyes, while Derek's parents, who were seated

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

her father by her side. A hush fell over the crowd

She looked like a dream! Derek

his pulse pounding as she approached, and his heart

on her. She looked in his direction, and her breath caught in

mused as she made her way down

only see each other, awed by the miracle of

her father kissed her cheek and placed her hand in Derek's. "Take

voice steady, but he didn't break his gaze away

warm as he led them

spoke first, his voice rich with emotion. "Evelyn, you've 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

promise to give you a kiss every day even when you've grown toothless," she said, and

their eyes locked on each

her finger. "With this ring, I bind my heart to yours forever," he said, his voice

the same, her hands trembling slightly. "With this ring,

I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may

didn't wait. He leaned in and kissed Evelyn deeply, the crowd erupting into applause

mushy!" she whispered

the largest hall of the hotel. The glamorous setting felt

was bathed in

centerpieces of blush roses, white hydrangeas, and crystal accents. The

raised dais held a grand table reserved for the newlyweds and their closest family. Behind it, a lush floral

& Derek" scripted in shimmering gold served

an array of treats, including a towering wedding 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

last of her petals into the

floor for their first dance. The music softened, and the spotlight followed them as

with every movement, and Derek's hand on her waist was steady

eyes locked on each other. Their love was evident, drawing

the dance ended, Derek's father stood up

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

here and