The Billionaire's Unexpected Proposal by Samantha

Chapter 222

[Three Months Later]

The afternoon sun poured into the restaurant, casting a golden glow over the cozy booth where Evelyn, Rayna, and Maya sat.

The three of them had grown even closer since after the wedding, and now, with the help of Derek's parents, Maya had gotten into a prestigious university right there in Ludus and was studying Psychology. Every Friday afternoon, the ladies hung out during lunch to take a break from their busy schedules and to catch up on each other's lives.

Evelyn adjusted the waistband of her maternity jeans, her blouse flowing loosely over her slightly rounded belly. She smiled as she patted her belly when she felt the subtle movements of the tiny life growing inside her. Seated across from Evelyn, Rayna and Maya exchanged a look when they noticed how well Evelyn was eating now, unlike the other times they had met. They also didn't miss the smile on her face as she patted her abdomen.

Their meals forgotten, Rayna leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "So, tell us, mama-to-be," Rayna said, a teasing grin on her face. "How is it going this week? You are glowing today."

"Yeah. I noticed, too. Are you feeling better now?" Maya asked before Evelyn could respond.

Evelyn's smile widened. "Oh, I feel so much better," Evelyn said with a relieved laugh. "The first trimester and early second trimester were a nightmare. I couldn't even keep anything down.

Poor Derek had to deal with me crying over toast at least twice.

But over the past two days, it's like a switch flipped. I have energy again, and food no longer feels like my enemy."

Rayna laughed. "Crying over toast? I need that story."

Evelyn rolled her eyes, chuckling. "It was earlier this week when I woke up in the middle of the night starving but couldn't stomach anything. Derek made me toast, and I started bawling because it smelled 'too crispy.' He just stood there holding the plate, looking so confused. I think he was even scared to breathe wrong."

"Too crispy?" Maya asked, laughing out loud.

"Don't even ask me what that means, but trust me, it's a thing," Evelyn said, and Rayna snorted, covering her mouth.

"Poor Derek. He's a trooper," Rayna said, shaking her head with an amused smile.

"Oh, he is""" Evelyn agreed, her voice softening. "He's been so amazing. I don't know what I'd do without him."

on your own with Sam," Maya pointed out

I can't imagine doing so well on my

when I was pregnant the first time. It was terrible

hand. "Well, that's

Pregnancy suits you."

with color. She took a sip of her water and then tilted her head toward Maya.

these kids make me feel ancient.

Please,

them," Maya said with a smirk. "Some of

raised an eyebrow. "Flirting? From

they find out I'm older, they begin to treat me like I'm ancient. The other day, this kid tried to explain how email works to me. Can

and Rayna burst into laughter, "Please tell me you said something savage," Rayna said, nearly spilling

simply told him I liked men who are older than me and walked away," Maya

for them, Maya. Heaven knows I'd have said something really savage," Rayna said, and Maya shook

don't want to. Those

Gen Zs are like from a different planet. They don't care about your age, they have no filters in their mouth, and don't get me started on their total disregard for punctuality," Maya said, making Evelyn and Rayna laugh and

I think these are misconceptions associated with the tag because of the

get

and don't care about it, either. What care about, however, is your likeness for men who are older than you," Evelyn said, a

are things with

smiled. "Better than I expected.

forward, grinning. "Details,

said, twirling a strand of hair around

a date tonight. Nothing fancy, just dinner and a movie. And I'm spending the night. It will be the first time I'm sleeping over at his place. And I'm looking forward to it." Evelyn and Rayna exchanged a knowing look, their smiles widening. "I guess things are progressing really well"

Ethan?" Evelyn asked, and Rayna sighed,

Frustrating""" she said with a

Maya exchanged a