The Billionaire’s Unexpected Proposal (Evelyn and Derek)

Evelyn and Derek had breakfast alone the following day because Maya claimed she wanted to sleep in and eat much later. They all knew she was avoiding them because she didn't want to talk about whatever was happening between her and Liam. After breakfast, Evelyn decided to have a word with Maya, so she took a tray of breakfast up to Maya's room and knocked softly on the door.

Evelyn heard a faint rustle from within, and after a moment, the door creaked open. Maya stood there, dressed in a casual hoodie and sweatpants, her dark hair tied into a messy bun. Her guarded expression softened slightly when she saw Evelyn standing there with a tray of breakfast.

"Good morning," Evelyn greeted with a warm smile. "Breakfast delivery."

"Thank you," Maya said as she took the tray from her."

"Can I come in for a quick chat?" Evelyn asked, and Maya's eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of suspicion crossing her face.

"Is this about... last night?" she asked, her voice cautious.

Evelyn chuckled softly. "Not entirely. Just wanted to check on you."

Maya opened the door wider and stepped aside, gesturing for Evelyn to come in. Evelyn entered the small, cozy space, her eyes briefly scanning the neatly made bed and a stack of books on the nightstand.

"So," Evelyn began, her tone light. "How are you doing this morning?" She asked as Maya set the tray down on top of the stack of books by the nightstand.

Evelyn chose the seat by the window, waiting for Maya to settle on the edge of the bed.

Maya shrugged, pulling her legs up to sit cross-legged on the bed.

"I'm alright. What about you?"

"I'm okay, too," Evelyn replied, leaning back against the chair.

"Actually, I wanted to talk to you about something."

Maya tensed slightly. "Let me guess... Liam? I'm sorry I didn't tell you I..."

Evelyn smiled reassuringly as she cut in. "Yes, about Liam, but not in the way you're thinking."

Maya relaxed slightly but stayed cautious. "Okay..."

Evelyn's smile widened. "Actually, I just wanted to say I'm not upset or anything about you keeping his secret. If anything, I'm glad you two got to know each other better. He's a really decent guy, and I think it's wonderful that the two of you have struck up a friendship." Maya's cheeks flushed, and she blinked, her brows knitting together in surprise. "Really?"

"Of course," Evelyn said, her voice gentle. "You don't need to feel

awkward or guilty about anything. I'm totally cool with... whatever is going on between you two."

Maya's head snapped up, her eyes wide. "Whatever's going on?" she echoed, a nervous laugh escaping her lips. "I'm not sure there's anything going on," she muttered. "I mean... he likes you, Evelyn. I don't see how someone like him could go from liking someone like you to... me."

Evelyn's smile faltered, replaced by a look of disbelief. She raised an eyebrow, leaning forward slightly. "Maya, please don't tell me you said that to him."

Maya shook her head quickly. "Not exactly. But it's the truth," she admitted.

"No, it's not," Evelyn countered. She straightened, her tone growing more serious.

"It is," Maya insisted firmly.

"What is the truth? That he liked me or that he can't go from liking

'someone like me' to you?" Evelyn asked, and Maya gave a half-shrug but said nothing.

"What do you mean someone like me?" Evelyn asked, and Maya sighed.

"Seriously, Evelyn, can you not see all the difference between us?

Do I need to spell it out? Until a couple of days ago, I was your employee. You're an accomplished lady. I have nothing. I am nobody..."

"For Christ's sake, Maya, why on earth would you think I'm better than you in any way?" Evelyn cut in with a frown.

Maya hesitated, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm not thinking it. It's the reality. Look at me. I don't have a degree. I don't have a good job. I have health problems. My lifes a mess, Evelyn. I've got nothing going for me. Well, until recently, like you know." Evelyn sighed, her expression softening. "Maya, all of those things can change in the next two to five years, and they will if you work towards them as you have planned. But why do you think those are the criteria for being worth loving?"

Maya glanced up at her, confusion clouding her face as she bit her lip, her eyes glistening. "But he's a doctor, Evelyn. He's accomplished so much, and I'm just... me. I'd never catch up."

"And that's all you ever need to be, Maya. You. Unapologetically you. Listen," Evelyn continued, her tone earnest. "You're a kind, genuine, and thoughtful person. That's what matters. That's the only thing anyone worth having in your life would care about. You don't have to catch up."

"But I will only be an embarrassment to him in his social circle..."

"None of that matters" Evelyn said firmly. "If Liam likes you- and I'm pretty sure he does- then he sees all the amazing things about you that you can't seem to see in yourself. If you like him, and he likes you, that's what counts." Evelyn reached out, placing a comforting hand on Maya's knee.

"And if you want, you can ask to take things slowly, keep it between the two of you while you pursue your dreams. And maybe when you feel more confident you can make it open. If you like

him, Maya, give yourself the chance to see where this could go.

Don't walk away from this because

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of some idea that you're not enough. You are enough, Maya. You, more than anyone else, should believe that about yourself. What do you expect others to do if you look down on yourself? You're more than enough for Liam or even the president."

Maya's shoulders sagged as a small smile crept onto her lips.

"You really think so?"

Evelyn squeezed her hand. "I know so. And honestly? If you care about him, don't let your insecurities get in the way. You deserve happiness as much as anyone else." Maya nodded slowly, her voice soft. "Thank you, Evelyn. I... I'll think about what you said."

Evelyn smiled, standing up. "Good. I have to go now. We have an appointment with the Obstetrician. And we will be bringing my parents here from the hospital."

"I'll make sure their room is ready before they get here," Maya said as she saw Evelyn to the door.

Forty-five minutes later, Evelyn and Derek entered the obstetrician's office hand in hand.

They checked in at the front desk, exchanged smiles with the receptionist, and sat in the waiting area.

Derek tapped his knee rhythmically, his eyes flitting around the room. He paused to look at Evelyn, his gaze softening as it landed on her belly.

"Are you nervous?" Evelyn teased, reaching over to still his hand.

"Not nervous," he said, his lips twitching into a smile. "Just... I don't know. Excited. This feels unreal."

Before Evelyn could respond, the nurse called them in. Derek stood immediately and helped Evelyn up, his hand never leaving hers as they followed the nurse down the hallway.

The examination room was small but welcoming, with soft pastel walls and a monitor mounted on the wall. Evelyn settled onto the examination table, and Derek pulled a chair close.

The obstetrician, a cheerful woman in her forties, entered with a warm smile. "Good morning, Evelyn. And you must be Derek?"

"That's me!" Derek said, his voice warm but tinged with awe. His gaze darted between the doctor and the equipment.

"Are we ready to meet baby today?" the doctor asked, slipping on gloves and preparing the ultrasound machine.

Evelyn nodded eagerly. Derek looked like he wanted to say something but couldn't find the words. He settled for squeezing Evelyn's hand.

The doctor dimmed the lights, and

the soft hum of the machine filled the room. Evelyn shifted her shirt to expose her belly, and Derek watched intently as the doctor applied the coolgel and began moving the

probe across her skin.

The screen flickered to life. At first, there was just a blur of gray and black, but then the outline of a tiny form appeared. The room grew quiet except for the rhythmic whooshing sound that

suddenly filled the air.

"There it is," the doctor said, her tone soft. "That's your baby's heartbeat."

Derek's breath hitched audibly. He leaned forward, his eyes fixed on the screen. His hand tightened around Evelyn's, and she glanced at him to see his expression. His mouth was slightly open, his eyes wide with wonder. "That... that tiny bean-like shape? That's our baby?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Yes" the doctor confirmed, smiling. "That's your baby."

Evelyn felt a lump form in her throat as she watched Derek. His eyes glistened, and he didn't even seem to notice the tear that slipped down his cheek. She reached over with her free hand, brushing it away gently. "It's real," he said, his voice cracking. "I mean, I knew it was real, but... hearing it. Seeing it..."

Evelyn's heart swelled. She placed her other hand over his, their fingers lacing together. "It's amazing, isn't it?" she murmured.

"It's incredible," Derek said, his eyes

never leaving the screen. He laughed softly, a mix of joy and disbelief.

"Look at that. That's our baby, Eveet

Our baby. Did Samantha look this way, too? Or did she have a different shape? Make like a banana?" He

asked with a grin, and bote

Evelyn and the doctor laughed.

The doctor explained what each stage of the fetus would look like

until the baby was fully formed and ready to be born, and Derek soaked it all in, nodding and asking questions, his awe evident with every word.

When the doctor printed the ultrasound images and handed them over, Derek held them like they were the most precious thing in the world. He studied them, tracing the tiny silhouette with his finger. Evelyn watched him, her chest tight with emotion. This moment felt perfect-sharing this experience with Derek and seeing his love for their baby already written all over his face. "Thank you," he whispered suddenly, his eyes locking with hers.

"Thank you for giving me this."

Evelyn smiled, her eyes shining. "You've given me just as much, Derek. More than I ever thought possible."Content provided by NôvelDrama.Org.

As they left the office, Derek still holding the ultrasound pictures, they stopped in the hallway. He pulled Evelyn into a gentle hug, resting his chin on her head.

"I'll never forget this day," he said softly.

"Me neither, Evelyn replied, holding him tightly. For a moment, it was just the two of them, their love for each other and the life they had created together filling the quiet space.