The Billionaire’s Unexpected Proposal (Evelyn and Derek)

Inside her car, Evelyn let out a shaky breath as she texted Derek to let him know she was on her way and he could meet them at the intersection ahead since they didn't want anyone to spot them together.

After sending the text, she gazed out the window and occupied her mind by counting the streetlights as they drove past each one so she wouldn't have to worry about what was coming next.

After a few quiet minutes, the driver glanced back. "Ma'am, please fasten your seatbelt," he said, his tone polite but urgent. Startled by the sudden request, Evelyn blinked but complied, clicking her seatbelt into place. Just as she settled, the driver's foot pressed heavily on the gas.

The car surged forward, and Evelyn's heart jumped as they sped down the quiet street. The car weaved sharply as though trying to evade a pursuer.

Her knuckles whitened as she clutched the door handle with one hand and placed the other protectively on her abdomen, nausea rising with each sudden swerve.

"W-What's going on?" she stammered, feeling her stomach turn.

The driver's eyes met hers briefly in the rearview mirror.

"Apologies, ma'am," he said hurriedly. I thought someone was chasing us, but the car just zoomed past us," he said as he slowed to a stop at the side of the road, glancing back with a look of sincere apology. I'm sorry I made you uncomfortable."

Without a word, Evelyn stumbled out of the car, leaning against the curb as her stomach rebelled. Her breaths came in shallow gasps, her body trembling from the sudden rush of adrenaline. The driver approached, his face etched with concern. "Ma'am, I really didn't mean-"

But before he could finish, another car's headlights swept over them from the opposite side, and Derek quickly parked his car and hurried toward her. "Babe!" he called, his voice filled with worry as he reached her side.

Evelyn forced a weak smile, trying to regain her composure, but she felt pale and shaken. Derek's arm slid around her shoulders, guiding her gently toward his own car parked nearby. He opened the door, helped her inside, and handed her a bottle of water. She took a sip, savoring the cool liquid as it eased her nausea.

"Just breathe," he murmured, rubbing her back in slow, soothing circles. His touch calmed the tremors in her hands. "Are you alright? Do you feel better now?"

Evelyn nodded, managing a faint smile as she leaned back against the seat. "Thank you. I'm okay now."

Derek studied her carefully, his gaze filled with a quiet intensity.

When he was satisfied that she'd regained her strength, he reached over, fastening her seatbelt for her, his hand lingering for just a moment in a reassuring touch.

He turned to her bodyguard and after being told what had happened, he nodded. "I will take it from here. You can give the police a call now. They will meet you here and take over," Derek said before climbing into the driver's seat.

Derek glanced at Evelyn. "You're sure you are ready to go now?" He asked, and when she gave him a nod, he started the engine.

As they drove in silence, Evelyn's fingers twisted in her lap, her mind racing with the words she knew she had to say before they got to the warehouse where Michael was being held.

After a few more minutes, Derek glanced at her, concern flickering in his eyes. "Are you sure you're okay?" he asked softly.

She took a deep breath, steeling herself. "Yeah. About what I wanted to tell you earlier..."

Derek's gaze sharpened, and he gave a small nod for her to go on while his gaze remained on the road, "I'm listening."

Evelyn's heart pounded as she searched for the right words, but they all felt tangled and uncertain. "I wasn't sure how to bring it up, and I was hoping to tell you in a more relaxed moment... but I think you might want to know now." Derek turned to spare her a glance, and she could see the hint of tension that edged his features. "You can tell me anything, babe," he assured her softly.

Swallowing hard, Evelyn forced the words out, her voice barely above a whisper. "I... I think I might be expecting."

Silence filled the car for a heartbeat as he tried to process what she had just said. Then, Derek's foot hit the brake abruptly, and the car jerked to a stop in the middle of the empty road. He turned to her, shock written across his face. "Do you mean what I think?"

"Yes. Derek" she said gently, glancing around the road. "It's late, and.. you're kind of parked in the middle here," she said, feeling anxious.

With a start, he refocused, quickly

steering them to the side of the road. Once safely pulled over, he looked ather, his expression softening as he took in the meaning

of her words. "When you say you think... are you just guessing, or-?" ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

CMS

"I took a test, Evelyn admitted, her cheeks warming under his intense gaze. "A few, actually. And they were all positive."

He blinked, a slight furrow appearing between his brows. "When did you do that?"

"Earlier today, after you left," she said, knowing he was probably trying to figure out how long she had been hiding it from him. "I had a suspicion before, but I wasn't sure."

"Eve..." He seemed at a loss for words, his eyes widening as he processed what she had just said. He shook his head, a mixture of disbelief and wonder lighting his face. "You mean you've been feeling this way for a while?" "Sort of," she whispered, glancing down.

"You mean a baby... MY baby is growing in there? Why didn't you say anything when you began to suspect it?" He asked, placing a hand on her abdomen in wonder.

A small smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. "I wanted to be completely sure of it first."

Derek's expression shifted, determination replacing his initial

shock. "I'm taking you home."

He was happy. He was over the moon with joy even though the shock was yet ri wear off. But right now, he needed to get her home to safety.

She blinked, surprised by the sudden firmness in his tone. "But we had a plan... we were supposed to-"

"To hell with the plan. I'm not putting

you, or our baby, at risk just to play

Sandra's gay

or put up a show for

her. It was hard enough to go ahead with this crazy plan before, but now that a baby is in the picture, I'm not going to let you go through this stress. I'm not risking it. Sandra can go to hell. Nothing else matters right now," he said, his voice soft but resolute.

Evelyn's heart warmed at his words, a wave of emotion surging within her as he squeezed her hand. She could see the fear and worry etched into his face, but beneath it all was a fierce love that grounded her giving her the strength she needed.

Before Evelyn could respond, Derek's phone buzzed, the name of the detective flashing on the screen. Derek answered, his voice tense as he placed the call on speaker.

"I know we're supposed to be there, but the plans have changed.

So, that won't be happening anymore. I'm taking her home with me. You have enough evidence as it is to get Sandra."

"We can finish it up tonight if you bring her over. This won't take long. Sandra plans to show up there to see Evelyn. Let's catch her in the act," the detective said.

"No. I don't want to take that risk. I don't Sandra in the same room

with her.."

"Just long enough to take a picture or for us to make a video for Sandra's benefit. You can take her away after the video, the detective said.

There was a long pause, and Evelyn could tell that Derek was torn between keeping her safe and getting rid of Sandra.

Evelyn smiled as she reached for his hand and squeezed it softly,

"Let's go ahead with the plan. I will be fine. I really want to be done with this."

Derek considered it for a moment, "You re only going to be there long enough for her to see a picture or video. After that, I'm taking you home. I'm not letting that psychopath anywhere near you," Derek said, holding her hand tightly. Evelyn nodded. "Okay"" she whispered, smiling through the tears that pricked at the corners of her eyes. His love and concern for her touched her deeply.