The Billionaire’s Unexpected Proposal (Evelyn and Derek)

Evelyn and Rayna returned to their seats, and they both sat in silence for some time as Evelyn tried to gather her thoughts. Knowing Rayna was definitely going to ask her about Derek, she wasn't sure what or how much she was ready to tell her.

She sighed inwardly when it seemed she was hiding so much from Hayna. Seeing how happy Rayna seemed, reconnecting with her made her feel like a terrible friend, but there was nothing she could do about it-at least for now.

came

so easily

easily to her after Sandra's betrayal

She would be risking too much if she so much as told Rayna about her secrets. Trust no longer c

Rayna, who couldn't hold back her curiosity any longer and was tired of waiting for Evelyn to talk, cleared her throat and turned to look at Evelyn

after some time.

hy did you act like that? Did something happen between

She leaned in close, her voice barely audible over the music. "So, who's Derek, Evie? And why you two!" she asked, and Evelyn sighed.

She had known the conversation was inevitable, not after she had acted that way.

Evelyn took a deep breath, trying to keep her voice steady. "Like I said before, he's no one to concern yourself with. Just someone I am going to be Interviewing soon," she said with an indifferent shrug before sipping from her martini.

Rayna raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced. "Come on. Exic. I know it's more than that, especially with how you reacted. I saw the way he touched you and the way he looked at you, you know? That guy likes you, and it's obvious. I have a feeling you like him, too."

Evelyn shook her head dismissively, though she couldn't quite keep the emotion from her voice. "It really doesn't matter even if I do," she said, and Rayna frowned, sensing there was more to the story.

of concern

cern for her friend.

e wasn't prepared.

-Why d

doesn't it matter? What's going on?" she asked, not exactly because she was curious but our

Evelyn sighed, knowing she wasn't ready to open up, not here, not now. She wanted to and wished she could, but she

"Ray, please.. can we not

e... can we not talk about it?" she asked, not wanting to lie.

Rayna sighed but nodded, relenting for the moment. "Alright, I won't push. But when you're ready to talk, just know I'm here to listen. Anytime, okay?" she said reassuringly.Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

Evelyn managed a small smile, grateful for Rayna's understanding. "Thank you, Ray, for not pushing. I appreciate that, and I will definitely tell you everything when I'm ready," she said, and Rayna returned the smile.

Not wanting to dwell on that and spoil the fun they had come for, Rayna quickly brightened up, her mood lifting as she grabbed Evelyn's hand. "Enough with the serious stuff. Let's take some pictures and make some videos! We need to document this night," she chirped, Evelyn chuckled, feeling a little lighter as she watched Rayna pull out her phone.

They posed for pictures, made funny faces, and made boornerang videos, and Evelyn's earlier nonchalance was temporarily forgotten as they immersed themselves in the fun of the moment.

While Evelyn and Rayna were busy taking pictures and having fun, Derek and Ethan sat a reasonable distance away from them, and Derek watched Evelyn's every move with a smile on his face. Derek had convinced Ethan so they could find a spot closer to Evelyn where he could keep his eyes on her, and as he watched Evelyn, Ethan shook his head.

"If I had known she would be here tonight, I would have taken you elsewhere," Ethan said with an amused smile.

"And she would have been there, my friend. You can't tamper with fate," Derek responded without taking his eyes away from Evelyn, and Ethan chuckled.

"I brought you here to hang out with me, but your attention is fixed elsewhere. Ethan complained as he watched his friend.

"You don't understand how I feel seeing her here this way, Derek said, turning to spare Ethan a glance.

"Seeing you so in love with her this way makes me jealous," Ethan said, and Derek shook his head.

her to

date

me

"There is nothing to be jealous about. Our relationship is so complicated right now that I know it's going to be a tough fight to get and talk more about marrying me. There are so many obstacles. I have to deal with Michael, my parents, and Evelyn herself. She's so damned stubborn. I know she likes me, but she just won't give in. You, on the other hand, can date and marry whoever you want. You don't have any obstacles in your path. So, you see? Nothing to be jealous about." Derek said, feeling pretty much frustrated by the thought.

"Who says I can date anyone! All I want to do right now is find someone suitable and

married to her so

o she can give

kids. You know I do not

3:10 PM

have the luxury of time to do any dating drama," he said, and Derek turned to look at him, giving hi

him a confused look.

"Just get married and have kids? What are you talking about! Don't you have to date someone or fall in love with them to get married?" Derek asked, and Ethan shook his head.

"I'd love to date and fall in love, but as it is, I don't have the time. And we don't always have to date someone to get married to them. I'm sure I can get to like and date whoever I get married to after marriage." Ethan said, and before Derek looked at him like he had lost his senses.

you out of your mind? Why would you do something like that when you can find a woman you like, court her, and have her fall for you like every normal relationship?" Derek asked incredulously. Ethan shrugged, his expression turning serious

"How am I supposed to meet a woman, fall in love, and do all that normal relationship stuff when I'm barely around for more than a month at a time? I don't have the time for that, Rek, All 1 need is someone who's ready to settle down, have kids, and take care of the family while I'm away for work. Besides, falling in love would only put us both in misery whenever I'm away," he explained. Derek shook his head, but Ethan raised a finger before he could say anything

"Hear me out, okay! I'm thirty-eight right now, in two years, I will be forty. Let's say I spend the next two years trying to date and fall in love like you're suggesting and then I manage to get married by the time I'm forty, Great. Let's say we decide to have a baby immediately, and then my wife and I welcome our baby when I'm forty-one. Il be fily by the time my first kid is nine years old. Fucking nine years old, man! And I'll be sixty when he's going to college. Ethan said, expressing his frustration.

Derek frowned as he thought about it. "As long as you're healthy, that doesn't matter!

"It does to me, Derek. I always thought there was time. I thought I had the time and I was relaxed. And then, on the morning of my birthday a few weeks ago, I realized I was in my late thirties already and close to forty. That wasn't my plan, man. My plan was to get married at thirty and retire at forty-five to be with my family, not start a family at forty, Ethan said, and Derek sighed

"Okay. So, if you don't want to date, how do you intend to marry! Don't tell me you're thinking of a contract marriage, Derek asked, and Ethan shrugged.

"Something like that, but it's not going to be for a specified duration. I want a home, a real family. I want to get married to someone who can take care of our kids while I'm away at work," Ethan said, and Derek sighed, understanding Ethan's reasoning

"I understand what you're saying, but marriage is a lifetime commitment. Ethan. I don't think you should make such a serious decision lightly." Derek said, and Ethan smiled.

"You know me. I wouldn't share my plan with you if I had not already thought about it and made up my mind," he said, and Derek sighed.

"So, how do you plan to find this lady who would be willing to give up her life for a lifetime of a loveless marriage? Derek asked, and this time. Ethan chuckled, knowing Derek was going to think he had lost it when he heard his plan.

"Why are you laughing that way? Say something. How do you plan to get a girl?" he asked again.

"First, it's not a lifetime of loveless marriage. Like I said, we can fall in love and date after marriage. I'm just hastening the process by beginning with marriage. And as for my plan, I'm going to put out an ad for a wife in one of those magazine/blog couple corners"

"You're going to do what?" Derek asked incredulously.

"You heard right. I plan to get married before I return this time, and this is the only way I can achieve that." Ethan said in a tone that told Derek that his mind was made up.

Derek shook his head, unable to wrap his mind around the idea. "That's a ridiculous plan, Ethan. You can't just rush into something like that. It doesn't make any sense to me, Derek said, but Ethan grinned, undeterred

to do so I don't remain a bachelor forever. I want to have a wife and kids to return to." Ethan

"It doesn't have to make sense to you. It is what I want to said, and Derek sighed

"I know I can't change your mind, so I have no choice but to support you. I just hope you don't regret this, though." Derek sand, and Fihan smilest "1 won't regret it"