The Billionaire’s Unexpected Proposal (Evelyn and Derek) novel Chapter 173

Chapter 173

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.