The Billionaire’s Unexpected Proposal (Evelyn and Derek) novel Chapter 206

Chapter 206

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As Derek drove toward his parents' house, Evelyn sat quietly beside him, occasionally glancing at the backseat where Maya fidgeted with her hands, her anxiety tangible.

Maya had been silent for most of the ride, her thoughts clearly elsewhere. She was a bundle of nerves as she stared out the

window, her eyes darting over the passing landscape but not really seeing it.

She was anxious about being introduced to Derek's parents as his sister. Her breath hitched slightly when Derek turned onto a quiet street lined with stately homes, the houses growing larger as they approached their destination.

"Hey," Derek said softly, glancing at her in the rearview mirror. "You okay back there?"

Maya nodded quickly, though her trembling hands betrayed her nerves. "I'm fine. I guess," she replied, her voice too high-pitched to be convincing.

"Anxious?" Evelyn asked knowingly.

"Very," she admitted.

Evelyn twisted in her seat to face her, her expression warm and reassuring. "It's normal to feel that way, Maya. But Derek's parents are wonderful people. They're going to love you."

Maya bit her lip and shook her head. "What if they don't? What if 

they think I'm lying or trying to take something from them?"

Derek chuckled softly, his voice calm. "Trust me, that won't happen. My parents aren't like that. They've been waiting for this moment just as much as I have- even if they didn't know it yet."

"But-" Maya started, only for Evelyn to interrupt.

"No buts" Evelyn said firmly, her tone gentle but decisive. "They're going to be thrilled to meet you. You've been part of their lives longer than you realize. You were Samantha's nanny, remember?

They already know how amazing you are."

Maya's lips twitched into a faint smile at the mention of Samantha, but the tension in her shoulders didn't ease. Derek caught her reflection in the mirror and spoke again.

"Maya," he said softly. "You're my sister. That's all that matters.

You belong here, and they'll see that. Just give them a chance."

Maya exhaled shakily, "I wish I could take your word for it. It's not like I deliberately want to worry. My stomach just won't stop jumping," she said, and both Derek and Evelyn chuckled.

"Try to relax," Derek said as they pulled into the driveway of his parent's home.

"I will try," Maya said, swallowing hard as Derek parked the car and turned off the engine. Evelyn reached over and squeezed her hand reassuringly before they all stepped out.

As the three of them climbed the steps to the front door, her nerves surged again as Derek unlocked the door.

Derek led them into the warm, inviting foyer. "Wait here while I get them," he said, motioning toward the living room.

Maya sank onto the edge of a plush armchair, her fingers gripping the armrest. Evelyn settled beside her on the couch, offering another reassuring smile. Maya tried to return it but failed as her stomach twisted in knots.

Derek walked down the familiar hallway to his parents' bedroom, his steps slowing as he reached the door. He hesitated for a moment before knocking softly.

"Who is there?" his mother's voice called.

"It's me"" Derek said.

There was a pause before his mother spoke again, her tone laced with surprise and curiosity. "Derek? What are you doing here?

Weren't you traveling?"

"Can I come in?" he asked instead of answering.

"Of course"" she replied, and Derek pushed the door open.

His parents were sitting together on the bed, his father reading a newspaper while his mother folded laundry. Both of them looked at him, their expressions shifting from surprise to concern when they saw the somber look on Derek's face.

"What's wrong?" his mother asked, rising to her feet. "Why are you here? Is everything okay?"

Without a word, Derek dropped to his knees in front of them. His 

mother gasped, and his father lowered the newspaper, his brow furrowing as he exchanged a look with his wife.

"Derek?" his mother whispered, her voice trembling. "What's going on? Did something happen?"

Derek looked up at her, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I'm sorry, Mom," he said hoarsely.

"Sorry for what?" she asked, crouching down to his level, her hands trembling as she gripped his shoulders.