The Billionaire’s Unexpected Proposal (Evelyn and Derek) novel Chapter 210

Chapter 210

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 l..."

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.