The Billionaire’s Unexpected Proposal (Evelyn and Derek) novel Chapter 217

Chapter 217

After the close of work the following day, Derek and Evelyn headed for Ethan's house. They stopped by a wine shop on their way for a bottle of wine to celebrate his discharge and recovery.

With the bottle in hand, they headed to Ethan's house, and when they arrived, Derek knocked lightly.

Moments later, Rayna swung the door open. "Evie!" Rayna exclaimed, pulling her friend into a warm hug. "It feels like forever since l've seen you properly."

"It really does"" Evelyn replied, her voice tinged with guilt. "We need to catch up."

Rayna stepped aside to let them in. "We definitely do. Come in, both of you."

Inside, the house was cozy and inviting, with soft lighting and the faint aroma of freshly baked bread wafting from the kitchen. Ethan was seated on the couch, his injured arm still in its sling, but his face lit up when he saw them.

"Look who decided to show up!" he teased, his grin wide.

Derek raised the bottle. "Bearing your favorite wine. Thought you'd appreciate it."

Ethan chuckled. "You know me too well. Thanks, man," Ethan said and then smiled at Evelyn.

"Hello, Evelyn. It's always good to see you," he said, and Evelyn smiled.

"It's good to see you, too. How are you feeling? I hope my girl is taking good care of you?" She asked, and Ethan glanced at Rayna, his eyes filled with love for her.

"She's the absolute best," he said, and Rayna grinned.

Before Evelyn could sit down, Rayna looped her arm through Evelyn's. "I'm stealing her, she declared, giving Ethan a pointed look. "You boys can talk about whatever it is men talk about.

Evelyn and I need some girl time" she said as Derek sat down across from Ethan.

Ethan waved them off. "Go ahead. Derek and I can handle ourselves."

Evelyn laughed softly as Rayna led her toward the kitchen. Once they were out of earshot, Rayna poured two glasses of juice and motioned for Evelyn to sit at the small dining table.

"So," Rayna began, sliding a glass toward Evelyn. "What's been going on with you? You've been so busy lately."

Evelyn sipped her water, buying herself a moment. "I'll tell you everything," she promised, "but only after you tell me how you're doing. It shouldn't always be about me. How's everything with Ethan? And the business?"

Rayna sighed, her gaze softening. "It's been a lot, honestly. Taking care of Ethan while running my business has been... challenging, to say the least. But now that he's out of the hospital, I think things will get a bit easier. Or at least, I hope so."

Evelyn studied her friend's face, noticing the faint lines of worry etched at the corners of her eyes. "Is there something bothering you?" she asked gently.

Rayna hesitated, then shrugged. "Not exactly. It's just that moving in with Ethan feels like such a big step. I love him, I really do, but I didn't think it would happen so fast. I guess I'm still adjusting to the idea. I love my house, and I didn't think l'd feel so attached or sad about leaving it."

"Have you talked to him about how you're feeling?" Evelyn asked, leaning forward.

Rayna shook her head. "No. I don't want to sound selfish, especially when he's considering giving up his job to be closer to me."

"He said that?" Evelyn asked, surprised, and Rayna nodded.

"Yeah. His family owns a shipbuilding company. He thinks maybe it's time he joined the family business so he could focus on starting a family. I had been hoping that when he recovered and returned to work, I could go back to my place. I know this probably doesn't make sense, but it's just how I feel," she said with a soft sigh.

Evelyn reached across the table, taking Rayna's hand. "Ray, relationships are all about communication. You have to tell him how you feel just as you re telling me about it. Otherwise, he won't know, and you'll keep carrying this on your own. Trust me, he'd want to know."

Rayna sighed, a small smile tugging at her lips. "You re right. I'll talk to him. I just don't want to make it seem like I'm not willing to 

put in any effort or make any sacrifices."

"I don't think Ethan will think about it that way," Evelyn reassured her. "You re in this together. I'm sure he will appreciate your openness and honesty."

Rayna nodded, her shoulders relaxing slightly. "Thanks, Evie. I needed to hear that."

"Anytime," Evelyn said warmly.

"Now, your turn. What's been going on with you?" Rayna asked, and Evelyn took a deep breath, her expression growing serious.

"A lot, actually. We found Derek's sister and also found out some... shocking things about his family."

Rayna's brow furrowed in concern. "What kind of things?"

Evelyn explained everything— the connection between Derek and Maya, the revelation about their parents' murder, and the role Sandra's father had played in it all. By the time she finished, Rayna was staring at her wide-eyed.

"That's... unbelievable," Rayna whispered. "How's Derek handling all of this?"

"It's been hard on him," Evelyn admitted. "But he's strong. He's coping."

Rayna shook her head, a smile breaking through her astonishment. "And Maya's his sister? That's amazing."

"It is"" Evelyn agreed. "She's been a blessing through all of this."

Rayna's eyes lit up. "I always liked her but thought she'd be uncomfortable if I got close since she was working for you. Maybe we can all hang out one of these days."

Evelyn smiled. "That sounds like a great idea. I think she would like that."

"It's crazy, though, how Sandra's father is involved in this," Rayna said with a shake of her head.