The Billionaire’s Unexpected Proposal (Evelyn and Derek)

The sunlight streamed through the hospital window as Ethan sat upright in bed, glaring at his brother, Melvin, who reclined in a chair nearby.

Ethan's injured arm was propped on a pillow, still in a sling. His lips pressed into a thin line, and his irritation was as visible as the tension in his shoulders. "I'm done with this place""" Ethan declared, his tone irritable. "I feel fine. They should discharge me already."

Melvin looked up from his phone, one eyebrow raised. "You can't even use your arm yet. What do you plan to do- telepathically open doors and feed yourself?"

"That's exactly why I need to leave," Ethan shot back. "If I were home, Rayna could work from there while taking care of me, and we'd get to spend some more time together. But no, I'm stuck here with you, and she's out dealing with business." Melvin snorted, shaking his head. "You sound like a lovesick puppy."

Ethan's scowl softened slightly, his lips twitching into a reluctant smile. "I'm not sure about the puppy part, but yeah, I'm lovesick."

Melvin chuckled, leaning forward. "You've got it bad, huh? She'll be back soon. You can survive a few hours without her."

Ethan sighed and leaned back against the pillows. "I know. But

that doesn't make me miss her any less."

"What do you plan to do when your arm gets better and you have to go to work and be away for months?" Melvin asked, and Ethan sighed deeply.

"I've been wondering the same thing. It's... weird. I never expected to feel this way. I didn't plan on falling for the woman I planned to marry. Now the thought of being away from her for too long makes me... uneasy." Melvin chuckled. "Wow. You've fallen hard, Ethan."

"Totally," Ethan admitted, running his good hand through his hair.

His frustration ebbed, replaced by a quiet determination. "While we are on the subject, I need your help with something."

Melvin tilted his head, intrigued. "Oh? What's that?"

"I want to propose to her."

Melvin let out a low whistle. "You're kidding."

"I'm dead serious," Ethan replied, meeting his brother's wide-eyed stare. "You know I'm not. Have you forgotten my plan to get married before I return to the Sea?"

Melvin chuckled and shook his head in disbelief. "I haven't forgotten. But things are different now, right? It's no longer just about your plan. Don't you think it's a little soon?" Ethan's expression didn't waver.

"It's not soon enough. If I could do

it right now, I would. And trust me, we are on the same page. She

knows how I feel about getting married soon. It's just that I want to propose to her. The time might be short, but I want to do it the right way."

Melvin raised his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, Romeo. Slow down a little. We can figure something out. Just don't go proposing in a hospital gown."

"Another reason you should tell the doctor that I'm ready to go home. I will pay for home service if I have to"" Ethan said, but before Melvin could respond, the door creaked open, and both men turned their heads. Rayna stepped in, carrying a small box tied with a ribbon. Her face lit up when she saw that Ethan was up, and she made her way to the bedside with a warm smile.

"Guess who brought treats" she announced, setting the box on the small table beside Ethan's bed.

Melvin's eyes lit up. "Please tell me those are your famous cookies."

Rayna laughed softly. "Better. There's a mix of cookies and some chocolate truffles."

Ethan reached for her hand with his uninjured one, his earlier irritation melting away. "You didn't have to go through the trouble."

"It's not trouble," she replied, brushing a stray lock of hair from his forehead. "I figured you could use a little sugar," she said with a wink

"You have all the sugar I need. I just need to get out of here to have it," Ethan whispered for her ears alone, and she giggled.

Ignoring them, Melvin opened the box, and he groaned in appreciation as the sweet aroma wafted out. "Rayna, you're a lifesaver. And just so you know, if Ethan messes up, I'd totally disown him for your sake," Melvin said, and Rayna giggled. "No one will be messing up or disowning anyone," she said and turned back to Ethan, her eyes softening as she noticed his gaze fixed on her. "How are you feeling?"

"Much better now that you're here"" Ethan said, his voice low. He tugged her hand gently, urging her to sit on the edge of the bed.

"You're such a smooth talker," Rayna teased, though her cheeks flushed pink.

Melvin cleared his throat loudly, breaking the moment. "Can you wait for me to leave before you start your hospital romance? I will give you two some privacy now," he said, taking the box with him. "Where are you going with that?" Ethan asked before Melvin could take a step towards the door.

"Home to my beautiful wife and darling daughter. Why?" Melvin asked, and Ethan scowled.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

"You can't take that. She brought it for me""" Ethan said, and Melvin raised a brow.

"Didn't you say she shouldn't have gone through the trouble, and she had all the sugar you need?" Melvin asked sweetly.

Rayna laughed, "I can't believe you heard that," she said, blushing.

"I did. My hearing is perfect. So, I'm going to take these with me, and in exchange, I will go talk to the doctor about having you discharged so you can get out of here and get all the sugar you need," Melvin said, and Rayna giggled, feeling mildly embarrassed.

"Make sure you do that. But I need a taste of that" Ethan insisted.

Melvin handed him the box, and once Ethan grabbed a cookie, Melvin strolled out of the room with the box, leaving them alone.

Alone now, Ethan tugged Rayna closer, his hand resting on hers.

"I'm glad that you're back. I missed you sorely. I wasn't kidding earlier. I really do feel better when you're around."

Rayna smiled, her fingers tracing

circles on the back of his hand. "b

missed you too. But I had orders to fill, and I had to make sure

ve

everything was running smoothly at the bakery."

"I get that,

than murmured, his

ket

eyes searching hers. "But I'd rather you stay with me. Even if it's just to

na about taking my meds or

eating."

Her laugh was soft and musical. "Don't tempt me. I'll never leave."

"That's the idea,, Ethan said, his voice serious. He leaned forward, brushing his lips against her forehead.

Rayna's cheeks warmed, but she didn't pull away. Instead, she cupped his face gently, her thumb grazing his cheek as she kissed him. "Have you made up your mind about where to stay? Mine or yours?" Ethan asked, resting his forehead against hers.

"Mine would be easier for me 'cause I have all my baking items there."

"I could buy you every single item you need," he said, and she smiled.

"Is that your way of saying you want me to move to yours?" She asked, and he grinned.

"You caught me"" he said, and she giggled.

"You're something else, Ethan."

"I know you love me" he replied with a crooked grin.

Rayna rolled her eyes but leaned in again to kiss him lightly. It was brief, but the warmth lingered as she pulled back, her eyes shining.

"I do," she admitted softly.

"As much as you love kissing me?" He asked with a teasing smile.

"Almost as much"" she said, and they both laughed.

They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, and Ethan's heart swelled with love for her.

"I can't wait to go home with you," he said, his voice filled with quiet determination.

Rayna raised an eyebrow, her lips quirking into a smile. "Why? Do you have something you plan to do?" She asked with a suspicious smile.

"Lots of somethings," he said with a suggestive wink, and she giggled

"Let's not rush. You need to heal first," she said softly.

Ethan grinned. "I'm already halfway there. Thanks to you. And I don't even need to use this hand."

Rayna shook her head, laughing softly. "You're impossible."

"And you're possible," Ethan countered jokingly, and he pulled her closer as she laughed.

"I'm so glad I didn't blow it with you, Ray. It would have been the biggest regret of my life," he said, and she rolled her eyes.

"Or maybe not. You wouldn't know. How can you regret not having something you never had?" she countered.

"You're my golden sun. My soul mate. Of course, I'd have known. I love you, Rayna," he said softly, and she grinned.

"I love you, too."