The Billionaire's Unexpected Proposal by Samantha

Chapter 221

The sun peeked through a cloudless sky, painting the city in hues of gold. The scent of fresh blooms filled the air,

mingling with the sound of cheerful chatter as the morning calive. Evelyn stood in front of the full-length

mirror in the penthouse suite of Stone Palace Hotel-- the sroom where she and Derek's love story had

begun-staring at her reflection in the mirror. Her wedding gown was a dream-a cascade of soft blush satin with

silky lace adorning the bodice and sleeves. The gown flowed gracefully to the ground, its soft fabric catching the

light as she moved

As she turned, the layers of tulle and silk gently swayed, revealing a subtle glint that sparkled like the stars in

the evening sky. The blush hue of the dress complemented her glowing complexion, adding a romantic touch to

her overall look.

A diamond tiara and a bouquet of white lilies and blush roses completed her enchanting appearance. At that

moment, she truly looked like a vision of love and beauty, ready to embark on her new journey. Samantha stood

by her side in a matching flower girl dress, her eyes wide with excitement as she clutched a basket of flower

petals.

"Mommy, you look like a fairytale princess!" Samantha exclaimed, spinning in her own dress.

Evelyn laughed softly, crouching to her daughter's level. "Thanks, baby. But you are the princess here," she said,

adjusting Samantha's flower crown. "Are you ready to be the best flower girl ever?" Samantha nodded with

excitement, twirling around.

Rayna and Maya entered the room with a wide smile on their faces. While Rayna was elegantly dressed in her

maid of honor gown-a mauve gown, Maya was dressed in a soft lavender gown. "Ready, bride-to-be?" Maya

asked, her eyes shining with happiness.

In the weeks following Derek's proposal, Maya had bonded well with Evelyn, Rayna, and all the others, and now

she didn't feel as out of place as she had initially felt.

"As ready as I'll ever be""" Evelyn replied, her voice steady despite the fluttering butterflies in her stomach.

"Even if you aren't, you will be fine. Derek has been ready to marry you since the day you met," Rayna said, and

Evelyn laughed softly.

"Evie, it's time!" Claire called from the doorway.

Evelyn took a deep breath, her heart racing. "Okay, let's do this."

"You've got this, Rayna said, squeezing Evelyn's hand.

Meanwhile, in the presidential suite, Derek was flanked on both sides by Ethan and Liam, all of whom were

dressed in sharp suits.

Like Maya, Liam had also spent stbonding with the guys over sports and drinks, and now he could say

he had friends in Ludus.

Ethan, whose casts had been taken off, adjusted Derek's tie.

"Nervous?" He asked with a smirk.

"Not at all" Derek said confidently, though the slight tremor in his hands as he fastened his cufflinks gave him

away.

"Your hands are shaking," Liam pointed out with a laugh, and Ethan joined in.

Derek scowled at him, "If you were marrying Evelyn, your whole body would shake, too. But you wouldn't know

because she friend-zoned you," Derek said, and Ethan chuckled while Liam glared at Derek. "How many times do

| have to tell you that | wasn't friend-zoned?

Do you think you would have stood a chance had | asked her out while we were in Husla?" Liam asked, and

Derek snorted.

"Yeah, right," Derek said, and Ethan chuckled, enjoying the exchange that he had becaccustomed to.

"Besides, | believe this happened because | was meant to be with Maya, not her," Liam added defensively.

"Yeah. Whatever makes you sleep well at night," Derek drawled to Liams annoyance.

"If you two are done bickering, we have a wedding to attend," Ethan said before their argument could continue.

Derek took a deep breath as he adjusted his tie once again. Then they walked out of the suite and headed for

the hotel's garden, where the wedding was being held.

The ceremony was held in a sprawling garden, its paths lined with flowers in full bloom. White chairs adorned

with ribbons formed neat rows, and a floral arch stood at the end of the aisle. Guests chatted in soft murmurs,

the air thick with anticipation.

As the music started, Samantha walked down the aisle first, scattering rose petals with glee. The crowd cooed at

her, and she grinned brightly as she looked at her father, who was standing by the floral arch ahead.

Claire sat in the front row, wiping happy tears from her eyes, while Derek's parents, who were seated close to

her, beamed with joy as they gazed at Samantha with pride.

Then cRayna and Maya, both of them walking slowly, their gaze locked on their men who were smiling at

them from behind Derek.

Finally, Evelyn appeared with her father by her side. A hush fell over the crowd as they took her in.

God! She looked like a dream! Derek thought as he watched her.

He could hear his pulse pounding as she approached, and his heart was overwhelmed with love for her.

Evelyn could feel his eyes on her. She looked in his direction, and her breath caught in her throat as their eyes

met.

God! How could one man look so handsome? She mused as she made her way down the aisle to meet him.

Everyone else disappeared until they could only see each other, awed by the miracle of their love.

When Evelyn reached Derek, her father kissed her cheek and placed her hand in Derek's. "Take care of her," he

said softly, his voice thick with emotion.

"I will," Derek promised, his voice steady, but he didn't break his gaze away from Evelyn.

The officiant's voice was warm as he led them through the vows.

Derek spoke first, his voice rich with emotion. "Evelyn, you've brought light and love into my life in ways | never

imagined. | promise to love you, protect you, provide for you, support you, and grow with you every day of our

lives." Evelyn smiled through her tears as she responded. "Derek, you're my safe place and my greatest

adventure. | promise to stand by your side through every high and low with all the love in my heart.

And | promise to give you a kiss every day even when you've grown toothless," she said, and everyone laughed.

Even as they exchanged their vows, they kept their eyes locked on each other, "I love you forever," they

concluded in unison.

Derek took Evelyn's hand when they exchanged rings, sliding the band onto her finger. "With this ring, | bind my

heart to yours forever," he said, his voice unwavering.

Evelyn did the same, her hands trembling slightly. "With this ring, | promise you my forever," she whispered.

"By the power vested in me, | now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride," the officiant said.

Derek didn't wait. He leaned in and kissed Evelyn deeply, the crowd erupting into applause and cheers.

Samantha raised both hands to cover her eyes. "They're so mushy!" she whispered loudly to her grandparents,

making everyone chuckle softly.

The reception was a lively affair, held in the largest hall of the hotel. The glamorous setting felt like stepping into

a fairytale.

The hall was bathed in warm, golden

light from cascading chandeliers that sparkled like a thousand tiny stars. Tables draped in ivory linen. were

adorned with elegant centerpieces of blush roses, white hydrangeas, and crystal accents. The air was filled with

the soft melody of a string quartet, mingling with the laughter and chatter of guests.

The dance floor gleamed underfoot, polished to perfection, while a raised dais held a grand table reserved for

the newlyweds and their closest family. Behind it, a lush floral wall with the words

"Evelyn & Derek" scripted in shimmering gold served as the perfect backdrop for photos.

Servers in crisp uniforms moved gracefully, carrying trays of champagne and hors d'oeuvres. A sweet, tantalizing

aroma wafted from the dessert table, laden with an array of treats, including a towering wedding cake adorned

with edible flowers. Evelyn and Derek entered the reception hand in hand, their smiles radiant. The crowd

erupted in cheers and applause, rising to their feet to welcthe couple. Samantha, sitting with her

grandparents, enthusiastically threw the last of her petals into the air, her excitement lighting up the room.

The newlyweds made their way to the dance floor for their first dance. The music softened, and the spotlight

followed them as they swayed to a love ballad.

Evelyn's gown glittered with every movement, and Derek's hand on her waist was steady and protective.

They moved in perfect sync, their eyes locked on each other. Their love was evident, drawing sighs and smiles

from the crowd.

When the dance ended, Derek's father stood up to give the toast.

He exuded warmth as he tapped his glass for attention. The room quieted, all eyes on him.

"I could stand here and list the

countless reasons why today is one of the happiest days of my life," he began, his voice steady but filled with

emotion. "But the most important reason is that | see my son, Derek, standing here with the woman who has not

only brought out the best in him but has also beca cherished part of our family."

He turned to Evelyn, his gaze soft. "Evelyn, you are a gem. From the moment Derek met you, he told us he had

found someone special, after | met my princess, Samantha, and then you, | confirmed it for

and

myself. Thank you for loving Derek and for making him the happiest man in this room. Well, apart from me," he

added, grinning at his wife,

and laughter rippled through the hall.

"To Derek and Evelyn," he continued, raising his glass, "May your lives be filled with love, laughter, and endless

adventures. And may all your ups and downs be between the sheets," he said, causing everyone to laugh again,

and Evelyn blushed as she laughed.

"Here's to a beautiful beginning and a lifetof joy. Cheers!" The guests echoed the sentiment, raising their

glasses in unison before taking a sip.

The evening unfolded with more laughter, dancing, and heartfelt moments. Samantha made it her mission to

ensure every child guest had a piece of cake, her laughter filling the space.

Evelyn's bouquet toss was a highlight. As she stood on the dais, her friends and the single ladies in the hall

gathered behind her, eager to catch the bouquet.

Rayna smiled mischievously as she pushed her way to the front, determined to catch the bouquet.

Evelyn turned her back to the group, closing her eyes. "Ready?" she called out teasingly, and with a playful toss,

the bouquet soared through the air.

Rayna reached up to grab it, her eyes gleaming with triumph, but just as her fingers brushed the flowers, a voice

called her name.

"Rayna."

She turned to see Ethan kneeling in the middle of the crowd, a small velvet box in his hand. Gasps echoed

around them, and Rayna froze, the bouquet forgotten as it tumbled to the floor.

"Ethan?" she whispered, her eyes wide.

"| figured | don't have to wait to propose to you. We can be

engaged while you make up your mind," Ethan said, his voice full of emotion. "Rayna, you are my golden sun.

For weeks now, you've been my best friend, my lover, my nurse, my rock, my partner, and my everything. | need

you in my life, Rayna. Will you dothe honor of being my wife?"

Tears filled Rayna's eyes as she nodded, too surprised to speak.

The crowd erupted in cheers as Ethan slipped the ring onto her finger and pulled her into a tight embrace.

Evelyn watched the scene unfold from the dais, her heart swelling with joy for her best friend. She turned to

Derek, who was standing by her side now, his hand resting lightly on her back.

"This is perfect," she murmured, happy to share her day with Rayna.

"I don't know about that. | only know that my wife is perfect," Derek said, leaning down to kiss her lips.

And with that, their new chapter began.

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