The Billionaire's Unexpected Proposal by Samantha

Chapter 156

Evelyn sat at her desk, glancing at the clock for the fifth tin ten minutes. It was finally Friday, and she had

managed to avoid interacting closely with Sandra for the last two days since their exchange in the parking lot.

Having the bodyguard Derek promised made her feel a little safer, but knowing Sandra was lurking around,

pretending to be innocent, still sent chills down her spine.

Evelyn sighed and gathered her things. She had promised Rayna they'd go shopping today, and it was an

excellent excuse to leave work early. After everything that had happened, stwith her best friend

sounded perfect. Besides, they both needed to find outfits for the high school reunion the next day.

She sent Rayna a quick text to say she was on her way and walked out of the office to her car where her

bodyguard sat, waiting.

Evelyn couldn't help but feel odd about having a bodyguard - it was as though her life had turned into some

thriller movie. But with everything happening with Sandra, she was grateful Derek had insisted on it.

By the tshe got to the mall, Rayna was waiting for her at the entrance with a big smile on her face as usual,

but Evelyn could tell something was off.

"Hey, you okay?" Evelyn asked as soon as they hugged.

"Sure," Rayna said as they entered the brightly lit mall, "So, where is the card?" Rayna asked with forced

enthusiasm.

Evelyn laughed as she brought out the card which Derek had given her and flashed it at Rayna, "He said we can

buy as much as we want and not just for the reunion."

"How does it feel to be with such a wealthy guy? | know you're not with him for money, but there are people who

get love but not money, and there are people who get love and money with not-so-good-looking guys, but you

got the complete package. How does it feel?" Rayna asked, and Evelyn giggled.

"It feels wonderful" she admitted.

"| bet it does" Rayna said as they walked into one of their favorite stores, a boutique filled with stylish dresses

perfect for the reunion.

As they sifted through the racks, Evelyn asked, "So, what's the update? How are things going with ET?"

Rayna's smile faded, and she sighed heavily. "The situation with Ethan is drivingcrazy, Evie," Rayna said with

a shake of her head, her expression troubled.

Evelyn glanced over at her friend, concern etched on her face. "I guess he's still not willing to see you?"

Rayna groaned in frustration. "He's still not talking to me. | tried reaching out, but nothing. I'm beginning to

believe he meant what he said about moving on. | don't know what to do anymore."

Evelyn tried to think of the right words to comfort her friend. "I'm sure if it is meant to be, he'll caround,"

Evelyn said, her voice calm and steady.

"Maybe he still needs time. At least you understand why he felt so upset now. Anyone in his shoes would

be triggered. And Derek also said that when Ethan is hurt, he shuts people out but always comes back."

Rayna shook her head, her frustration clear. "Maybe this is different. Maybe I'm really not his type physically, and

he doesn't like me. I'm at my wit's end. | don't know how much more of this | can take. Maybe I'm just wasting

my time, and I should listen to him and move

on."

Evelyn paused, holding up a soft, burgundy dress in front of the mirror. She glanced at Rayna's reflection. "If

anyone can figure this out, it's you, Rayna. You've got this. Just... take a step back, breathe, and give him some

space. It's all going to work out." "What if while I'm doing that, he gets married to one of the other ladies? | heard

from Sarah this morning. She toldhe went on a date with one of the other ladies last night," Rayna said with

tears

in her eyes, and Evelyn reached out to embrace her, understanding now why she was upset.

"What is yours will always be yours, Ray. It doesn't matter if it takes a year or two..."

"Or six? | don't want to wait that long to prove that theory right or wrong while he is banging other ladies," Rayna

cut in with a giggle, and Evelyn laughed, amused that despite her tears, Rayna could still crack jokes.

Before Evelyn could respond, they heard a familiar voice call out to Rayna. "Rayna!"

Evelyn's heart sank. She didn't even need to turn around to know who it was. Sandra.

Rayna turned, her jaw tightening, but Evelyn placed a hand on her arm, giving her a quick look. "Act normal,"

she whispered.

Rayna rolled her eyes but forced a smile as Sandra approached, dressed in a chic outfit that looked a little too

polished for a casual shopping trip. "Oh, what a coincidence! Don't tellyou are here to shop for the reunion

too?" Sandra asked, completely ignoring Evelyn.

Rayna smiled, though it felt like a mask. "Yeah, just picking out a few things."

Sandra laughed her voice light but carrying a sharp edge that made Evelyn's skin prickle. "I'm here for the same

thing! My fiancé, Derek, wanted to cwith me, but he was too busy with work so he gavehis card to

shop. Isn't he just the sweetest?" Evelyn barely held back a snort. Derek's card? She had Derek's card. Rayna

caught her eye, and they exchanged a quick, knowing glance.

"Wow, Sandy," Rayna said, her tone sweet but laced with sarcasm.

"You're so lucky to have a fiancé like Derek."

Sandra smiled, but there was something cruel behind it. "I know, right? | was here the last twith Derek's

Mom. She's such a wonderful lady, and | can't wait to be her daughter-in-law. The funny thing is that no matter

how many women try to seduce him, Derek will always be way out of their league."

Evelyn couldn't help but laugh at the irony. The truth of the situation was delicious, but she kept her composure.

"I'm going to check out the fitting rooms while you both catch up," she said casually, turning to head deeper into

the store. No matter what Sandra tried, Evelyn knew she had her friend's loyalty- and that was something

Sandra would never understand.

As soon as Evelyn was out of earshot, Rayna turned to Sandra, her patience wearing thin. "Why the snide

remarks, Sandy? And why did you ignore Evie that way? Have you not resolved things with her yet?"

Sandra's eyes narrowed slightly. "Resolve things? After she tried to drugto setup with Michael and take

pictures to show Derek? | don't think so."

Rayna shook her head but said nothing out of fear of losing her temper.

Sandra smirked and leaned in closer. "You know what I'm wondering right now? | wonder why you are here with

Evelyn. Why didn't you askto cshopping instead of Evelyn."

Rayna's expression hardened. "Because Evelyn doesn't only reach out towhen she needs to gossip or when

she wants a favor.

Evelyn is my friend, and she knowsbetter than you do. That's why | prefer her company," Rayna snapped,

and with that, she turned and walked away, leaving Sandra standing there, her face flushing with anger and

jealousy. Sandra's eyes followed Rayna, her jaw clenched as she watched her go. Evelyn, who was already inside

a changing room, hadn't heard the exchange but would have enjoyed watching Sandra's petty mask crumble.

Rayna had a triumphant smile on her face as she joined Evelyn.

"Can you believe that snake had the nerve to askwhy | cshopping with you and not her? You should've

seen her face when

| told her why I'm here with you and not her."

Evelyn grinned as she stepped out of the changing room, showing Rayna the dress she had chosen. "Tell me

everything."

As they shared a quiet laugh inside, Sandra stood in the store, glaring at the changing room door. She decided

that she had had enough, and it was tto get rid of Evelyn, with or without Michael's support.