While Derek was freshening up to pick up Sandra, the doorbell rang. Evelyn hurried downstairs and received the package she'd ordered. After taking it to the guest room, she opened the small brown package. Inside were several pregnancy test kits—unsettling reminders of her forgotten caution.

As she contemplated using one, she heard Derek calling. Quickly tucking the package into a drawer, her heart pounded with the secret she now carried. Taking one last glance, she joined Derek in the living room; he wore a slight frown.

"Hey! Missing me already?" she asked, hoping her face didn't betray her nervousness.

Derek smiled warmly. "I heard the bell and worried when you didn't return. Who was at the door?" he asked, holding her gaze as he adjusted his collar.

"Oh, a delivery person. A kitchen item I ordered," Evelyn lied, trying to sound casual as she led him upstairs.

She knew he wouldn't press, but her voice felt tighter than intended. She disliked lying to him; honesty was their habit. But she wanted to be sure before saying anything, to avoid raising false alarms. Derek noticed her tension. Before he could ask, his phone buzzed—a call from Ethan.

Evelyn wondered if it was Sandra, but Derek showed her the screen before answering. "What's up, man?" he said as they entered the room.

Evelyn straightened a few items on the dresser, only half-listening to the conversation. Ethan's voice was low but clear: "I'm heading back to work. We'll catch up later."

Derek's face fell. "Already? I thought you had a couple of weeks off."

Ethan let out a resigned sigh. "I do, but I need to…clear my head."

Derek, knowing this concerned Rayna, asked, "Did your other dates not go well?" There was a pause. Ethan's voice was muted.

"I'd rather not get into it," he replied guardedly. "But… give my regards to Evelyn and Samantha. I hope to spend more time with them when I'm back."

Derek smiled thoughtfully at Evelyn before hanging up. "He's going back to work," he informed her.

Evelyn smirked faintly. "Honestly, I'm glad Rayna's moving on. She deserves better," she said with conviction.

Derek raised an eyebrow. "Don't you think that's a bit soon?"

She crossed her arms. "If Ethan weren't acting like a jerk, maybe. But I think she's making the right choice."

Derek nodded reluctantly. "He's not a bad guy, Eve."

"I never said he was," she replied gently. "I doubt anyone close to you could be, apart from Michael," she added dismissively. Derek chuckled. "I guess there's always an exception."

"Ethan's handling things wrong, but that doesn't make him bad; just not right for Rayna. Hopefully, he'll find what he's looking for."

Derek sighed. "I hope so, too."

Once Derek was dressed, Evelyn walked him to his car, their hands warm together. His suit was sharp, the red pocket square adding elegance.

She felt pride and nerves, wishing she could share her secret, but knowing the timing wasn't right.

"Be careful," she said, gripping his hand tighter.

He leaned down, kissing her softly. "I will. And you should be, too. Try not to worry," he whispered, giving her a lingering kiss before getting into his car.

As he drove away, Evelyn breathed deeply and re-entered the house, her mind racing. The silence felt heavy with her hidden worry. She returned to the guest room, shutting the door. Her fingers trembled as she reached for the envelope, barely daring to look.

After hesitant breaths, she took a test, her heart hammering as she waited. The lines appeared—clear and unmistakable.

Pregnant.

She tried two more kits; the result was the same. Her breath hitched as she sank onto the bed, the reality washing over her. She pressed a hand to her stomach, already picturing Derek's reaction. She knew he'd be thrilled, and she wanted his child. But embarrassment welled up; she hadn't been careful enough. She didn't want another child out of wedlock.

Pushing her worries aside, Evelyn decided to get ready for the reunion. It would be dramatic, and she couldn't be distracted. She chose a deep-red strapless jumpsuit, matching Derek's outfit, keeping her promise. She wanted to look her best and annoy Sandra further.

After styling her hair and makeup, she surveyed her final look. Satisfied, she headed to the driveway where her bodyguard waited to take her to Rayna's bakery.

As she slid into the backseat, Evelyn breathed deeply and looked out the window, her mind drifting to the unexpected future she was beginning to accept. She would tell Derek after Sandra was dealt with. Tonight, she would focus on getting through the evening. The night was just beginning, and she felt both anxious and hopeful.