Evelyn and Rayna returned to their seats and sat in silence for a while as Evelyn gathered her thoughts. Knowing Rayna would inevitably ask about Derek, Evelyn wasn't sure what or how much she was ready to reveal.

She sighed inwardly, feeling she was hiding too much from Rayna. Rayna's happiness, and their reconnection, made Evelyn feel like a terrible friend, but she felt powerless to change things—at least for now. Trust, so easily earned before Sandra's betrayal, was now a fragile thing. Revealing her secrets to Rayna risked too much.

Rayna, unable to contain her curiosity any longer, cleared her throat and turned to Evelyn. Leaning in close, her voice barely audible above the music, she asked, "So, who's Derek, Evie? And why did you two act like that?" Evelyn sighed. She knew this conversation was unavoidable, especially after her earlier behavior.

Evelyn took a deep breath, trying to maintain a steady voice. "Like I said, he's nobody to worry about. Just someone I'm interviewing soon," she said with an indifferent shrug, sipping her martini.

Rayna raised an eyebrow skeptically. "Come on, Evie. I know it's more than that, especially given your reaction. I saw the way he touched you, the way he looked at you. That guy likes you, and it's obvious. I think you like him, too."

Evelyn shook her head, but the emotion in her voice betrayed her dismissal. "It doesn't matter, even if I do," she said. Rayna frowned, sensing a deeper story. "Why doesn't it matter? What's going on?" she asked, her concern for her friend evident. Evelyn wasn't prepared.

"Ray, please can we not talk about it?" she pleaded, wanting to avoid lying.

Rayna sighed but nodded, relenting. "Alright, I won't push. But when you're ready, know I'm here to listen. Anytime, okay?"

Evelyn managed a small smile, grateful for Rayna's understanding. "Thank you, Ray. I appreciate that, and I'll definitely tell you everything when I'm ready."

Not wanting to dwell on the serious matter and spoil their evening, Rayna quickly cheered up. Grabbing Evelyn's hand, she said, "Enough with the serious stuff! Let's take pictures and videos! We need to document this night!" Evelyn chuckled, feeling lighter as Rayna pulled out her phone.

They posed for pictures, made silly faces, and filmed Boomerang videos. Evelyn's earlier unease was temporarily forgotten as they enjoyed themselves.

Meanwhile, Derek and Ethan sat a short distance away. Derek watched Evelyn's every move with a smile. He'd convinced Ethan to find a spot closer to Evelyn so he could keep an eye on her. Ethan shook his head.

"If I'd known she'd be here, I'd have taken you elsewhere," Ethan said with an amused smile.

"And she would have been there, my friend. You can't tamper with fate," Derek replied, his gaze fixed on Evelyn.

"I brought you here to hang out with me, but your attention is elsewhere," Ethan complained.

"You don't understand how I feel seeing her here," Derek said, finally glancing at Ethan.

"Seeing you so in love with her makes me jealous," Ethan admitted. Derek shook his head.

"There's nothing to be jealous about. Our relationship is so complicated. It'll be a tough fight to win her over, to even talk about marriage. There are so many obstacles: Michael, my parents, and Evelyn herself—she's so stubborn! I know she likes me, but she won't give in. You, on the other hand, can date and marry whoever you want. You have no obstacles. See? Nothing to be jealous about."

"Who says I can date anyone? All I want is someone suitable to marry and have kids with. I don't have the luxury of dating drama," Ethan said. Derek looked at him, confused.

"Just get married and have kids? What are you talking about? Don't you have to date or fall in love first?" Derek asked.

"I'd love to, but I don't have the time. We don't have to date before marriage. I'm sure I can learn to like and date whoever I marry after marriage," Ethan said. Derek looked at him as if he'd lost his mind.

"Are you out of your mind? Why would you do that when you can find someone you like, court them, and have them fall for you?" Derek asked incredulously.

Ethan's expression turned serious. "How am I supposed to meet someone, fall in love, and do all that 'normal relationship' stuff when I'm barely around for more than a month at a time? I don't have time for that, Derek. All I need is someone ready to settle down, have kids, and take care of the family while I'm away. Besides, falling in love would only cause misery when I'm gone." Derek shook his head, but Ethan raised a finger.

"Hear me out! I'm thirty-eight; in two years, I'll be forty. Let's say I spend the next two years dating and falling in love, and get married by forty. Let's say we have a baby right away, and I'm forty-one when our child is born. I'll be fifty by the time my first kid is nine. Nine years old, man! And I'll be sixty when he goes to college."

Derek frowned. "As long as you're healthy, that doesn't matter!"

"It does to me, Derek. I thought I had time. Then, on my birthday a few weeks ago, I realized I was nearing forty. That wasn't the plan. My plan was to marry at thirty and retire at forty-five to be with my family, not start a family at forty," Ethan said. Derek sighed.

"Okay. So, if you don't want to date, how do you intend to marry? Don't tell me you're thinking of a contract marriage," Derek asked.

"Something like that, but not for a specified duration. I want a home, a real family. I want to marry someone who can care for our kids while I'm away," Ethan said. Derek sighed, understanding.

"I understand, but marriage is a lifetime commitment, Ethan. Don't make such a serious decision lightly."

Ethan smiled. "You know me. I wouldn't share this if I hadn't thought it through."

"So, how do you plan to find this woman willing to give up her life for a loveless marriage?" Derek asked. Ethan chuckled.

"Why are you laughing? How do you plan to get a girl?" Derek pressed.

"First, it's not a loveless marriage. We can fall in love and date after marriage. I'm just hastening the process. And my plan? I'm going to put out an ad for a wife in one of those magazine/blog 'couples' corners."

"You're going to what?" Derek asked incredulously.

"You heard right. I plan to be married before I return this time, and this is the only way," Ethan said firmly.

Derek shook his head. "That's a ridiculous plan, Ethan. You can't rush into something like that."

Ethan grinned, undeterred. "It doesn't have to make sense to you. It's what I want to do so I don't remain a bachelor forever. I want a wife and kids to come home to." Derek sighed.

"I know I can't change your mind, so I'll support you. I just hope you don't regret this." Ethan smiled. "I won't."