As Derek and Evelyn drove home after leaving Ethan''s ce, Evelyn turned to Derek with a grin, "You know Friday is only a few days away, right?" "Yeah. Why?" Derek asked, acting like he didn''t know.


    "You haven''t forgotten what it means, have you?" Evelyn asked, and Derek feigned a frown.


    "What is it? Our anniversary?" He asked, and when she red at him, he chuckled.


    "It''s the interview, I know. I''m ready for it," he said, and she smiled.


    "We can go over the questions..."


    "There won''t be any need for that. I trust you. You can ask me whatever questions," he said, and she paused.


    "You remember it''s going to be a live television interview, right?" She asked, and he nodded.


    "Yes. I know that," he assured her, "This interview made us cross paths and brought you back into my life. The least I can do is give it my best."


    "Okay then," she said with a wide smile, looking forward to the interview.


    Derek smiled, also looking forward to the interview.


    On Friday, Derek arrived at The People''s Times building some minutes before noon since the interview was scheduled for noon.


    As Derek stepped out of his car, he straightened his tailored navy suit and adjusted the silver tie that Evelyn had chosen for him to wear that day. He took a deep breath, his confidence unshaken and his excitement undeniable.


    As he entered the lobby of Evelyn''s office, a young receptionist greeted him with a warm smile. "Mr. Stone, wee to The People''s Times. Ms. Evelyn will be with you shortly."


    Because of his rtionship with Evelyn and his frequent visits to the office to pick her up or drop her off, he had be a regr face there.


    Before Derek could respond, Evelyn appeared from an adjacent hallway; her fitted burgundy dress and sleek bun radiating professionalism. Her face lit up with a weing smile as she approached him.


    "Good morning, Mr. Stone," she greeted, extending her hand before he could embrace her as she knew he wanted to do.


    Derek scowled at her and eyed her with disapproval as he took her hand, "Ms. Evelyn," Derek replied, leaning in slightly.


    His voice dropped an octave as he added, "You look breathtaking.


    I want to kiss you."


    Evelyn resisted the urge to giggle, but a blush stole up her cheeks,


    "We''re on the clock, Derek. Let''s keep it professional, shall we?"


    Derek smirked, clearly enjoying the effect he had on her. "As you wish, Ms. Evelyn. Lead the way."


    As Evelyn led him down a corridor toward the interview room, Derek watched the sway of her hips and grinned, "I should walk behind you more often, Ms. Evelyn. Your backside is lovely. Professionally speaking," he added, and she giggled.


    "Shut up, Derek" she hissed under her breath.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    "Your man must be so lucky," he drawled as he looked around to make sure they were alone before tapping her ass.


    Evelyn gasped as she turned to re at him, but seeing the naughty smile on his face, her lips twitched. "This could be considered workce harassment, you know?" she asked, and he chuckled.


    "For you, I don''t mind going to jail," he said, and she shook her head with augh as she continued down the hallway.


    The sound of tapping keyboards and quiet conversations filled the air, underscoring the busy morning.


    She stopped at arge ss door and gestured for him to enter.


    Inside, the room was perfectly lit, with cameras and microphones meticulously arranged. A few crew members gave him polite nods as he stepped in.


    "This is where the magic happens"" Evelyn said, motioning for him to take a seat across from her at a polished oak table. She adjusted her mic and made sure his mic was working as well before ncing at the crew. "Are we ready?" The director gave a thumbs-up. "We''re live in five, four, three..."


    Evelyn turned to Derek, her face calm but her eyes twinkling with anticipation. "Wee to The People''s Times. We''re honored to have you here today, Mr. Stone."


    "The honor is mine," Derek replied smoothly, shing his signature smile.


    Evelyn resisted the urge to smile back just as widely. She shed him a polite smile as she leaned back in her seat. Before we dive right into it, everyone has been curious about something. After years of avoiding the public eye, what motivated you to agree to this interview?


    Derek eyed her with amusement for a moment, wondering if she wanted him to lie or be honest. Deciding to go with the truth, since that was what was expected of him for the interview, her smiled, "I agreed because of the person who requested it." Evelyn bit back a smile but decided not to pursue it since she didn''t want him to reveal so much. She had felt the need to ask the question because it was expected, considering how he had remained elusive this whole time.


    "If I may ask, why did you avoid the public eye for so long? Who is Derek Stone? Why has he stayed hidden all these years?" Evelyn asked with a polite smile.


    Derek leaned forward slightly, his voice steady and engaging.


    "Well, Derek Stone is just a simple guy with aplicated story. I was born into a loving family, but circumstances led me to be adopted at a young age. My adoptive parents gave me a life I could only dream of. I owe everything I am today to their love and


    guidance. And I stayed hidden because I didn''t trust the media and didn''t want my face out there.


    Evelyn tilted her head thoughtfully. "Speaking of your adoption, there was a recent scandal about it that gained traction online. Would you like to address that?"


    Derek''s smile softened, and he


    nodded. "Absolutely. The rumors


    stemmed from a misunderstanding.


    My biological parents were


    el?


    murdered when I was very young, and my adoptive parent gave me the name of their precious son to protect me from the murderer of my biological parents and give me a fresh start. They didn''t do it because


    they wanted me to rece their child. No parents could rece a lost child. They selflessly gave me a chance at life, and I will always be grateful for the second chance they gave me."


    Evelyn gave him an approving nod. "Thank you for sharing that.


    Now, we ran a poll asking our viewers what questions they''d like you to answer. Shall we dive in?"


    Derek chuckled. "Go ahead. ''m ready."


    She nced at her notes, a yful glint in her eye. "One of the most popr questions was: is Derek Stone in a rtionship?" Derek threw his head back andughed. "Yes, I am. I''m in a very serious rtionship, actually. We have a daughter together."


    Evelyn''s lips twitched, trying to suppress a smile. "Well, I''m sure the viewers will be disappointed to hear that. The woman must be very lucky." Derek''s gaze locked onto hers, his expression turning sincere. "No, I''m the lucky one. My fiancée is the most thoughtful, intelligent,


    sexy, kind, and beautiful woman I''ve ever met."


    Evelynughed, shaking her head. "Mr Stone, you weren''t invited here to give a shout-out to your girlfriend. Andst I checked, you weren''t engaged."


    Derek leaned back, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.


    "Not yet. But I will be as soon as she says yes."


    Evelyn raised a brow, her confusion evident. "Does that mean you have asked?"


    Derek grinned, but before he could answer, soft music began ying in the background- John Legend''s All of Me. Evelyn''s eyes widened in realization, and her hand flew to her mouth.


    "Derek..." she began, her voice barely above a whisper as she watched him stand up and move around the table to her. "What are you doing on live television?" She asked, darting her gaze towards the cameras.


    He dropped to one knee in front of her. "I got permission from your father and everyone who matters. I couldn''t think of a better time or ce to do this than right here, in front of the world. I want everyone to know what you mean to me."


    Tears welled in Evelyn''s eyes as Derek continued. "Evelyn Quinn, you are the best part of my life. I love you more than words can ever express, and I want to spend every day and night by your side.


    Will you marry me?"


    Evelyn let out augh, tears streaming down her face. "Yes"" she said, holding out her hand.


    Derek slipped the diamond ring onto her finger, the cameras capturing every moment. Evelyn looked at the crew and said, "Let''s take amercial break."


    As soon as the cameras stopped rolling, Evelyn threw her arms around Derek and kissed him for all they were both worth, the world around them fading away.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!