The CEO’s Unspoken Love (Eleanor and Derek) novel Chapter 104

Chapter 104

I looked toward the window, watching as fine snow began to fall against the darkening Boston sky.

“It’s all in the past now,” I finally said, turning back to her. “What matters is the present.”

Margaret’s eyes searched mine. “Can you ever forgive an old woman’s meddling?”

“There’s nothing to forgive,” I said. “You were trying to take care of both of us in your own way.”

Margaret shook her head, tears spilling onto her cheeks. “I’ve been thinking… I should go away for a while. Remove myself from your lives, after all the pain I’ve caused.”

“Is that what you want?” I asked softly.

“I want to punish myself, she admitted. “I don’t deserve your kindness.”

I squeezed her hand. “Margaret, would you do something for me instead?”

She looked up, expectant.

“Stay,” I said simply. “Stay and help me through these next few months. I… I need you. The words surprised me as they left my mouth, but I realized they were true. Despite everything, Margaret had been the only one in the Wells family who had truly shown

me affection.

Her expression softened, and she reached up to touch my cheek. “You’ve always been too good for this family, Eleanor. Too good for

all of us.

I helped her adjust the bed to a more comfortable position, and watched as she slowly drifted off to sleep, the tension easing from her face. When I was certain she was resting peacefully, I quietly gathered my things to leave.

In the corridor outside Margaret’s room, I pulled my scarf tighter around my neck, bracing myself for the cold outside. I was almost to the elevator when Derek appeared, carrying a paper bag that emanated rich aroma.

“Eleanor, he called, his long strides quickly bringing him to my side. “Have lunch with me.”

1 shook my head, pressing the elevator button again, willing it to arrive faster. I have orders waiting at the shop. Christmas arrangements that need to be finished.”

“We re still legally married for another three weeks, Derek said, his voice dropping to that authoritative tone that always made something in my stomach clench. “You could spare twenty minutes for your husband.”

I turned to face him fully, aware of the curious glances from hospital staff passing by. “Ex-husband in all but the final paperwork,” I

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Chapter 104

corrected, keeping my voice low. “And I really do have work waiting.”

Derek’s hand closed gently around my wrist, not painful but insistent. ‘Eleanor…”

The elevator doors opened, offering escape, but Derek’s grip held me in place. I was acutely conscious of the warmth of his fingers against my pulse point. For a moment, I was back in my bed that morning, with his body pressed against mine, his lips demanding and possessive.

The memory must have shown on my face, because something in Derek’s expression changed, softened almost imperceptibly. He released my wrist but held out the paper bag.

At least take this. You should eat something.”

I hesitated, then accepted the bag, our fingers brushing in the exchange Thank you

The elevator doors began to close, and I stepped forward quickly to catch them. As I turned to face the closing doors, I caught a last glimpse of Derek, standing in the corridor, watching me with an intensity that made my heart race even as the elevator descended.

Walking out into the cold evening. I pulled my coat tighter The snow had begun to fall more heavily, delicate flakes catching in my hair and on my eyelashes. I thought about that morning several days ago, the weight of Derek’s body over mine, the bruising kiss that had claimed me even as he prepared to let me go I thought about his hand on my wrist just now, the conflicting messages in

every interaction we had

I didn’t know what Derek wanted from me anymore Sometimes, in unguarded moments, I almost believed he might actually care.

As I hailed a cab, clutching the lunch bag he d given me, I made a silent promise to myself: this time, I would keep my distance until I could be certain of what was real and what was just another game.

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I don’t think he’s playing a game. He just doesn’t know what he wants still. He’d better decide before he loses someone precious and special

Jav

O

O

~D

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The CEO’s Unspoken Love