The CEO’s Unspoken Love (Eleanor and Derek) novel Chapter 108

Chapter 108

Eleanor POV

The low hum of conversation filled the cozy Italian bistro as Olivia and I shared a plate of arancini balls. I’d been avoiding social outings since the scene at my house with Derek and James three days ago, but Olivia had practically dragged me out, insisting

needed ‘human interaction that didn’t involve flowers.”

“You’re overthinking everything,” Olivia said, gesturing with her wine glass. The ruby liquid caught the light as it swirled, much like my own circling thoughts. “Derek is your ex-husband who still thinks he owns you, and James is a decent guy who actually respects

you. The choice seems pretty obvious to me.”

I sighed, pushing a rice ball around my plate, leaving little trails in the marinara sauce like uncertain pathways. “Nothing about my

life has ever been obvious.”

My phone vibrated against the table. When James’s name flashed across the screen, Olivia raised her eyebrows and mouthed ‘speak of the devil, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

“Hello?” I answered, turning slightly away from Olivia’s eager eavesdropping.

“Eleanor, I hope I’m not interrupting anything important.” James’s warm voice filled my ear, steady and reassuring.

I’m just having my dinner.

“Perfect timing then. I’m calling because Blue Mountain Resort just opened their new hot springs spa. I’ve been invited to the inaugural weekend and would love for you to join me.”

I hesitated, my mind immediately flashing to Derek’s possessive words: “You’re mine, Eleanor. Until I decide you’re not.” The memory of his voice sent an involuntary shiver down my spine-part resistance, part something else I didn’t want to examine.

James must have sensed my reluctance. “I thought you might be more comfortable if it wasn’t just the two of us. Would you mind

asking Olivia if she’d like to join us as well?”

Olivia, who had been shamelessly listening to every word, nearly knocked over her wine glass in excitement. She mouthed an

emphatic “YES!” while nodding vigorously.

Ill definitely ask her, I said, watching Olivia’s enthusiastic performance with amusement. Though judging by her reaction right

now, I think she’s interested.

Is she there with you now?” James asked, a smile evident in his voice.

Yes, and she’s about to dislocate her neck from nodding

James laughed Perfect Tell her I’ll arrange for two rooms, unless you ladies prefer to share?

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Chapter 108

I glanced at Olivia, who was now making exaggerated sleeping gestures and pointing at me, then making gagging motions. Two rooms would be perfect.”

After we settled the details for the weekend trip, I hung up and found Olivia grinning at me like she’d just won the lottery

“James is truly magnificent,” she declared, raising her glass in a toast. “Polite, considerate, knows how to respect boundaries.

Basically, the anti-Derek.

I rolled my eyes, but something in her words resonated uncomfortably. “You’re making it sound like Derek is some kind of monster/

The man abandoned you for two years, then shows up expecting everything to go his way.” Olivia leaned forward, her voice

softening with genuine concern. “He’s not a monster, Eleanor. But he’s a man who’s never had to consider anyone’s feelings but has

own. He doesn’t even know how.

I traced the rim of my water glass, watching the condensation gather like the accumulation of my thoughts. “I know James is… nice.

I admitted, twisting my napkin in my lap.

“Nice?” Olivia scoffed. He’s respectful, attentive, and doesn’t play disappearing acts or put work ahead of you. When was the last

time Derek considered your comfort before his own desires?”

The question hung between us, unanswered because we both knew the truth. Instead, I focused on finishing my wine, letting Olivia’s

words sink in like stones in still water, creating ripples of realization I wasn’t quite ready to acknowledge.

Later that night, as I was getting ready for bed, my phone chimed with a text from James.

Looking forward to seeing you this weekend. I hope you can relax and enjoy yourself.]

I smiled despite myself and typed back: [Thank you for including Olivia.]

[I want you to be comfortable. Your happiness matters to me.]

Something warm unfurled in my chest at his words-not the consuming fire that Derek ignited, but a gentle hearth-glow that

offered comfort rather than burns. [You’re very thoughtful.]

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The CEO’s Unspoken Love