The CEO’s Unspoken Love (Eleanor and Derek) novel Chapter 109

Chapter 109

[Just observant. Sleep well, Eleanor.]

[You too, James.]

&

I set my phone down, a small smile playing on my lips. Maybe Olivia was right. Maybe it was time to let someone treat me the way 1 deserved to be treated. The thought was both liberating and terrifying-like stepping out onto a frozen lake, unsure if the ice would

hold.

“I swear, if you don’t stop fussing with the shop schedule, we’re going to miss our weekend entirely,” Olivia complained, tossing

clothes into my overnight bag while I hunched over my laptop.

“I just need to make sure Mia and Rachel know to only accept small orders,” I said, typing out detailed instructions to my assistants

‘The Valentine’s Day preparations start next week, and I can’t afford any mix-ups.

Olivia snatched my laptop away and closed it with a decisive snap. “Your flower children will survive two days without you. Now, are

we taking the blue sweater or the cream one?”

An hour later, we were finally on the road to Blue Mountain Reserve, with Olivia behind the wheel of her Audi. The city gradually

receded behind us, buildings giving way to snow-covered trees that stood like sentinels guarding the approach to the mountains.

“So, she began, a mischievous glint in her eye, ‘James asked me what kind of flowers you like.”

I turned from watching the landscape. “What? When?”

‘Yesterday. He called to confirm our rooms were adjacent and casually mentioned he wanted to surprise you with something

special. She smirked. “The man is seriously interested, Eleanor.”

I felt a flush creep up my neck. “We’re just friends.”

“Friends don’t ask about your favorite flowers. Friends don’t arrange perfect weekend getaways. Her voice softened. “And friends

definitely don’t look at you the way James does-like you’re something precious he’s afraid might break.”

I stared out the window again, watching snowflakes dance across the glass. Her words made me wonder what it would be like to be truly valued, not possessed. The landscape gradually transformed from Boston’s urban sprawl to the pristine wilderness of Blue Mountain Reserve. The resort itself was nestled among tall pines, its rustic-luxury architecture blending harmoniously with the

natural surroundings.

As we pulled into the circular driveway, I spotted James standing at the entrance, hands tucked into the pockets of his charcoal

overcoat. His face lit up when he saw us, and he immediately stepped forward to open my door.

You made it, he said, his smile genuine and warm. “I was starting to worry about the roads.”

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Chapter 109

“Eleanor had to micromanage her flower shop first, Olivia said, climbing out of the driver’s side.

James laughed. “Dedication is an admirable quality.”

As a valet took Olivia’s car, I found myself taking in the breathtaking view of snow-covered mountains against the late afternoon sky. The air was crisp and clean, carrying the sharp scent of pine and wood smoke from the resort’s massive chimneys For the first time in weeks, I felt something like peace settle over me-a momentary respite from the storm of emotions I’d been weathering.

“It’s beautiful here,” I said softly.

James stood beside me, not quite touching but close enough that I could feel the warmth radiating from him. I thought you might appreciate the scenery. There’s something healing about mountains in winter, don’t you think? So still and certain of themselves

We followed him through the grand entrance into a soaring lobby with exposed wooden beams and a massive stone fireplace. The

warmth enveloped us immediately, along with the subtle scent of cedar and pine. A pianist played softly in the corner, the melody

weaving through the murmur of voices.

And then, in an instant, that peace shattered.

Derek and Thomas emerged from the elevator directly ahead of us, deep in conversation. At the same moment, a side door opened,

and Daniel, his girlfriend Melissa, and Seraphina walked in, shopping bags in hand.

I froze mid-step. Five pairs of eyes locked onto our group in perfect synchronicity, followed by a silence so profound I could hear

the crackling of the fire twenty feet away.

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The CEO’s Unspoken Love