The CEO’s Unspoken Love (Eleanor and Derek) novel Chapter 131

Chapter 131

Eleanor POV

Since our terise encounter at the flower shop a few days ago, Derek had unexpectedly disappeared from my daily routine. After days

of his relentless pursuit-waiting outside my house each morning, following me to work, appearing at my shop-this sudden silence left me strangely unsettled. Part of me felf relieved, yet another part kept glancing over my shoulder, expecting to see him there.

It was Christmas Eve. Snow fell in thick flakes, blanketing Boston’s Newbury Street in pristine white. I sat alone in my closed flower shop, Four Seasons Florals, despite the ‘Closed for Christmas” sign hanging on the door. With a book on plant emotions in my hands, I occasionally glanced up at the snow falling outside, enjoying the rare quiet.

My assistants, Mia and Rachel, had already left for their holiday breaks. I’d given each of them small gift boxes containing handmade soaps and chocolates as Christmas presents before they departed. Thinking that going home would just mean being alone anyway, I chose to stay at the shop, surrounded by the flowers I’d carefully nurtured.

The heater worked diligently, and the air was perfumed with the blended fragrance of lilies and roses. I gently touched the leaves of a nearby jasmine plant, feeling a sense of accomplishment in how it thrived under my care, filling a void in other areas of my life.

With a soft sigh, I tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear and continued reading. Suddenly, my phone’s ring broke the silence. Seeing Olivia’s name on the screen, I couldn’t help but smile-she always appeared when I needed her most.

“Ellie! Happy birthday!” Olivia’s voice came through, full of energy. “I had to be the first one to wish you happy birthday!”

“Thanks, you always remember,” I replied, feeling a warmth spread through me. On this special day, Olivia’s greeting made me feel loved and remembered, especially after everything I’d been through.

“I’m back in Florida now, and the sunshine here makes you forget it’s winter!” Olivia exclaimed. “By the way, I sent you that Hermès bag you’ve been eyeing for months-the one you always stop to look at when passing the boutique but never buy.”

“Liv! That’s too expensive, you shouldn’t have I began, surprised by her generosity.

“Just shut up and accept it,” Olivia interrupted. “You’ve made it through the darkest part. It’s all light ahead now!”

Touched, I responded, “Thank you for always being there.”

“Don’t look back at the things that trouble you, just keep moving forward, and I’ll be right there with you,” Olivia said warmly, her words serving as both comfort and encouragement.

Before hanging up, Olivia added mysteriously, ‘Oh, and I might have accidentally told someone it’s your birthday… so if someone comes looking for you, don’t be too surprised.”

“Liv, what are you up to now?” I asked, frowning at her ‘accidental leak.” Olivia always had these little schemes, trying to help me in ways she thought best.

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Chapter 131

Olivia laughed and hung up, leaving me staring at my phone in confusion. I shook my head, placed my phone back on the counter,

and tried to return to my book. But my focus was gone, my mind was consumed with thoughts of Derek. The memory of his

persistent appearances over the past few days, showing up at my doorstep and waiting outside the flower shop, made it impossible

to find peace even in his current absence. I stared at the same paragraph for several minutes, the words blurring before my eyes. My

fingertips absently traced the edge of the page as I wondered who Olivia might have told about my birthday. James, most likely. A small part of me felt relieved it probably wasn’t Derek-though I quickly pushed away the twinge of disappointment that followed

this thought.

Less than five minutes later, the bell above the door jingled, interrupting my thoughts. I looked up to see James standing in the doorway, wearing a navy blue coat, snow dusting his hair and shoulders, holding an elegant little cake box. His appearance brought

both relief and an inexplicable disappointment.

“James?” I stood up, surprised to see him at this hour.

James smiled as he entered, gently shaking off the snow. “I hope I’m not disturbing you.”

I pointed to the “Closed for Christmas sign. Didn’t you see the sign?”

James winked playfully. “I did, but I thought I’d take a chance and see if the owner might make an exception for a special customer.” His smile carried a warmth that was comforting, unlike Derek’s often inscrutable intensity.

He placed the cake box on the counter. “Olivia told me it’s your birthday, so… happy birthday, Eleanor.”

Looking at the cake, I teased, “I see Olivia told you I like cake too?”

James laughed. “Olivia is indeed quite forthcoming.”

I shook my head with a smile. I need to stop telling her everything, or one day my bank card PIN will inevitably leak out too.”

James feigned shock. “You mean she hasn’t told me your PIN yet? I need to have a word with her.”

We both laughed heartily, the atmosphere lightening. This ease was something I’d rarely experienced in recent months, especially since Derek’s return to Boston had thrown my life into disarray again.

James opened the cake box to reveal a small chocolate cake with a single candle in the center. He lit it with a lighter from his pocket, the small flame casting a warm glow between us.

“Make a wish,” he said softly.

I closed my eyes, hesitating for a moment. A wish formed in my mind-unspoken, private, involving someone I shouldn’t be thinking about on this occasion. I opened my eyes and blew out the candle, keeping my wish locked safely away.

I poured James a cup of hot tea while cutting myself a small piece of cake. The sweet chocolate aroma filled my mouth, my favorite flavor, reminding me of the birthday cakes my mother made during my childhood. That simple, warm memory seemed especially

precious now

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Chapter 131

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“This is delicious,” I said, taking another bite. James leaned forward suddenly, his thumb gently brushing the corner of my mouth.

“You had a bit of cream,” he explained, his voice softer than before.

The intimate gesture created a moment of tension between us. I felt my cheeks warm slightly and quickly changed the subject.

“Don’t you need to go home for Christmas?” I asked, setting down my fork. “Won’t your family be waiting?”

James picked up his teacup, his expression turning serious. “I want to spend Christmas with the person I care about.”

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The CEO’s Unspoken Love