The CEO’s Unspoken Love (Eleanor and Derek) novel Chapter 138

Chapter 138

Eleanor POV

I woke to the gentle pressure of lips against my shoulder, the familiar weight of Derek’s arm draped possessively around my waist. Morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a pale glow across the rumpled sheets. His breath was warm against my skin as he trailed kisses up to the sensitive spot below my ear.

“Good morning,” he murmured, his voice still rough with sleep.

I shifted slightly, turning to face him. “Don’t think last night means I’ve forgiven you,” I said, attempting to sound stern despite the pleasant warmth spreading through my body.

Derek’s lips curved into a knowing smile. “I’m well aware, he replied, his fingers tracing lazy patterns on my hip. “But your indignation can wait until we’re out of bed. Here, he pressed a kiss to my collarbone, it has absolutely no power.

I rolled my eyes, but didn’t stop him as he buried his face against my chest, his stubble creating a delicious friction against my skin.

The weight of his body pressed me deeper into the mattress, and I found myself threading my fingers through his hair, torn between

pushing him away and pulling him closer.

The shrill ring of my phone interrupted us. Derek groaned in protest as I reached for it on the nightstand.

“Hello?” I answered, trying to sound composed despite Derek’s lips still moving along my neck.

“Eleanor, dear, Margaret Wells’ warm voice filled the line. I hope I’m not disturbing you.”

“Not at all, Grandma,” I lied, gently pushing at Derek’s shoulder. He merely grinned and continued his exploration.

“I wanted to invite you to join us for Christmas dinner at the Wells residence tonight. The whole family will be there, and it

wouldn’t be the same without you.”

I hesitated, uncertain how to respond. While I respect Margaret, the prospect of facing the entire Wells family still filled me with a

mixture of dread and resignation.

Before I could answer, Derek plucked the phone from my hand. Grandmother, Eleanor would be delighted to come. We’ll both be

there for dinner, so save us seats. Looking forward to seeing you.”

‘Derek?” Margaret sounded pleased. “Wonderful! I’ll expect you both around seven. Don’t be late.”

He ended the call and handed the phone back to me with a triumphant smile.

“Who said I was going to the family dinner?” I asked, pushing myself up against the headboard. “I was perfectly content to spend

Christmas alone.

Derek sat up beside me, his expression softening. Even if we were divorced, she would still be your grandmother. She’s always

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Chapter 138

adored you. Could you really disappoint her?”

I considered his words, memories of Margaret’s kindness over the years washing over me. Unlike Catherine, Margaret had always treated me with genuine warmth. I sighed, relenting with a small nod.

Derek’s victorious smile returned, and I fought the urge to throw a pillow at him.

Suddenly, a thought struck me. “Oh no!” I exclaimed.

Derek’s brow furrowed with concern. “What’s wrong?”

“I don’t have any gifts for your family,” I groaned, covering my face with my hands. “I can’t show up empty-handed. Maybe I should call your grandmother back and tell her I’m not feeling well.”

“Don’t worry,” Derek said, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder. I’ve already taken care of the gifts. You can say they’re from

you.

I lowered my hands to stare at him incredulously. “That’s your thoughtfulness, not mine. How can I pretend they’re from me?”

Derek moved closer, his voice dropping to an intimate tone. “In Grandmother’s eyes, a gift from you or from me is the same thing.” His fingers brushed my cheek. She might even be happier knowing they’re from you. Besides…” he leaned in, his breath warm against my ear, “do we really need to draw such clear lines between us anymore?”

I gave in, reluctantly agreeing. The smile that spread across Derek’s face was surprisingly genuine, lacking its usual smugness or calculation. For a moment, I found myself staring at him, noticing how the morning light softened his features, how his eyes

crinkled at the corners when he smiled sincerely.

“What are you looking at?” he asked, tilting his head slightly.

I blinked, breaking the spell. “Nothing. You should go now.”

“I’m hungry,” he complained, flopping back onto the bed. “I don’t think I can make it to the door.”

“Are you trying to find another excuse to stay?” I asked, raising an eyebrow. “Haven’t you had enough?”

“Who’s making excuses?” He smirked. “Wasn’t it you who wouldn’t let go of me last night?”

Heat rushed to my face. “You-

“Fine, it was all my fault, Derek conceded with a laugh. “But I really am hungry. Let me go downstairs and make us breakfast.”

“You?” I couldn’t hide my surprise. “You know how to cook?”

Derek sat up, looking mildly offended but mostly amused. “What did you think I did in London for over two years? Did you imagine I

had servants bringing breakfast to my bed every morning?”

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Chapter 138

The mental image was so absurd I couldn’t help but laugh. The sound seemed to please him, his eyes lighting up in a way that made my chest tighten unexpectedly.

Derek swung his legs over the side of the bed and began gathering his clothes. I watched as he pulled on his boxer briefs, then his

shirt, leaving it unbuttoned as he stepped into his pants.

I’ll go see what you have in the kitchen,” he said, turning to me. “If you’re still tired, you can sleep a little longer.”

After he left the room, I lay back against the pillows, feeling strangely disoriented. The domestic scene that had just played out

between us felt surreal. If not for the occasional pang of remembering that we had already divorced, I could almost believe we were

a normal married couple enjoying a lazy Christmas morning together.

I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath. I needed to guard my heart. I couldn’t allow myself to fall back into patterns that would only

lead to more pain. Derek might seem different now-more attentive, more present-but how long would that last? How soon before

he retreated into himself again, leaving me alone with my hopes shattered?

Finally, I pushed myself out of bed and headed to the bathroom. As I washed my face and brushed my teeth, I caught sight of myself

in the mirror-the slight redness on my neck and collarbone where Derek’s stubble had scraped against my skin, the faint marks on

my shoulders from his grip. My cheeks flushed at the memories of the night before.

I took another deep breath, straightening my shoulders. Whatever was happening between Derek and me, I needed to keep my wits

about me. I needed to remember that our story had an expiration date. With that thought firmly in mind, I began to dress,

preparing myself for the day ahead and the complicated family dinner that awaited us.

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R Visitor

pretty sure Seraphins will be at dinner

7 days ago

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14:17 Thu, Jul 2 MATA

The CEO’s Unspoken Love