The CEO’s Unspoken Love (Eleanor and Derek) novel Chapter 152

Chapter 152

Relief washed over her face as she gratefully seized the conversational lifeline. “There’s a large wedding order for a ceremony in Cambridge, she said, her professional voice emerging. “The bride wants peonies, which is nearly impossible, but I found a

greenhouse itt Vermont that can supply them. It’s going to be quite busy.”

I nodded, watching her eat small, methodical bites, cutting her food into perfect squares before lifting them to her mouth. Her movements were too careful, too controlled-like someone walking on broken glass, trying very hard not to shatter what little

composure remained.

At her apartment door, Eleanor adjusted her camel-colored cashmere bag on her shoulder, checking her reflection in the small mirror by the entryway. Even now, she projected perfection to the outside world-not a hair out of place, makeup skillfully concealing her swollen eyes. Only those who truly knew her would notice the slight tremor in her hands as she applied a fresh coal

of pale pink lipstick.

“Will you come over tonight?” she asked, her voice carrying a hint of vulnerability she rarely displayed. “I could make that

mushroom risotto you love.”

I hesitated, already planning something entirely different for the evening. The lie felt heavy on my tongue. “I’ll probably have to work late on the Meridian Pharmaceuticals campaign. Don’t think I can make it.”

“Don’t push yourself too hard,” she said, her concern for me evident despite her own pain-so typically Eleanor, always putting

others first.

I hugged her tightly, inhaling the scent of her lavender shampoo mixed with the subtle notes of her signature Jo Malone perfume. My throat tightened as I held her delicate frame, feeling the slight bones of her shoulders through her wool coat.

“You’re the one who needs to take care of yourself,” I whispered, giving her an extra squeeze before releasing her.

As our separate taxis pulled away from her brownstone, I watched through the rear window as she waved goodbye, that tired smile still fixed on her face like a mask she couldn’t remove. In my cab, I clutched my phone, the screen illuminating my determined

expression as I scrolled through contacts until I found the number I needed. Derek Wells. My thumb hovered over it for a moment

before I took a deep breath and added it to my calendar: 7 PM.

During lunch, I locked myself in the glass-walled conference room at Beacon Hill Creative, the advertising agency where I worked as

creative director. The plush chairs and polished table that usually hosted client presentations now witnessed my trembling hands as

I dialed Derek’s number. Each ring amplified my nervousness, the sound echoing in the empty space around me.

“Olivia, his cool voice answered after the fourth ringl. “This is unexpected.”

I gripped the phone tighter, swallowing my instinctive dislike. “Blue Bottle Coffee at Copley Square. Seven tonight. I need to talk to

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Chapter 152

you.”

CMA

A pause, then his voice sharpened with suspicion. If this is about Eleanor, I don’t think-

“You’ll regret it if you don’t show up, I interrupted, my voice steelier than I felt, my free hand curling into a fist on the conference

table. “Seven o’clock. Don’t be late.”

1 ended the call before he could respond, my heart thundering against my ribs. Leaning against the wall, I closed my eyes, feeling. the cool glass against my forehead. “For Ellie,” I whispered to myself, the words a mantra, a justification. I have to do this for Ellig

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Back at my desk, surrounded by mood boards and font samples, I couldn’t focus on work. The creative brief for a luxury watch brand

blurred before my eyes as my mind kept returning to Eleanor’s tear-stained face. The sleek office clock on my wall seemed to more

in slow motion, each minute stretching painfully as I waited for evening to arrive.

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Olivia POV added nothing to the story

7 days ago

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The CEO’s Unspoken Love