The CEO’s Unspoken Love (Eleanor and Derek) novel Chapter 162

Chapter 162

Eleanor POV

The hydrangeas had just arrived-a spectacular shipment of blue mopheads that would perfectly complement the winter wedding I was designing for next weekend. I carefully unpacked them in the workroom of Four Seasons Florals, my fingers delicately tracing

the clustered petals as I arranged them in water buckets.

My touch lingered longer than necessary, the cool blue petals reminding me of that snowy evening a few days ago when Derek had appeared at my doorstep. I closed my eyes briefly, allowing the memory to wash over me-the weight of him beneath me, the

reverence in his eyes as I took control for the first time in our relationship.

Since we had sex, our physical relationship had been dominated by Derek’s confidence and my willingness to follow. But that, night… that night had been different. I had felt a sense of safety and power I’d never experienced before. For once, I wasn’t the one

being led-I was the one setting the pace, demanding what I wanted.

“Besides Derek, I finally know what I truly want,” I whispered to myself, a barely perceptible smile playing at the corner of my lips

as I touched the blue petals again.

I remembered waking the next morning, momentarily disoriented by the weight of Derek’s arm across my waist, his steady breathing warm against my neck. For those first drowsy seconds, contentment had filled me-a dangerous, perfect happiness I hadn’t felt in

years.

Then reality had crashed in like a wave. The morning light illuminated the tear tracks still visible on his face, evidence of his breakdown, his vulnerability. And mine. I’d shown him everything-all my pain, my need, my desperate love that had never died

despite years of neglect. I’d given him power over me again.

Panic had risen in my chest, stealing my breath. How many times had I allowed myself to hope, only to watch him walk away? How

many tears had I shed when he disappeared to London without a backward glance? The memory of those dark days-the pills, the emptiness-flooded back, and I’d carefully extricated myself from his embrace, sitting up with my back against the headboard.

Self-preservation demanded walls, boundaries, protection. I couldn’t survive another abandonment. So when his eyes had fluttered open, when he’d reached for me with that soft, hopeful expression, I’d already armored myself with practiced detachment.

The morning after, I had been surprisingly calm when I told him, “The relationship between men and women is terribly messy. I

have no intention of sorting through the complications between us, but if you’re willing, we could maintain a physical relationship.

Each taking what we need.”

His eyes had held mine for a long, searching moment before he’d left without giving me a clear answer. Since then, there had been

nothing but silence. No calls, no texts, no unexpected appearances at my shop or home. Perhaps my boldness had finally given him

the perfect excuse to walk away for good.

I sighed softly, focusing on the arrangement before me, letting the familiar motions of floral design soothe the turbulence in my

heart. The sapphire necklace at my throat felt suddenly heavy, and I resisted the urge to touch it.

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Chapter 162

RICA

The bell above the door chimed, pulling me from my thoughts. Thomas Stone’s tall figure filled the doorway, his smile warm against

the backdrop of January’s biting Boston cold

“Eleanor!” he called cheerfully, stomping snow from his boots. “Your shop is like walking into spring. I swear it’s ten degrees warmer

in here than anywhere else in Boston.”

I wiped my hands on my apron, offering him a small smile. “That’s the idea. What brings you here, Thomas? Looking for something

special?

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The CEO’s Unspoken Love