The CEO’s Unspoken Love (Eleanor and Derek) novel Chapter 181

Chapter 181

Derek POV

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I savored the simple breakfast Eleanor had prepared before rushing off to her flower shop. The toast was perfectly crisp, the

scrambled eggs fluffy, and the honey lemon water in the thermos still warm. Knowing her hands had made this meal gave it a flavor

no five-star restaurant could match.

This was a perfect Instagram opportunity. I rarely used social media, but today called for an exception. I arranged the breakfast

artfully, snapped a photo, and captioned it: “Homemade breakfast from my wife. #blessed.” I smiled imagining the speculation this

would cause. Let people talk.

With the house to myself, I wandered through Eleanor’s childhood home, breathing in the history embedded in its walls. The

Victorian architecture reminded me of her-elegant, timeless, with hidden depths. I found myself drawn to her bookshelf, fingers

tracing the spines of classic novels.

I pulled out a copy of Pride and Prejudice, noticing dog-eared pages and pencil markings throughout. One passage was heavily

underlined: ‘I cannot fix on the hour, or the spot, or the look or the words, which laid the foundation… I was in the middle before I

knew that I had begun. Beside it, Eleanor had written a small “D” in her elegant handwriting. My heart raced. Had she associated

these words with me?

Further exploration revealed more romantic passages marked with dates going back to the early days of our marriage. This wasn’t just casual reading; this was Eleanor’s emotional journal. Behind her cool exterior, she’d been harboring these romantic notions all

along.

Midday brought an unexpected improvement in my condition. My throat still felt raw, but the intense pain had subsided, and my congestion had eased somewhat. This partial recovery should have been welcome news, but instead, I felt oddly disappointed. Better

health meant fewer reasons to stay in Eleanor’s care.

My phone buzzed with a text from Thomas: [Saw your Insta post, man. Since when did you start using social media? How’s playing

patient working out?]

I typed back: [Shut it, Stone. Your damn flu knocked me out too.]

[So you’re with Eleanor now?] he asked.

[She’s taking care of me, I replied simply.

[Word of advice: Don’t screw this up. Don’t hurt her again.] His message made me frown.

I won’t. Not this time. I responded with more sincerity than I’d intended.

My phone rang-Mother displayed on the screen. I took a deep breath before answering.

Hello, Mother.”

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Chapter 181

“Derek, where are you? I heard you’re ill. Catherine Wells’ voice carried its usual controlled tone.

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“I’m at Eleanor’s, recovering.”

A silence followed, then her measured voice tinged with disapproval: “You’re divorced. Why are you still lingering in Eiganor’s

home?”

‘Because I want to, I countered. “And I’m trying to win her back, hoping she’ll forgive me.”

“Weren’t you pining for Seraphina all this time? Why aren’t you seeing her anymore?*

‘I only love Eleanor, Mother. I’m trying to set things right. My voice carried a firmness that surprised even me.

Catherine sighed. “Just know what you’re doing, Derek. Don’t bring more drama to this family.”

After hanging up, I gazed out at the snow-covered yard. Did I know what I was doing? Or was this another impulsive whim?

My phone rang again-Eleanor this time. My pulse quickened as I answered, deliberately keeping my voice low, not having to fake

much of the rasp that still lingered in my throat.

Are you alright?” Her voice betrayed reluctant concern.

“Are you worried about me?” I couldn’t help teasing.

“I just don’t want you dying in my house and causing me trouble,” she replied flatly.

“My temperature’s still up, I said, which wasn’t entirely a lie. I was feeling better, but not completely recovered. “But a little better

than yesterday.”

“That’s good.”

“If you’re so concerned, why not close the shop and come take care of me?” I suggested hopefully.

“Don’t push it, Derek. When you’re better, go back to the Beacon Hill house.”

I promise, I’ll recover and move back within two weeks. I let the natural weakness in my voice do the work, though inside I felt

satisfied she’d called.

After hanging up, I decided not to take the full dose of antibiotics, thinking a slower recovery might give me more time with

Eleanor. I didn’t want to be dishonest, but I wasn’t ready to leave her care just yet. I then called Eleanor’s favorite Italian restaurant,

ordering her beloved pasta and tiramisu, scheduling delivery for an hour before she’d return. I wanted to surprise her with

something nice.

As evening approached, I found myself genuinely feeling worse again as the medication wore off. My fever hadn’t completely broken

after all. When I heard the door unlock, I was resting on the sofa, my body actually feeling quite drained.

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Chapter 181

“Derek?’ Her voice carried alarm.

I opened my eyes slowly, finding her standing in the doorway, concern written across her face.

“Hey, I said, my voice naturally weak, I think my fever’s back.”

Eleanor rushed to my side, grabbing the thermometer. When she saw the reading of 102°F, her worry intensified.

Your fever’s gone up again. Have you been taking your medication properly?”

“Yes,” I said, which was mostly true. I’d taken them, just not exactly as prescribed. “I guess it’s just being stubborn.

Eleanor studied me, her expression softening at my genuinely tired appearance.

“Don’t send me away,” I said quietly, taking her hand.

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Looking into her concerned eyes, I couldn’t help adding, “If being sick means you’ll care about me like this, I’d be willing to stay ill

forever.

Eleanor’s expression shifted between exasperation and tenderness. ‘Don’t be ridiculous. You re such a fool, Derek.”

“I’m your fool,” I whispered, gently squeezing her hand. “And I’d gladly be sick a thousand times if it means you’ll look at me like

that.

“Like what?” she asked, her voice barely audible.

‘Like you still care.”

Eleanor pulled her hand away, but her fingertips lingered against mine for a moment longer than necessary. “Just focus on getting

better,’ she said, but the concern in her eyes remained undisguised.

I suppressed a smile. Not because my plan was working, but because in that moment, I saw a glimmer of the connection we once

had. For now, at least, Eleanor wouldn’t send me away-not from her home, not from her life.

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