The CEO’s Unspoken Love (Eleanor and Derek) novel Chapter 184

Chapter 184

Eleanor POV

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The first true breath of spring had finally arrived in Boston. Soft light filtered through the budding trees that lined the drive to the Wells estate, and the air carried that distinct sweetness that only appears when winter finally retreats. I had waited until I was

absolutely certain my flu had fully cleared before visiting Margaret. The last thing I wanted was to expose Derek’s grandmother to

any lingering germs.

As my taxi pulled up to the imposing iron gates of the Wells family mansion, I noticed a sleek black Bentley approaching from the

opposite direction. My heart performed its usual gymnastic routine at the sight of the family car-a Pavlovian response I’d never

been able to shake.

It could be Jonathan heading home from a board meeting, or perhaps Alexander dropping by to visit his parents. I instructed my

driver to stop just short of the entrance and waited, smoothing down my pale blue dress and adjusting the small bouquet of early

spring flowers I’d brought for Margaret.

The Bentley rolled to a stop at the mansion’s grand entrance, its tinted windows revealing nothing of the occupant within. I stood a

respectful distance away, mentally rehearsing the pleasantries I’d exchange with whichever Wells family member emerged. Three

years of marriage had taught me the exhausting dance of Wells family interactions-the precise balance of deference and dignity

required in their presence.

I was not prepared for Derek to step out of the car.

He paused after closing the door, his eyes finding mine through the car’s side window before I realized he’d seen me. I hadn’t known

he was coming today-hadn’t known he even visited his family regularly. The realization that I knew so little about his routine now

stung more than it should have.

“Today you’re being so obedient, waiting for me?” Derek called out, his lips curving into that infuriating half-smile that still made

my stomach flip despite my best efforts.

The casual arrogance in his assumption that I’d be waiting for him specifically sparked something rebellious in me. Without

bothering to correct him, I turned and walked toward the entrance, my chin lifted slightly higher than necessary.

“Eleanor,” he called after me, his footsteps quickening to catch up.

I kept walking, the crunch of gravel beneath my shoes providing a satisfying percussion to my exit.

Has your flu completely cleared up?” I asked without turning, my voice carefully neutral. “You were quite ill the other day.”

Derek fell into step beside me, his longer stride easily matching my determined pace. “Thanks to your excellent nursing skills, I’ve

made a full recovery.”

“After you get infected, I reminded him, unable to keep the edge from my voice.

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Chapter 184

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“It was worth getting sick,” he said, his tone softening unexpectedly. “I got to have you take care of me.”

I shot him a sideways glance, trying to determine if he was mocking me. His expression seemed genuine, but with Derek, it was

always difficult to tell where the performance ended and truth began.

“Next time, don’t be so smug about ‘never getting sick,” I replied, mimicking his confident tone from before. “The universe has a

way of punishing that kind of arrogance.”

Derek chuckled, the sound warming the space between us despite my determination to remain unmoved. ‘Lesson learned, Eleanor.

Lesson learned.”

We approached the ornate front door together, the morning sun casting our elongated shadows ahead of us. Before we reached the

steps, Derek suddenly stopped, his hand catching my elbow.

“You were waiting for my brother, weren’t you?” he asked, his light tone belied by the intensity in his eyes.

I stared at him blankly. “What?”

“You thought it was Alexander in the car.” It wasn’t a question this time.

The absurdity of his jealousy regarding his own brother was something I’d never quite grown accustomed to. “Does it matter?”

“It matters to me,” he said, his voice dropping lower.

I was too tired for this game. “Fine. Yes, I thought it might be Alexander. Or your father. Or anyone else in your family who uses

that car. I tried to pull away, but Derek’s grip tightened.

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The CEO’s Unspoken Love