The CEO’s Unspoken Love (Eleanor and Derek) novel Chapter 202

Chapter 202

Eleanor POV

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I woke to softer sunlight streaming through the hospital window. Several days had passed since I’d first regained consciousness after

the accident.

My throat had healed enough that I could manage short sentences, though my voice remained raspy and unfamiliar to my own ears

The pain medication had dulled the worst of my discomfort, but each breath still carried a reminder of that terrible night.

I gently touched my fingertips to my throat, recalling the nurse’s words from this morning. You’re healing nicely, Ms. Wells,” she

had said, checking my vitals with practiced efficiency. “The pain in your shoulder should continue to decrease. She had smiled

encouragingly before adjusting my IV and moving on to her next patient.

The room was empty now. Olivia had reluctantly left for an important client meeting, promising to return with dinner and fresh

flowers. The nurses were occupied with other patients, and the clock on the wall showed 3 PM-shift change. The perfect window of

opportunity.

I need to see him with my own eyes. I need to know he’s still here. The thought had been consuming me since I’d learned of Derek’s

condition.

With determination overriding common sense, I pushed myself up. The world tilted briefly, and I waited for the dizziness to pass

before reaching for the long cardigan Olivia had brought from home.

Standing proved more challenging than I’d anticipated. The room tilted alarmingly, and I grabbed the bedside table to steady

myself. One step at a time, I thought, focusing on the door that suddenly seemed miles away.

I shuffled forward, one hand against the wall for support. Each step sent waves of dizziness washing over me, but I refused to give

My fingers had just touched the handle when it turned from the outside. The door swung open, and Alexander stood in the doorway,

his expression shifting from distraction to alarm when he saw me upright.

“Eleanor! What are you doing?”

The sudden stop threw me off balance, and I instinctively clutched at the edge of his coat to steady myself. “Derek…” I whispered,

my voice barely audible, each syllable scraping my raw throat. “Take me… to see him…”

Alexander’s face softened with concern as he placed a steadying hand on my uninjured arm. “Eleanor, you shouldn’t be out of bed.

Let me help you back.”

I wanted to argue, to insist, but my traitorous body had exhausted its limited reserves. The room spun around me, and I could only

allow Alexander to guide me back to the bed.

You need to rest, he said gently, helping me settle against the pillows. ‘You’re still recovering.”

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Chapter 202

Alexander adjusted my pillows and poured water from the bedside pitcher. I studied him as he moved around the room with the careful efficiency that characterized all the Wells men. The shadows under his eyes and the slight disarray of his normally impeccable appearance spoke volumes about the strain of recent days. His tie was loosened, and his jawline showed the faint shadow of stubble-details that would have been unthinkable in the meticulously groomed Alexander I knew.

I came specifically to check on you,” he said, handing me the water. “The whole family has been worried. Dad and Mom have hardly left the hospital.”

I sipped the cool water, relishing the temporary relief it brought to my throat. “And Margaret?” I asked.

A flicker of something-pain, perhaps-crossed Alexander’s face. He sat on the edge of the bed, his weight causing the mattress to

dip slightly.

“We’ve taken her to California to stay with cousins. We haven’t told her about the accident. His voice dropped lower. “We’re afraid

the shock would be too much for her heart condition.”

1 studied his expression, noting the tension around his mouth, the way his gaze wouldn’t quite meet mine. There was something he

wasn’t saying-something beyond the fact that they were sheltering Margaret from bad news.

“Derek…” I said, forcing my voice to cooperate, though it emerged as little more than a whisper. “How is he? Tell me… the truth.”

Alexander’s shoulders dropped as he settled more firmly on the edge of my bed. His eyes drifted toward the window, focusing on

something far beyond the hospital grounds.

“Derek is still unconscious. The doctors say they need to continue monitoring his condition…”

The hesitation in his voice was unmistakable. I reached out, wrapping my fingers around his wrist with a bit strength given my

weakened state.

“Alexander,” I whispered, forcing him to look at me. ‘You’re not… telling me everything… are you?”

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The CEO’s Unspoken Love