The CEO’s Unspoken Love (Eleanor and Derek) novel Chapter 203

Chapter 203

1 watched the internal struggle play across his features-the desire to protect me warring with respect for my right to know. His

eyes, so similar to Derek’s in color yet Jacking that spark of defiance I’d come to associate with him, softened with compassion.

Finally, he exhaled heavily; his hand coming to rest over mine.

“The doctors say that due to the severity of Derek’s head trauma and internal injuries, he may never wake up. The words fell

between us like stones. “The chances are extremely low.”

The steady beeping of my heart monitor suddenly seemed deafening in the silence that followed. “May never wake up. Four simple

words that refused to make sense in my mind. The concept was too vast, too terrible to comprehend.

“We haven’t told Grandmother, Alexander continued softly. “We’re afraid it would destroy her.”

I stared at him, my world contracting to a single point of pain that had nothing to do with my physical injuries. The monitor beside

me began to beep faster, tracking the acceleration of my heart as the implications of Alexander’s words sank in.

The tears came silently at first, sliding down my cheeks as I sat frozen in disbelief. Then came the quiet sobs that built until they

tore from my throat in raw, agonizing sounds that I barely recognized as my own. I pitched forward, collapsing against Alexander’s

chest as grief overwhelmed me.

His arms came around me carefully, mindful of my injuries, offering silent support as I shattered.

“What do I do?” I choked out between sobs, my fingers clutching at the fabric of his shirt. “Alexander, I can’t… I can’t lose him…”

“This is all my fault, I whispered, self-loathing filling me as the memories of the accident flashed through my mind-Derek’s hand

reaching out to protect me, his body turning to shield mine from the impact. “I bring misfortune… to everyone I love. Derek and I…

we were finally… My voice broke on another sob. I had just decided to start over with him…”

Alexander’s arms tightened slightly around me. “No one thinks that, Eleanor. This isn’t your fault. His voice was firm despite its

gentleness. “It was an accident. There was nothing either of you could have done.”

Derek would never blame you,” he added, one hand moving to smooth my hair with brotherly affection. “He would want you to take

care of yourself.

My sobs gradually quieted, leaving me hollow and exhausted. Alexander handed me a tissue from the bedside table, which I used to

wipe my tear-stained face.

The most important thing now is for you to heal,” he said gently. “When you’re stronger, you can visit him. The doctors say coma patients can sometimes hear loved ones speaking to them… your presence might help him find his way back.”

I nodded, my breath still catching on occasional sobs. The thought of Derek lying somewhere in this same hospital, alone and

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Chapter 203

unreachable, was almost unbearable.

Alexander looked directly into my eyes, his gaze unexpectedly intense. “There’s something I’ve never told you.” He paused, seeming

to consider his words carefully. “Derek may not admit it out loud-he’s too stubborn for that-but he’s always loved you when we

were still teenagers. I know my brother.”

I blinked in surprise, fresh tears gathering.

“If he knew you wanted to start over with him, Alexander continued, ‘I believe that would give him strength. We can’t give up boge

Eleanor.

His words kindled a tiny spark within the darkness that had enveloped me.

I straightened, wiping away the last of my tears. Despite my raspy voice, determination filled my words: “You’re right. I dony believe

Derek would just… leave me like this.”

A ghost of a smile touched Alexander’s lips. Tomorrow, if the doctor approves, I can take you to see him.”

“Thank you, I whispered, truly grateful for his kindness.

After Alexander left, a shaft of sunlight broke through the clouds, falling across my bed like a sign. I stared out the window, my

resolve hardening despite the heaviness in my heart.

“Derek, I won’t let you face this alone, I promised silently. I’ll be there beside you, for however long it takes.”

The thought of losing him now, when we’d just found our way back to each other, was unimaginable. Life couldn’t be that cruel. It

simply couldn’t.

I closed my eyes, remembering the question he had asked me moments before the crash: Would you start over with me? The answer

lodged in my throat, unspoken yet absolute.

Yes, Derek. A thousand times yes.

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The CEO’s Unspoken Love