The CEO’s Unspoken Love (Eleanor and Derek) novel Chapter 211

Chapter 211

Derek’s lips moved again, forming a single word: “Non…sense.”

The familiar response, so typically Derek even in his weakened state, startled a laugh from me. I wiped my eyes with my free hand, feeling the tension of the past weeks begin to dissolve. It was such a Derek thing to say-dismissive of drama, cutting through

emotion with his practical directness.

“Even half-conscious, you’re still arguing with me,’ I said, my smile wobbly but genuine. “Save your strength. You can disagree with

me all you want when you’re better.”

Derek’s expression softened, the hint of a smile lingering around his mouth. His eyes never left my face, as though he was drinking in the sight of me. For a moment, we simply existed together in comfortable silence, the only sounds the steady beep of the monitors and our synchronized breathing. The world outside this room-with its complications and expectations and uncertainties

seemed far away and unimportant.

I reached out to gently stroke his cheek, tracing the contours of his face that had grown sharper during his long unconsciousness. My fingers followed the line of his jaw, the arch of his eyebrows, as if to reassure myself that he was real, that this wasn’t another dream from which I would wake to find him still silent and unresponsive. Despite the pallor of his skin and the dark circles under his eyes, he was the most beautiful sight I had ever seen.

I should go tell your parents and Alexander,” I said eventually, reluctantly. “They’ve been so worried. They should know you’re

awake.

Derek’s fingers tightened fractionally around mine, and he gave a slight shake of his head. His eyes held a plea that I understood immediately. Even now, in this vulnerable state, there was something distinctly private about Derek, a desire to shield his weakness

from others, even his family.

“You want me to stay a little longer?” I asked softly.

He blinked once, slowly, in affirmation.

I hesitated, torn between honoring his wish and doing what I knew was right. The Wells family had been transformed by Derek’s accident. Catherine’s icy demeanor had thawed as she maintained her own vigil at his bedside. Jonathan’s commanding presence had given way to a father’s quiet fear. Alexander had been a pillar of strength for all of us, never wavering in his belief that Derek would return. “They’ve been through hell too, Derek. Your mother has barely slept. Alexander comes nearly every day. They deserve to

know you’re back.”

Derek’s expression remained unchanged, but there was acceptance in his eyes now. He understood.

But, I conceded, ‘I suppose I could tell them tomorrow.” I squeezed his hand gently. “Tonight can be just for us. You need time to

adjust to being awake again.”

Relief washed over his features, and his eyes drifted closed momentarily, as though the simple exchange had exhausted him. When they opened again, there was such intensity in his gaze that it took my breath away.

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Chapter 211

He tilted his chin forward slightly, his intention clear. Without hesitation, I leaned down and pressed my lips to his in the genflest of kisses. It lasted only a moment, brief as a butterfly’s landing, but it contained all the longing and relief and love I couldn’t put

into words.

When I pulled back, Derek’s eyes were shining, his hand gripping mine with surprising strength for someone who had been unconscious for so long. I rested my forehead against his, feeling tears slide down my cheeks once more.

“I prayed for this moment every single day,” I whispered, my voice thick with enotion. “And finally, someone listened.”

In the gathering dusk, our joined hands lay on the white hospital sheet, a promise of a new beginning after the longest darkness.

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The CEO’s Unspoken Love