The CEO’s Unspoken Love (Eleanor and Derek) novel Chapter 214

Chapter 214

Eleanor POV

“Mr. Wells is officially cleared for discharge,” Dr. Martin announced, looking up from his clipboard with a satisfied smile. “All tests

show normal brain function, and aside from needing to rebuild your strength, you’re on the road to a full recovery,”

I watched Derek’s face transform at the news, relief washing over his features before giving way to a flash of uncertainty. The

prospect of leaving the hospital-this sterile limbo where he’d hovered between life and death-seemed to fill him with both

eagerness and apprehension.

While Dr. Martin continued explaining aftercare instructions, I busied myself gathering Derek’s personal items from the small closet.

My hands trembled slightly as I folded his sweater. After weeks of praying for this moment, it felt surreal that we were actually

going home.

“Now, Mr. Wells,” Dr. Martin continued, his tone more serious, “due to the extended period of bed rest, you’ve experienced

significant muscle atrophy. You’ll need to use a wheelchair initially and commit to a rigorous physical therapy regimen.”

Derek nodded, his jaw tightening slightly. “How long before I can walk normally?”

“That depends entirely on your dedication to rehabilitation. Some patients see results within weeks, others months. Your body has

been through significant trauma.”

Derek’s eyes sought mine across the room, a silent question in them. “I want to go home with Eleanor,” he said firmly.

My heart skipped a beat as our gazes locked. I gave him a small nod, confirming what we’d both already decided during those quiet

nights after he first woke up.

“Of course, I said softly.

Alexander arrived an hour later to help with the discharge process, bringing fresh clothes for Derek and a calm efficiency that

steadied my nerves.

So you’ll be staying with Eleanor?” he asked, though his knowing smile suggested he’d already anticipated this.

Derek shifted uncomfortably on the edge of the bed where he sat dressed in clean clothes. ‘I need someone to help me, and Eleanor

has already… he paused, his voice softening, ‘been taking care of me all this time.”

I felt heat rise to my cheeks and turned away, pretending to organize the get-well cards that had accumulated during Derek’s

hospitalization. I could feel his eyes on me, that intense gaze that still made my stomach flutter after all we’d been through.

I’ll have your things sent over from your apartment, Alexander offered. Clothes, toiletries, anything specific you need?”

0

2

<

1/3

14:26 Thu, Jul 2 MA

Chapter 214

“Just the basics, Derek replied. “And thank you.”

ร

The door opened as a nurse wheeled in a hospital wheelchair. I watched Derek’s expression darken as he eyed it, his lips pressing

into a thin line. The wheelchair represented a reality he hadn’t fully confronted until this moment-his temporary helplessness, the

long road to recovery ahead.

I moved to his side, taking his hand in mine. “It’s just temporary,” I whispered, squeezing his fingers gently. “You’ll be running

circles around me before you know it.”

He gripped my hand tightly, gratitude flickering in his eyes as he nodded.

Alexander drove us to my home, the car ride mostly silent as Derek took in the city he hadn’t seen in weeks. When we arrived,

Alexander efficiently helped get the wheelchair from the trunk while I stood beside Derek in the passenger seat.

“Ready?” I asked.

Derek stared at my brownstone, his expression softening. “More than you know.”

With Alexander’s help, we got Derek settled in the wheelchair. I thanked Alexander, who gave his brother’s shoulder a squeeze

before departing with a promise to check in tomorrow. Then it was just the two of us, facing the next chapter.

I pushed the wheelchair up the ramp I’d had installed last week in anticipation of this moment. As we crossed the threshold, Derek

took a deep breath.

‘Finally back in the land of the living, he murmured.

“As opposed to what?” I couldn’t help but smile. “The hospital isn’t exactly the underworld.

“It might as well be,” he countered, his expression comically grave. “The antiseptic smell alone is enough to make me feel like I’m in

purgatory. I’ll smell disinfectant in my nightmares for years.”

I moved around to face him, bending slightly to meet his eyes. “Well then, welcome back to the world.”

He reached up, his fingers brushing my cheek with surprising tenderness. “You’re the one who pulled me back, you know.”

My eyes stung with sudden tears, and I blinked them away quickly.

“Dr. Martin said you should rest,” I said, eyeing the staircase that now looked more challenging than ever.

Derek followed my gaze, then with characteristic determination, pushed himself to stand. His legs wobbled visibly, and I quickly

moved to his side, slipping my arm around his waist.

00

THU

2

|||

Г

2/3

1426 Thu, Jul

The CEO’s Unspoken Love