The CEO’s Unspoken Love (Eleanor and Derek) novel Chapter 217

Chapter 217

‘I had no idea you were such a poetry enthusiast,” I said when we’d both calmed down.

“There’s a lot you don’t know about me,” he replied, his tone lighter than his words. “We’re still learning each other, aren’t we?”

That evening, we debated what movie to watch, eventually settling on Hitchcock’s Rear Window after I vetoed his suggestion of a more recent horror film.

“You’ll get scared, he predicted as I set up the TV.

“I will not, i protested, though we both knew it was a lie.

Sure enough, during the film’s tenser moments, I found myself inching closer to Derek, eventually hiding my face against his

shoulder. I felt his arm wrap around me, and when I glanced up, I caught the satisfied smile on his face.

The days blended into weeks. Derek progressed from wheelchair to walker to cane, each milestone celebrated like a major victory. I

watched him push through frustration on bad days and triumph on good ones. We developed little rituals-shared late breakfasts,

reading sessions in the afternoon sun, movie nights that often ended with me curled against his side.

When he had enough strength, Derek insisted on helping around the house. I’d find him making tea with careful, deliberate movements, or folding laundry one-handed while leaning against the counter for support. The sight always filled me with a warmth

I couldn’t explain.

A month after his homecoming, we decided to host a small gathering to celebrate his recovery. I hung a few simple decorations while Derek arranged snacks on platters, waving away my offers to help.

“My parents sent a gift but won’t be attending, Derek mentioned casually as he adjusted a bowl of chips. Probably for the best.”

I noted the subtle shift in his tone whenever he mentioned his family, a mixture of resignation and something I couldn’t quite identify.

Daniel and his girlfriend Melissa arrived first, bearing a bottle of wine and genuine smiles. Daniel embraced Derek carefully, patting his back with obvious relief.

After everyone had gone, I helped Derek upstairs, though he insisted on climbing the steps himself, one at a time.

“That was nice,” I said as we settled into bed. “Daniel and Melissa’s news was unexpected.”

Derek nodded, his expression thoughtful. “It got me thinking about timing.”

“Timing?”

He turned to face me, taking my hand in his. I’m grateful for them, for all our friends,” he said. “But mostly, I’m thinking about us,

Eleanor. His voice deepened. I think we should start planning some things too, don’t you?”

My heart quickened at his words, but before I could respond, he squeezed my hand, his eyes filled with promise, leaving me wondering what exactly he had in mind for our future.