The CEO’s Unspoken Love (Eleanor and Derek) novel Chapter 219

Chapter 219

Derek POV

I stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows of my Frontier Capital office, watching Boston’s early summer unfold below. The mid-June sun bathed the city in a warm glow that wasn’t yet oppressive, lending the urban landscape a vibrant energy that matched my own mood. Three months ago, I couldn’t have imagined standing here unaided, let alone planning what I was about to do.

My recovery had progressed faster than the doctors predicted-from wheelchair to crutches to walking unassisted The physical therapy had been grueling, but Eleanor’s unwavering support made even the most challenging days bearable. I flexed my hand, still marveling at the complete return of muscle control. The human body’s resilience never ceased to amaze me.

When I first returned to the office two weeks ago, my colleagues had stared as if seeing a ghost. My staff had lined the hallway, applauding as I walked-yes, walked-to my office. It was theatrical and unnecessary, but I’d be lying if I said it didn’t move me.

My father had visited the day after, ostensibly to discuss business but really to observe my recovery firsthand. I caught the momentary flash of relief in his eyes before his usual stoic expression returned. “You’ve exceeded expectations, he’d said.

My mother had been less restrained when she visited our home the previous weekend, actually embracing me with genuine warmth -something I couldn’t remember her doing since I was a child. She’d even complimented Eleanor’s taste in home decor, a small miracle that hadn’t gone unnoticed.

Alexander had perhaps been the most surprising. My brother, usually so composed, had shown up at physical therapy sessions unannounced, silently watching me struggle through exercises before offering measured encouragement. “You’re stronger than I thought, he’d admitted last week over drinks.

Coming from him, it was high praise indeed. More telling was how his eyes followed Eleanor whenever she entered a room, a mixture of respect and something deeper I couldn’t quite define. He’d never admitted his feelings for her, but I wasn’t blind to them.

Yet rather than resent me, he’d become my strongest ally in my recovery.

My fingers unconsciously found their way to the small velvet box in my jacket pocket. I’d spent weeks selecting the perfect engagement ring-a platinum band with a single, flawless diamond that captured Eleanor’s understated elegance. Alexander had accompanied me to the jeweler’s, offering surprisingly thoughtful insights about Eleanor’s taste. “She notices details others miss,” he’d said quietly. “Choose something with character, not just value.” This time, I wouldn’t be asking her to marry me out of family obligation or convenience. This time, I was choosing her, fully and completely.

After Alan left, I sent Eleanor a quick text: [Want to take you camping at Blue Mountain. Just us. Saturday? Need to see the stars.]

Her response came moments later: [Sounds perfect. Should I be suspicious of this sudden outdoor enthusiasm?}

I grinned at my phone. [Just celebrating full recovery. No ulterior motives whatsoever.]

Thirty minutes later, I pulled up outside Cornerstone Books, the charming independent bookstore where Eleanor had found work after selling Four Seasons Florals. Through the window, I watched her arrange books on a display table, her movements graceful and focused. Her hair was pulled back in a loose bun, with a few wayward strands framing her face like a renaissance painting.

The afternoon light caught in those loose tendrils, turning them to spun gold against her porcelain skin. The elegant curve of her neck, exposed by the simple updo, made my breath catch-a reaction that hadn’t diminished since the first time I truly allowed myself to see her.