The CEO’s Unspoken Love (Eleanor and Derek) novel Chapter 222

Chapter 222

Blue Mountain Preserve welcomed us with its familiar tranquility. I shouldered the heavier packs despite Eleanor’s protests, and we began the hike to my chosen spot-a secluded clearing with a spectacular view of the valley below.

“That hemlock is magnificent, Eleanor said, pausing to examine a particularly impressive tree. Her botanical knowledge, once applied to her floral arrangements, now emerged in casual observations that reminded me of the passion she still carried. “And look

at the trillium-they’re nearly done blooming for the season.”

I loved watching her this way-fully engaged with the world around her, pointing out details I would have missed entirely. The animation in her face, the way her eyes lit up with discovery, the gentle touch of her fingers on a leaf or petal-it was a side of Eleanor that belonged only to the natural world and, by extension, to me as her witness. It was one of countless things I’d failed to

appreciate during our first marriage.

“It’s beautiful, Eleanor breathed when we finally reached the clearing, taking in the panoramic vista.

“Worth the hike?” I asked, setting down our gear and watching as she turned slowly, absorbing the view. Her cheeks were flushed from the exertion, tendrils of hair clinging to her neck, eyes bright with excitement-and I thought, not for the first time, that I had

never seen anything so lovely.

“Absolutely.” She turned to me, her eyes reflecting the endless blue sky. “Thank you for bringing me here.”

We worked together to set up camp, our movements complementary and efficient. The teamwork we’d developed during my recovery translated seamlessly to this new challenge. I noticed how she anticipated my needs before I voiced them, how I instinctively adjusted my movements to complement hers. We had become attuned to each other in ways that went beyond words.

It’s incredible, she whispered. You can see so many more stars here than in the city.”

I nodded, suddenly finding it difficult to speak. My heart hammered against my ribs as I reached for her hand. This was the moment

I’d been planning for weeks-the perfect setting, the woman I loved beside me, the ring waiting in my pocket.

Taking a deep breath, I turned to face Eleanor, my mind filled with every memory we’d shared since childhood, every moment that had led us here. The starlight reflected in her eyes, making them sparkle with the same brilliance as the diamond I was about to offer her. I knew, with absolute certainty, that this would be a night to remember-the beginning of everything we were meant to be.