The CEO’s Unspoken Love (Eleanor and Derek) novel Chapter 25

Chapter 25

Eleanor POV

The brisk morning air cleared my head somewhat as I walked quickly toward Newbury Street. The sidewalks were already bustling with commuters and early shoppers, the city awakening to another day. By the time I reached Four Seasons Florals, I was only one minute late-a small victory.

“Morning, Eleanor, called Rachel, the early shift florist, already busy conditioning a new shipment of roses. “The delivery from Holland just arrived. Those peonies you ordered are gorgeous.”

“Good morning,” I replied, hanging up my coat and immediately immersing myself in work. The familiar routine of checking inventory, arranging flowers, and reviewing the day’s orders provided a welcome distraction from the chaotic thoughts swirling in my mind.

As I arranged a bouquet of calla lilies, my mind kept replaying the morning’s mortifying encounter. Derek’s casual attitude about finding me sprawled across him, that knowing smirk when I accidentally touched him-it was all so unlike him. The Derek I knew would have been cold, perhaps even angry at the invasion of his personal space. He certainly wouldn’t have joked about it or

admitted he didn’t mind.”

During our marriage, especially those first six months before he left for London, physical contact between us had been rare and usually initiated by me. He had never shown this playful, teasing side. It was almost as if I was dealing with a different person.

Maybe it was just the lingering effects of alcohol, or perhaps being back in Boston had somehow changed him. Whatever the reason, I couldn’t afford to read too much into it. After all, our marriage had always had an expiration date.

Around ten, my phone rang. Olivia’s name flashed on the screen, and I briefly considered ignoring it. But she would only call back, probably with increasing concern each time.

‘Hello?”

“You’re alive!” Olivia’s voice was unnecessarily loud in my tender ear. “So, how was your night with Mr. Iceberg? Did he defrost a little after carrying you out like some romance novel hero?”

I moved to the back office for privacy. “He just… took me home.”

“And?” Olivia pressed. “You’re being suspiciously vague, which means something happened. Spill it, El.

“Nothing happened, I insisted, though my burning cheeks contradicted my words. “He brought me home, I went to sleep, end of story.”

“Hmm. I could practically hear her disbelief. “Then why do you sound like you’re giving testimony under oath? Come on, what aren’t you telling me?”

I sighed, leaning against the wall. “This morning was… awkward. I woke up on top of him, and he said I said things last night.

27

|||

O

1/3

11:56 Sat, Jun 27

Chapter 25

B

Michael looked uncomfortable. ‘Mr. Wells was quite insistent, Mrs. Wells. He said to tell you the Stones specifically requested your

presence.

I appreciate that, but I really can’t tonight. Please take me to Beacon Hill instead.”

After a moment’s hesitation, Michael nodded, and I slid into the back seat, grateful for his discretion. The car moved smoothly through evening traffic, and I leaned back, closing my eyes. I knew there would be consequences for defying Derek’s social plans. but tonight, I couldn’t summon the energy to care.

When we arrived home, I thanked Michael and went inside. The house was quiet, though I knew Mrs. Hughes was somewhere around, likely preparing for dinner. I took my time washing my hands and changing into comfortable clothes before heading to my small greenhouse room at the back of the apartment. This space, filled with my personal collection of rare plants, was my sanctuary

I was carefully repotting a temperamental orchid when Mrs. Hughes knocked on the door.

“Mrs. Wells? Mr. Wells has returned and is requesting your presence immediately in the living room.”

My hands stilled on the delicate roots. “Did he say why?”

“No, ma’am. But he seemed…” she hesitated, choosing her words carefully, “rather determined.”

I wiped my hands on a towel, resignation settling over me like a heavy cloak. “Thank you, Mrs. Hughes. Please tell him I’ll be right

there.”

Comments

10

Write Comments

<SHARE

27

O

3/3

The CEO’s Unspoken Love