The CEO’s Unspoken Love (Eleanor and Derek) novel Chapter 41

Chapter 41

What was happening to me? In the two and a half years Derek had been in London, I had never once indulged in fantasies about

him. I had trained myself to think of him clinically, distantly-as the man who would soon be my ex-husband, nothing more.

“Why am I doing this now?” I whispered to the empty room. “He’s been back less than two weeks, and I’m already… couldn’t finish

the thought, too embarrassed by my own imagination.

I buried my face in my pillow, mortified by my body’s betrayal yet undeniably excited by the lingering sensations. The knowledge

that Derek would be horrified if he knew only made it more shameful-and somehow more thrilling.

Morning brought no relief. I checked my phone immediately upon waking, but there were still no messages from Derek. I moved

through my morning routine mechanically-shower, coffee, feeding Sunny, selecting clothes.

I paused before my jewelry box, fingers hovering over the silver star pendant Derek had given me. I should choose something else.

Something that didn’t remind me of him. But after a moment’s hesitation, I fastened it around my neck anyway, the familiar weight

settling against my skin like a secret.

At the flower shop, I moved through the day in a fog, my thoughts constantly circling back to Derek and the look on his face when

he’d left. I arranged bouquets, helped customers, and checked inventory without really seeing any of it.

“Eleanor?” Rachel’s voice broke through my distraction. “Are you okay? You just put white roses in Mrs. Pembrook’s red flower

arrangement.”

“Oh! I quickly removed the misplaced flowers.

Rachel gave me a curious look but didn’t press.

Throughout the day, I kept checking my phone, sending another text in the afternoon: [I know you’re angry, but please give me a

chance to explain.]

Still nothing.

By the time I returned home that evening, I was exhausted from the emotional strain of waiting for a response that never came. The

apartment smelled wonderful, though, and I followed the aroma to find Mrs. Hughes in the kitchen, surrounded by steam and

delicious scents.

“Good evening, Mrs. Wells, she greeted me with a warm smile. “Dinner will be ready in about twenty minutes.”

I peered at the multiple pots and pans on the stove, the oven light revealing what looked like roasting vegetables. This seems like…

a lot for just me.”

I’ve prepared Mr. Wells’ favorites,” she explained. “Red wine braised beef and seared salmon with dill sauce.”

My stomach tightened. “Red wine braised beef?”

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Chapter 41

“Yes, and those little roasted potatoes he likes, with rosemary and garlic.”

I swallowed hard, suddenly realizing I’d forgotten to tell her that Derek might not be coming home. Mrs. Hughes, I’m not sure if Mr. Wells will be joining us for dinner tonight.”

She turned to me, confusion evident on her face. “He hasn’t called to say otherwise.”

“No, he hasn’t,” I agreed softly. “I don’t know if he’ll be back or not. He didn’t say…”

I didn’t have the heart to tell her that Derek and I had argued, or that I’d spent the entire day wondering where he was and if he would ever speak to me again. Instead, I retreated to my room to change, hoping to compose myself for a bit.

When I returned to the dining room, the table was set beautifully for two, with candles and the good china.

*Thank you, Mrs. Hughes,” I said as she placed the final dish on the table. “It all looks wonderful.”

“Will you be waiting for Mr. Wells before you start?” she asked.

I shook my head. “No, I’ll go ahead. I’m not sure when he’ll be home.”

After she left, I sat alone at the large table, feeling smaller than usual in the cavernous dining room. I picked up my fork and knife,

cutting into the perfectly braised beef. I had just raised the first bite to my lips when I heard the front door open.

I froze, fork suspended halfway to my mouth, my eyes darting to the dining room entrance. Derek appeared in the doorway, still in

his work suit, looking tired and tense. His eyes met mine, and something electric passed between us.

The fork slipped from my fingers, clattering against the fine china plate with a sound that seemed to shatter the silence. I stared at

him, utterly unprepared for this moment despite having spent all day imagining it.

‘Derek, I breathed, my voice barely audible.

He stood perfectly still, his expression unreadable, and I had no idea what would happen next.

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im not understanding why she feels guilty. This guy abandoned her for 2 years, then she hears he’s been in constant communication with his ex in the those 2 years, when he … More.

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The CEO’s Unspoken Love