The CEO’s Unspoken Love (Eleanor and Derek) novel Chapter 47

Chapter 47

Eleanor POV

A few days later, Catherine called. I was arranging white lilies for a corporate client when my phone lit up with her name, sending a

chill through me despite the warm shop.

“Eleanor,” her crisp voice commanded immediate attention. “I expect you to attend Hamilton’s funeral on Saturday morning.”

Mr. Hamilton had been a longtime friend of the Wells family, an elderly gentleman who’d known Jonathan Wells/since their Harvard

days. I’d met him exactly twice.

“Of course,” I replied, quickly checking my calendar. “What time?”

“Ten in the morning at St. Thomas Church, Catherine said. “Wear black, obviously.”

I nodded, though she couldn’t see me. “I’ll be there.”

“Good. The Wells family will be seated together in the front rows.” Her tone made it clear this was not a request but an expectation.

“Jonathan and I expect punctuality.”

‘I understand, Catherine. I’ll be on time.”

Her momentary silence conveyed volumes of disapproval, as if my mere promise to be punctual somehow disappointed her. “See that

you are, she said before hanging up.

Saturday morning arrived with dreary skies matching the occasion. I was dressed in my black outfit and ready to leave for the funeral when Rachel burst through the door, panic etched across her face.

“Eleanor! The mayor’s office just called. They need emergency arrangements for tonight’s charity gala-their regular florist

canceled!”

I glanced at the clock-9:40. “When do they need them?”

“Their assistant is coming in an hour, Rachel said, biting her lip. “I know you have the funeral, but it’s the mayor…”

I nodded, quickly shifting to professional mode. “Tell Mia to prepare white roses and blue hydrangeas. I’ll handle the main design.”

We worked frantically, fingers flying through ribbons and stems. When the mayor’s assistant arrived, I barely had time to thank them before rushing to the employee bathroom to check my appearance. I hailed a cab outside, my heart racing as I watched the

minutes tick by.

St. Thomas Church, please. As quickly as possible.

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12:00 Sat, Jun 27

Chapter 47

When I pushed open the heavy wooden doors of the church, the eulogist was already speaking. I tried to slip in quietly, but heads

turned as my heels clicked against the stone floor. The congregation was a sea of black clothing and solemn expressions, Catherine,

seated in the front row, twisted around, her glare unmistakable even from a distance.

I scanned the crowd, spotting a familiar tall figure with broad shoulders several rows ahead. Relieved to find Derek, quickly made

my way over and slid into the empty space beside him.

Only when I sat down did I realize my mistake. It wasn’t Derek at all.

“Eleanor, Alexander whispered, shifting slightly to give me more room.

Mortification washed over me. I’d mistaken my brother-in-law for my husband. While Alexander shared Derek’s height, his features were softer, his eyes warmer, lacking Derek’s sharp intensity. More heads turned our way, and Catherine’s glare intensified.

“I’m sorry, I thought-” I whispered.

Alexander gave me a gentle smile. “Don’t worry, we’re all family here.” He moved his coat to make more space for me, a small act of

kindness that only heightened my embarrassment.

My gaze continued searching and finally found Derek seated in a back row, his expression impassive. What made my heart stutter was the woman beside him-Seraphina Bradley in an elegant black dress that somehow looked more appropriate than mine, her

posture relaxed yet dignified.

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When she noticed me looking, Seraphina offered a small smile. “Good to see you, Eleanor,” she said softly, her tone friendly yet

tinged with superiority. There was no hostility in her eyes, only the benevolent tolerance one might show to a harmless creature.

I nodded stiffly and turned back around, trying to focus on the service while my mind raced with implications. Derek had brought

Seraphina back to Boston with him. Were they…?

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Beverley Linda van Wyk

Ouch that’s not nice

2 days ago

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The CEO’s Unspoken Love