The CEO’s Unspoken Love (Eleanor and Derek) novel Chapter 48

Chapter 48

After the service, Catherine intercepted me before I could escape.

“A word,” she said, guiding me to a quiet corner with a firm grip on my elbow. Once we were alone, she didn’t bother tempering her

voice. “Do you have any idea how inappropriate your behavior was today?”

I stood silently, knowing any explanation would only fuel her anger.

“You were late, sat in the wrong place, and couldn’t even recognize your own husband. Her words were precisely aimed daggers.

“You’ve embarrassed the entire Wells family.”

“I apologize, Catherine. The flower shop had an emergency with the mayor’s office-

*Remember your priorities, Eleanor. When you married into this family, you took on certain responsibilities.” She paused, her expression calculating. “Though I suppose those responsibilities will soon be coming to an end.”

Her reference to my impending divorce felt like a slap. Before I could respond, she walked away, leaving me alone with my shame.

Outside the church, I discovered Derek had already left-without me, of course. I stood on the sidewalk, struggling to hail a cab in

this residential area with little traffic.

‘Need a ride?’

I turned to find Alexander standing behind me, his expression kind.

“No, thank you. I’m waiting for Derek,” I lied, though I knew perfectly well Derek was gone.

Alexander’s eyes told me he knew the truth, but he didn’t call me out. “Cabs rarely come through this area, especially at this hour,

he said gently. “Let me drive you.”

His offer was firm but not pushy. I noticed something flicker in his eyes-an emotion I couldn’t quite read-before it disappeared

behind his usual composed expression. Eventually, I nodded and followed him to his car, deliberately choosing the back seat.

In the car, I scrolled through my phone, and a social media notification caught my eye-Seraphina had posted a new photo captioned “Touchdown. The background was unmistakable: Derek’s private jet.

I’d suspected as much, but seeing confirmation still stung though I had told myself not to care.

Alexander caught my expression in the rearview mirror and tactfully turned up the music, giving me privacy with my thoughts.

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Chapter 48

As we approached Beacon Hill, my phone rang-the flower shop.

“Eleanor, I’m so sorry to bother you. Mrs. Miller just called. She needs a special arrangement for tomorrow morning’s breakfast

meeting and insists only you can do it justice.”

Mrs. Miller was one of our most influential clients, whose recommendations had brought in half our high-end customers.

“Could you take me to the shop instead?” I asked Alexander.

Without hesitation, he changed direction. “Your work is important. I understand.”

The simple acknowledgment warmed something in me. Compared to Derek’s coldness, Alexander’s consideration felt precious. I

gazed out at the passing streetlights, thinking, “Soon we won’t be family at all. The thought brought both relief and an inexplicable

sense of loss.

When we arrived at the shop, Alexander said softly, “If you need anything-anything at all-please don’t hesitate to call. His tone

was sincere but respectful of boundaries.

When I finally returned home well after midnight, I found the living room lights on. Derek sat in an armchair, swirling amber liquid

in a crystal tumbler, his eyes fixed on the grandfather clock.

‘Finally remembered where you live,” he said, his voice dangerously quiet.

I had an emergency order at the shop,” I replied, removing my coat.

“With my brother’s company?” Derek’s eyes narrowed. “You seemed quite comfortable sitting beside him today.”

Anger flared within me. “I mistook him for you. It was an honest mistake.”

Derek’s lips curled into a cold smile. “An honest mistake? You sat beside him, accepted his kindness, let him drive you home… How

long did this ‘mistake’ last exactly?” His eyes darkened. “Did you follow him all the way to his bed before realizing he wasn’t me?”

Comments

Beverley Linda van Wyk

Ouch that’s not nice

2 days ago

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The CEO’s Unspoken Love