The CEO’s Unspoken Love (Eleanor and Derek) novel Chapter 51

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The CEO’s Unspoken Love

Chapter 51

Olivia rolled her eyes dramatically. “Don’t even start. Found him active on Tinder last week. His Armani suit is currently floating

somewhere in the Charles River.”

“You’re so dramatic,” I said, shaking my head.

“Speaking of dramatic relationships…” She glanced at me. “You really decided? Three years and just… over?”

I stared out the window, watching Boston’s familiar landscape slide by. “This marriage was a transaction from the beginning.”

Olivia’s hand found mine again. “You know I’m in your corner, whatever you decide.”

“Sometimes I wonder what would have happened if I’d refused the arrangement,” I said quietly.

I’ve never lost a bet, Eleanor,” Olivia said with false bravado. “I called it from day one that narcissist would break your heart. Too

bad you didn’t take that bet.”

She turned up the volume on her playlist, and the opening notes of “Cold Love” filled the car. I smiled sadly at the lyrics about passion cooling to indifference. It felt like they were written about Derek and me-fiery at first, then slowly cooling until all that

remained was ice.

Just as I was about to comment on the song, my phone rang. The name on the screen made my stomach tighten: Seraphina Bradley.

“Eleanor, darling,” her honeyed voice came through the speaker. ‘I’m hosting a little welcome-back gathering tonight at the lakehouse. Derek mentioned you were taking the day off, so I hoped you might join us?”/

I felt my mouth go dry. Before I could respond, Olivia snatched the phone from my hand.

Seraphina! We’d be absolutely delighted, she gushed with exaggerated enthusiasm. “What time should we arrive?”

After ending the call, Olivia tossed my phone back to me with a triumphant look. “What?” she said, catching my expression. “That woman needs to know she can’t just dismiss you.”

“Derek probably doesn’t want me there,” I said hesitantly.

“That’s exactly why we’re going,” Olivia’s tone was firm. “I won’t let that woman or anyone else look down on you. Besides, if he really didn’t want you there, he would have told Seraphina you were busy when she asked him about your schedule.”

She shot me a knowing look. “Trust me, I understand men. They love watching women fight over them.”

Olivia reached over and squeezed my hand. “If anyone causes trouble, I’ll handle it. No one in Boston is better at pulling hair than

I laughed despite myself, grateful for her loyalty. As we continued toward our destination, anxiety coiled in my stomach. Tonight

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Chapter 51

would either be a disaster or a revelation-possibly both.

We arrived at the lakehouse just after sunset. The sprawling property was illuminated with string lights, cars of the wealthy and connected lining the circular driveway. Music and laughter spilled from the open doors.

As we walked up the path, I spotted Melissa Warner, Daniel’s girlfriend, who seemed surprised to see me.

“Eleanor! I didn’t expect… I mean, it’s lovely to see you,” she fumbled, eyes darting nervously toward the house.

“Is something wrong?” I asked.

“No, of course not, she replied too quickly. “I just thought… well, with Derek…” She trailed off awkwardly.

From inside, I heard Thomas Stone asking loudly, “Where’d Derek and Seraphina disappear to?”

Someone laughed and replied, “Upstairs, I think. Getting reacquainted.”

Melissa touched my arm. “Eleanor, maybe tonight isn’t the best-

“There you are!” Olivia interrupted, slipping her arm through mine. Her eyes were blazing with protective fury. “I’m going upstairs to

find your husband.

Before I could stop her, Thomas emerged onto the terrace. His eyebrows shot up when he saw me, and he quickly looked behind

him.

Then, like a scene from a movie I didn’t want to be in, Derek and Seraphina appeared at the top of the staircase. They descended

one after another, all eyes in the room turning to watch.

I stood frozen, unable to breathe as they approached.

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14:06 Thu, Jul 2 MAA

The CEO’s Unspoken Love