The CEO’s Unspoken Love (Eleanor and Derek) novel Chapter 53

Chapter 53

Eleanor POV

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“I’m fine,” I assured Olivia with a stiff nod, though the truth was quite the opposite. The realization that had settled like ice in my

stomach made it difficult to breathe, let alone speak.

“You don’t look fine,” she persisted, following my gaze across the room.

I moved away from the crowded center of the party, finding refuge in a quiet corner with a half-empty champagne flute dangling from my fingers. From this vantage point, I could see Derek through the glass doors leading to the terrace. He stood alone, phone pressed to his ear, his profile sharp against the night sky. Seraphina lingered nearby, not quite beside him but within his orbit.

When he finished his call and looked up, their eyes met through the glass. The smile they exchanged-brief but loaded with

familiarity-spoke volumes about their shared history.

My chest tightened. They didn’t need words; a glance was enough. Two beautiful people from the same world, with the same values

and expectations. I was the outsider, the temporary placeholder in Derek’s life.

A strange calm settled over me as I observed this silent exchange. For three years I’d carried the moral burden of our marriage, constantly worrying about being a good wife despite knowing it was temporary. I’d respected boundaries that Derek himself seemed to ignore. I’d been faithful to a contract while he’d been keeping his options open with Seraphina.

Why was I the only one playing by the rules?

“Excuse me,” a masculine voice interrupted my thoughts. I turned to find the same man who had asked me to dance earlier. Handsome, with kind eyes and an easy smile. “I believe I was rather rudely interrupted before.”

Olivia shifted closer to me, protective as always. Maybe another-

“It’s fine, Liv,” I said, surprising both of them. “Go enjoy yourself. I’ll be okay.”

She hesitated, eyeing the man suspiciously.

‘I promise not to whisk her away,” he said with a charming smile. James Fort, partner at Cornerstone Capital.” He extended his

hand.

“Eleanor Wells,” I replied, deliberately using my married name as I shook his hand. “It’s a pleasure.”

Olivia gave me a questioning look, but I nodded reassuringly. She reluctantly moved away.

“Mrs. Wells, James said, testing the name. I’d hoped you might be unattached.

“I’m afraid not,” I replied, though I couldn’t help wondering what it might be like if I were.

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“Your perfume is exquisite, he commented, leaning in slightly. “What is it?”

I smiled, appreciating his directness. “Amouage Reflection,” I answered. “It’s my favorite.”

“I can see why,” James murmured, his eyes appreciative but not crude. “It suits you perfectly.”

Our conversation flowed easily. James was intelligent and witty, genuinely interested in my responses. For the first time in ages, I

felt seen-not as Derek Wells wife or the owner of Four Seasons Florals, but simply as Eleanor.

“Are you here alone?” I asked, finding myself genuinely curious about him.

“Very much so, he replied. “And grateful for it now. I’d much rather be speaking with you than anyone else here.”

“Even though I’m married?” I raised an eyebrow.

James’s smile turned contemplative. “Sometimes I think marriages are just like the financial portfolios I manage-some are solid

investments, others are merely… convenient arrangements. His eyes met mine with unexpected perception. “Yours strikes me as the

latter.”

The accuracy of his observation left me momentarily speechless. Most people saw only the perfect Wells family façade. I took a slow

sip of champagne, buying time to compose myself.

“What gives you that impression? I finally asked, not denying his assessment.

“The way you carry yourself-like someone used to standing alone even in a crowded room. His voice dropped lower. “And the fact

that your husband is across the terrace exchanging meaningful glances with another woman while you’re here.”

I placed my hand lightly on his forearm, surprised by my own boldness. “You’re very observant for someone I just met.”

I observe value where others might miss it,” he replied, his eyes never leaving mine. “So tell me, Eleanor, what’s keeping you in a

marriage that clearly doesn’t fulfill you? The Wells name? Financial security?”

The directness of his question should have offended me, but instead, I found it refreshing after years of polite fictions. “What makes

you think I have a choice?”

“Everyone has choices,” he said simply. “Some are just harder than others.”

“It’s rather warm in here,” I said after a moment. “Would you like to get some air? The lakeside garden is supposed to be beautiful at

night.”

James looked surprised but pleased. “I’d like that very much, Eleanor.”

The night air was cool against my heated skin as we stepped onto the stone path leading toward the lake. The garden was illuminated by tasteful landscape lighting, creating pools of golden light among the shadows. The moon reflected off the still water,

creating a scene straight from a painting.

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“It’s beautiful,” I murmured, genuinely appreciating the view.

“It is, James agreed, though his eyes were on me rather than the scenery. “I’ve been meaning to visit your flower shop, actually. Four Seasons Florals, isn’t it? I’ve heard wonderful things.”

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I looked at him with surprise. “You know my shop?”

“I make it a point to know interesting things about interesting people,” he said smoothly, his hand coming to rest at the small of my

back as we walked. The touch was warm through the thin fabric of my dress, not unwelcome but unfamiliar after so long without

genuine human contact.

We paused by the lake’s edge, where a small pavilion offered a perfect view of the water.

“What would you do if you were free?” he asked suddenly.

The question caught me off guard. “Free?”

“From your arrangement, he clarified. “If tomorrow you woke up with no obligations, no expectations. What would Eleanor-just

Eleanor-want?”

I gazed out at the water, considering his question. No one had asked me that in years. “I’d travel,” I said finally. “See places where

no one knows the Wells name. I’d expand my business, maybe open shops in different cities. I’d…” I hesitated, then added softly, “I’d

learn what it feels like to be truly chosen by someone.”

James’s hand moved slightly higher on my back, a subtle but definite escalation of intimacy. “I’d choose you,” he said simply.

My breath caught. “You don’t know me.”

I know enough to want to know more, he replied. “And isn’t that how it starts? Not with certainty, but with curiosity.”

His nearness sent a flutter through my stomach. For a moment, I considered what it might be like to lean into him, to feel wanted

and desired again. To be someone other than Derek Wells’ convenient wife.

“Would you like to find out where that curiosity might lead?” he asked, his intention clear in his eyes. “Not tonight, not here. But

perhaps dinner, somewhere away from all this pretense?

I felt my breath catch. The offer was tempting-more than tempting. A chance to be myself, to be wanted for who I was rather than

what I represented.

Just then, a voice echoed.

“What an intimate scene.”

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