The CEO’s Unspoken Love (Eleanor and Derek) novel Chapter 57

Chapter 57

Derek POV

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The night air was cool as I stepped outside, scanning the darkened garden. I spotted them heading toward the small pavilion at the

edge of the property. Moving quietly, I positioned myself close enough to hear their conversation.

What would you do if you weren’t married?” James asked. “If you had complete freedom?”

I held my breath, waiting for Eleanor’s answer.

“I’d travel,” she said after a moment’s hesitation. Not just vacations, but really experiencing different places. I’d expand my business

beyond Boston.”

“And personally?” James prompted.

Eleanor’s laugh was soft, almost sad. I’d find someone who sees me. Really sees me. Someone who wants me for myself, not for

what I represent or what I can do for them.”

Each word felt like a needle piercing my skin. I’d never asked Eleanor about her dreams or aspirations. In three years of marriage,

I’d never questioned what she wanted beyond our arrangement.

“I think I see you, Eleanor,” James said, his voice dropping to an intimate murmur.

That was enough. I stepped out of the shadows, affecting a casual stance. “What an intimate scene,” I said, my voice deceptively

calm despite the anger coursing through me.

James stepped back slightly, but maintained his composure. “Mr. Wells, I presume?”

“Derek,” Eleanor said, feigning surprise though her eyes revealed she’d half-expected my intrusion. “We were just getting some air.

“I can see that,” I replied, keeping my voice deliberately even. “Seraphina is looking for you, Mr. Fort. Something about a potential

investment opportunity.”

James looked between us, understanding the dismissal for what it was. Of course,” he said, turning to Eleanor with a small smile. “It

was a pleasure, Eleanor. Perhaps we’ll continue our conversation another time.”

“Perhaps,” she agreed, meeting his eyes briefly before he walked away, leaving us alone in the moonlit pavilion.

The air between us crackled with tension as we faced each other, neither speaking for several long moments.

“What exactly are you playing at?” I finally asked, my voice low and dangerous as I took a step toward her.

‘I don’t know what you mean,” she replied, holding her ground. “I was simply enjoying a conversation.”

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Chapter 57

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“With your hand on his arm and your lips at his ear?” My eyes narrowed. “Don’t insult my intelligence, Eleanor.”

“I was merely following your example,” she countered, her voice steady despite the tension between us. “You and Seraphina seemed

to be having quite an intimate conversation yourselves.”

I moved closer, eliminating the space between us. “So this is revenge? Making me jealous?”

“Is it working?” she asked, her boldness catching me off guard.

My eyes darkened. “You’re playing a dangerous game.”

“At least you’ve noticed me,” she said quietly, a truth slipping out that seemed to surprise even her. “Isn’t that the point of game?

To capture attention?”

Something shifted inside me-anger mixed with reluctant admiration, and perhaps something deeper I wasn’t ready to acknowledge.

“You have my attention,” I said, my voice dropping to a near whisper. “You’ve always had it.”

She shook her head, refusing to be swayed. “Not enough to stop you from running to Seraphina the moment she returned.”

“You know nothing about my relationship with Seraphina,” I said, frustration evident in my tone.

“I know enough, she replied. “I know you ve been seeing her since you returned to Boston. I know you flew her on your private jet. I

know-

“You know what people have told you, I interrupted, grabbing her wrist as she turned to leave. “But you don’t know me.”

My touch sent electricity through me, and I wondered if she felt it too. “You’re right,” she agreed, looking directly into my eyes.

“Because you’ve never let me know you.”

My grip tightened slightly. “You know I don’t like other men touching what belongs to me.”

Comments

Beverley Linda van Wyk

1 Comments >

I agree on the repeats it’s annoying what he said weekday she said same same get on with the story… Becoming long winded…. Making the story longer……

7 days ago

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The CEO’s Unspoken Love