The CEO’s Unspoken Love (Eleanor and Derek) novel Chapter 69

Chapter 69

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Derek sighed, running a hand through his tousled hair as he leaned back against the headboard. The morning light cast shadows

across his face, highlighting the sharp angles of his jaw and cheekbones. With his arms crossed behind his head, he looked both

relaxed and guarded.

“What do you want me to say, Eleanor?” His voice was low, his expression serious.

“The truth,” I replied simply. “Whatever that is.”

A heavy silence stretched between us. I watched him swallow, his throat working as he seemed to weigh his words carefully.

“No,” he finally said, “I’m not ignoring it.”

I held my breath, waiting for him to continue.

“What you said last night-whether you were fully sober or not-I heard it.” Derek’s eyes met mine, unflinching. “And you’re right. There is something between us. Some kind of… chemistry. It’s strong. But I don’t know what it is exactly.”

My heart skipped at his admission, though it was hardly the declaration of love I’d secretly hoped for.

“I want to find a way for us to be comfortable,” he continued. “For both of us. This doesn’t have to be so painful.”

I noted the careful way he phrased it-comfortable, not happy. Not in love. My fingers twisted the sheet between them.

“I’m not as clear about what I want as you might think, Derek admitted, surprising me. I thought I knew, but lately…” He trailed

off, seeming unsure how to finish the thought.

“Thank you,” he added after a pause, for being honest with me last night. It’s made me… reconsider some things.”

I nodded slowly, absorbing his words. There was sincerity in his voice, but also distance-as if he was acknowledging our connection

while simultaneously holding it at arm’s length.

“I want that too,” I said softly. A way for us to be comfortable. I took a deep breath before adding, “Even after the divorce, maybe

we could be friends.”

I watched his face carefully as I said the word “divorce,” looking for any flicker of emotion-resistance, relief, anything. But Derek’s

expression remained calm, his eyes steady.

“Friends, he repeated, nodding slightly. “That would be the best outcome, I think.”

The words sank into me like stones in water. I felt something within me grow heavy and sink. He hadn’t objected to the mention of

divorce. He’d agreed, without hesitation, that friendship was the best we could hope for.

Yes, I managed to say, proud that my voice didn’t waver. “The best outcome.”

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Chapter 69

I slid from the bed, wrapping my robe around me, suddenly aware of how exposed I felt. Not physically-emotionally. I’d hoped,” foolishly perhaps, that last night had changed something fundamental between us. That Derek might have discovered feelings for

me that went beyond physical attraction.

But his response was clear. Whatever was happening between us-this chemistry, as he called it-wasn’t love. It wasn’t enough to

change the course we were on.

I think I’ll take a shower,” I said, needing a moment alone to compose myself.

As I walked to the bathroom, I began mentally listing the things I would need to do once our marriage ended. First on my list was

reclaiming my parents’ old house in Newton-the Victorian-style home where I’d grown up, filled with memories of them. After the

divorce, I would move back there, find my roots again.

“Let things happen naturally,” I told myself as I turned on the shower. “Learn to be graceful about it.”

The hot water couldn’t wash away the hollowness in my chest, but it did clear my mind. If Derek didn’t love me–had never loved

me-then holding on would only prolong the pain. It was time to start building a life without him.

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The CEO’s Unspoken Love