The CEO’s Unspoken Love (Eleanor and Derek) novel Chapter 84

Chapter 84

Eleanor POV

Margaret’s coughing subsided momentarily as she sipped the water I had handed her, Derek’s hand still resting protectively on her back. Our eyes had met briefly in that moment of shared concern, a rare instance of unspoken understanding between us. But the

reprieve was short-lived.

“Are you feeling better now?” I asked gently, still hovering close to her chair.

She attempted to smile, but another wave of coughing overtook her, this time more violent than before. The water glass trembled in her hand, and Derek quickly took it before it could spill. The momentary unity Derek and I had shown moments ago strengthened as

we both continued to attend to her.

“I can’t go on, Margaret said, her voice barely above a whisper. I can’t even manage a few mouthfuls of food. I don’t know how

many days I have left.”

Her words made my heart ache. “Please don’t say that,” I said softly, reaching for her hand, my vision blurring slightly. “Let’s eat

slowly. I’ll get you some fish soup, okay?”

Jonathan leaned forward, his usually stern face showing genuine concern. ‘Mother, don’t talk like that. Your health is better than all of ours. The Boston Symphony Orchestra’s new season is starting soon-you’ve been looking forward to it all year.”

Catherine, who rarely showed me anything but cold indifference, nodded in agreement. “Yes. You need to be here to watch the next generation of our family grow up.” Her eyes briefly flickered to me before returning to Margaret, and I wondered if she was thinking

about the grandchildren I would never give her son.

Alexander’s voice was gentle as he added, “Grandmother, you’re just tired. The doctor said you’re recovering well. Don’t always think

the worst.”

Margaret didn’t respond to them. Instead, she turned to Derek, who had been silent throughout the exchange. Derek,” she said

weakly, “help me back to my room to rest.”

Derek immediately stood, his chair scraping against the hardwood floor. His face remained unreadable as he moved to her side, but I caught a flash of vulnerability in his eyes-a rare glimpse behind his carefully constructed facade. He gently helped her to her feet,

his hands careful and patient-a tenderness I rarely saw him show anyone.

“I’ll come with you, I offered, already half-rising from my seat, but Margaret shook her head.

“Just Derek for now,” she insisted, leaning heavily on his arm. Her gaze lingered on me for a moment, something unspoken passing

between us.

As they left the dining room, I felt oddly displaced, caught between wanting to help and respecting Margaret’s wishes. The Wells

family might never have fully accepted me, but Margaret had always shown me kindness-something precious in a world where I

often felt like an outsider.

00

THU

2

1/2

Г

Chapter 84

CITA

Later, I stood in the hallway outside Margaret’s room, uncertain whether to knock or leave. My fingers hovered indecisively over the

polished wood. The door opened before I could decide, and Margaret’s nurse emerged.

“Mrs. Wells would like to see you,” she said with a professional smile.

Inside, Margaret was propped up against several pillows, looking exhausted but somehow more peaceful than at dinner. Derek sat in

a chair beside her bed, his jacket removed and tie loosened, exposing the strong column of his throat. He glanced up as I entered,

his eyes darkening momentarily before he looked away. My stomach tightened at that look-a reaction I hated myself for still having

after everything.

“Come in, dear, Margaret beckoned. “Sit with me.”

I perched carefully on the edge of the bed, mindful not to disturb her. She reached for my hand, her skin paper-thin against mine,

but her grip surprisingly strong.

“Stay here tonight,” she said, her eyes holding mine with unexpected intensity. “Stay and keep an old woman company. Your room

with Derek-I’ve had it prepared.”

I felt a jolt of surprise. Our room? Derek and I hadn’t shared a room in this house for over two years. I glanced at Derek, who was

studying the pattern on the carpet with sudden interest.

Comments

7

Write Comments

<SHARE

|||

2

O

2/2

The CEO’s Unspoken Love