The CEO’s Unspoken Love (Eleanor and Derek) novel Chapter 88

Chapter 88

Eleanor POV

I woke to the gentle morning light filtering through the curtains, momentarily disoriented by the unfamiliar weight of an arm draped across my waist. Derek. The memories of last night flooded back, sending heat to my cheeks. I carefully extracted myself

from his embrace, relieved when he didn’t stir:

In the adjoining bathroom, I splashed cold water on my face, trying to clear my head. What had I done? We were supposed to be

ending our marriage, not complicating it further. I dressed quickly in a simple dress, steeling myself for the day ahead.

By the time I made my way downstairs, Derek, Alexander, and Margaret were already seated at the breakfast table. My steps faltered

when I realized the only empty chair was beside Derek.

‘Good morning, dear, Margaret called cheerfully, her eyes brightening at my appearance.

Derek rose as I approached, something he’d never done during our marriage. He leaned in and pressed a light kiss to my cheek. “Good morning, darling,” he murmured, his voice loud enough for his grandmother to hear.

“Good morning,” I replied, momentarily stunned by the performance. His eyes met mine with such convincing warmth that for a

second, I couldn’t tell where the act ended and reality began.

I took my seat just as Jonathan and Catherine entered the dining room, completing our little family tableau. Margaret beamed at Derek and me, clearly pleased by our apparent closeness.

Derek continued his charade, pouring coffee into my cup and adding precisely the right amount of cream and sugar. “You look beautiful this morning,” he said, his fingers brushing mine as he handed me the cup.

“Thank you,” I replied, attempting to match his performance. The coffee was perfect-exactly how I liked it. Had he always known?

Darling, try the French toast, Derek said, placing a slice on my plate. “You need to eat more. His fingers lingered on my hand longer than necessary, sending an involuntary shiver up my arm.

Jonathan cleared his throat. “You two might want to tone it down at the breakfast table,” he said, though his tone was more amused

than reproving.

“Sorry, Father, Derek replied with a grin that held no remorse. “When you have a wife this beautiful, it’s hard to keep your hands to

yourself.”

Margaret’s delighted laugh filled the room, and even Catherine’s lips twitched in what might have been a smile. The atmosphere was lighter than I could remember it being in this house-all built on a foundation of pretense.

After breakfast, I suggested taking Margaret for a check-up with Dr. Wilson. Martha, her maid who had been hovering nearby, looked

suddenly anxious

D

、

1/2

KITA

Chapter 88

“That won’t be necessary, dear, Margaret said, patting my hand. “These old bones can’t handle being poked and prodded any more

than they already have been.”

“But I think it would be good to– My voice caught as I saw the resignation in her eyes. She knew exactly how ill she was.

Derek’s hand covered mine on the table. “Don’t worry,” he said softly, his voice lacking the performative quality from earlier. “We’ll

take good care of her.”

“You’re this family’s lucky star, Eleanor, Margaret said, her fragile hand reaching for mine. “Now, you should get to your flower

shop. Derek can drive you.”

Derek parked his car two blocks from Four Seasons Florals, respecting my wish to keep my connection to the Wells family private

from my clients and employees.

I’ll pick you up after work,” he said, his fingers tapping against the steering wheel.

“That’s not necessary.” I replied, gathering my purse. “I can take a cab.”

“Would you prefer Alexander to drive you instead?” The question came out of nowhere, his tone carrying an undercurrent I couldn’t

quite identify. Jealousy?

I turned to face him, suddenly irritated. “Why do you always try to create issues between Alexander and me?”

“You didn’t answer my question.”

“No, I wouldn’t prefer Alexander to drive me,” I said firmly. “I don’t understand why you’re always misunderstanding our

relationship.

I didn’t add what I was thinking: that since being taken in by the Wells family, my heart had belonged only to Derek, despite his indifference. Even when Alexander’s kindness made him seem the better choice, my foolish heart never wavered in its devotion to

Derek.

Comments

36

Write Comments

–

SHARE

O

2/2

The CEO’s Unspoken Love