The CEO's Unspoken Love Novel

Chapter 28 Eleanor POV I slipped away from the uncomfortable scene as gracefully as possible, feeling Derek's piercing gaze on my back. The question about Derek and me having children still hung in the air, a painful reminder of what our marriage truly was. The Stone mansion's grand design allowed me to easily disappear into one of the adjoining rooms. I found myself in a lavishly decorated side parlor where several of Boston's elite women had gathered, their voices a gentle murmur against the classical music playing softly in the background.

"Eleanor." Catherine' voice carried across the room as she waved me over. I painted on my practiced smile and approached the circle of impeccably dressed women. Their conversation paused momentarily as I joined them, then resumed as if I were merely a passing breeze rather than a person. "Eleanor, you must meet Vanessa," Catherine said, gesturing to a radiant young woman holding a tiny bundle wrapped in what appeared to be cashmere. "Thomas's sister. She's just had her first." Vanessa Stone's tired eyes nevertheless sparkled with joy as she carefully shifted the bundle in her arms.

"Would you like to hold him?" she offered. Before I could respond, I found myself with an armful of warm, sweet-smelling baby. He was dressed in a pale blue outfit embroidered with tiny rabbits, wrapped in a hand-knitted blanket that probably cost more than most people's monthly rent. The baby blinked up at me, his tiny face scrunching momentarily before breaking into a toothless smile. He cooed, blowing tiny bubbles as his small hand escaped the blanket and reached toward my face. "He likes you," Vanessa observed, genuine warmth in her voice.

"He's usually quite fussy with strangers." "Babies always know good people," one of the older women commented, and for a moment, I felt a rare sense of acceptance. "What a beautiful necklace," Vanessa suddenly remarked, her eyes fixing on my silver star pendant. "That craftsmanship is exquisite. The way the diamonds catch the light is simply stunning." I instinctively touched the star at my throat. "Thank you." "Where did you get it? I've been looking for something similar for ages," she pressed. "It was a gift," I replied simply. "From Derek, I assume?" Vanessa smiled knowingly.

"He has excellent taste." Before I could respond, Mrs. Stone joined our circle. "Young people today don't appreciate traditional jewelry," she lamented. "All they want are those minimalist pieces that look like they could have been made by children." 1/2 "Eleanor carries herself with such natural elegance," Mrs. Stone continued, her gaze appraising me. "You're one of the few young women who can truly do justice to fine jewelry." murmured my thanks, uncomfortable with the attention. "So," Mrs.

Stone leaned closer, her voice dropping conspiratorially, 'when are you and Derek planning to have one of these?" She nodded. toward the baby in my arms. The question struck like a physical blow. I felt the room grow smaller, the air thinner. "Martha, really, Catherine interjected smoothly, 'Derek and Eleanor are far too busy with their careers at the moment. Besides, these things happen in their own time." I returned the baby to Vanessa with murmured thanks and excused myself, claiming I needed some fresh air.

The women's voices faded behind me as I made my way toward the terrace doors, desperate for escape. The evening air hit me like a welcome slap. I had forgotten to bring a coat, and Boston's early spring still carried winter's bite. I shivered but welcomed the cold-it cleared my head and helped me regain my composure. From the terrace, I could see the Stone's immaculately landscaped garden, lit by carefully placed lights that created an ethereal glow. Inside, I could hear laughter and the pleasant hum of conversation. That kind of familial joy and warmth had nothing to do with me.

I wasn't part of the Wells family, not really. I was merely an accessory Derek had been forced to acquire, one he would soon discard. 'Mrs. Wells? The Stone's butler appeared at my side, offering a cashmere throw. "You look cold." Comments 4 Write Comments < SHARE 2/2 Ruby Walker Ruby Walker is a rising voice in the world of romance and spicy fiction. With a gift for weaving deep emotions, sizzling chemistry, and unexpected twists, her stories are a blend of passion and drama that captivate readers from start to finish.

Ruby's writing style is bold and irresistible-perfect for those who crave intense, addictive love stories.