The CEO's Unspoken Love Novel

Chapter 50 Eleanor POV I awoke to sunlight streaming through the curtains, the events of last night flooding back as I shifted and felt the dull ache in my ankle. Derek had tended to my sprain with surprising gentleness, a stark contrast to the cold accusations he'd hurled at me moments before. I tentatively rotated my foot, wincing slightly. Not terrible, but enough to justify a day off from the flower shop. After texting Rachel with instructions for the day, I made my way downstairs, moving carefully on the stairs. Mrs.

Hughes had already prepared breakfast, the scent of fresh coffee filling the kitchen. I was midway through my second cup when I heard Derek's footsteps on the stairs. He paused briefly in the doorway, his eyes finding mine before he crossed to the coffee pot. I returned my attention to my phone, pretending to be absorbed in emails while acutely aware of his every movement. The silence between us stretched thin and brittle. "I'm going out," Derek announced, after drinking only half his coffee. "Oh," I replied, not looking up. "Not going to ask where?" There was a challenge in his voice.

I finally raised my eyes to his. "Does it matter? You always go wherever you want." He studied me for a moment, his expression unreadable. "I'm heading to the Boston Country Club. Playing golf with some investors." He paused. "You could join me. Your ankle seems better." The invitation surprised me, though I knew it wasn't sincere. Derek was simply maintaining appearances, knowing I would decline. "No, thank you. I'm still resting my ankle." I returned to my phone, dismissing him. After he left, Mrs. Hughes emerged from the pantry, concern etched on her kind face.

"Are you sure you don't want to go with Mr. Wells? It's such a lovely day." I smiled weakly. "I'm sure, Mrs. Hughes. I have other plans." What I didn't say was that I no longer wanted the privilege of standing beside Derek Wells. I no longer wanted the title of Mrs. Wells. Those were hollow privileges that only brought pain. My phone rang around noon, Olivia's name flashing on the screen. Her voice came through, bright and energetic. "Get dressed, we're going to see that new play. The one with the British guy from that HBO show." 1/3 Olivia, my ankle-" Is it broken? Are you in a cast?

Her tone brooked no argument. "No, but- "Then put on something cute. I'll be there in thirty minutes." I sighed, knowing resistance was futile. Perhaps getting out would be good for me. I changed into a light blue sundress and applied minimal makeup, just enough to look presentable. By the time Olivia texted that she was outside, I felt almost human again. 1 Olivia waited in her boss's black Mercedes G-Wagon, oversized Prada sunglasses perched on her nose. She lowered them as I approached, eyes critically assessing my outfit. "Not bad for a wounded soldier," she quipped.

I plucked the sunglasses from her face and put them on. "I'm borrowing these." "Sure, they cost more than his sense of loyalty," Olivia smirked as I slid into the passenger seat. I gave her a pained smile. "At least the sunglasses won't lie about loving me." Her expression softened, and she squeezed my hand before pulling away from the curb. "So how's business?" Olivia asked as we merged onto the highway. "Actually, quite good. I landed the annual sponsorship gala. All the floral arrangements." I felt a small flush of pride. My shop was doing well, entirely on its own merits.

"That's amazing!" Olivia's excitement was genuine. "I finally escaped that tire company account. Now I'm handling the campaign for that luxury cosmetics brand-the one with the French name nobody can pronounce." We laughed, and for a moment, I felt lighter. Olivia had that effect on people. "What about Mr. Investment Banker? Still seeing him?" I asked. 1 2/3 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.