The CEO's Unspoken Love Novel

Chapter 57 Derek POV The night air was cool as I stepped outside, scanning the darkened garden. I spotted them heading toward the small pavilion at the edge of the property. Moving quietly, I positioned myself close enough to hear their conversation. "What would you do if you weren't married?" James asked. "If you had complete freedom?" I held my breath, waiting for Eleanor's answer. "I'd travel," she said after a moment's hesitation. "Not just vacations, but really experiencing different places. I'd expand my business beyond Boston." "And personally? James prompted.

Eleanor's laugh was soft, almost sad. "I'd find someone who sees me. Really sees me. Someone who wants me for myself, not for what I represent or what I can do for them." Each word felt like a needle piercing my skin. I'd never asked Eleanor about her dreams or aspirations. In three years of marriage, I'd never questioned what she wanted beyond our arrangement. "I think I see you, Eleanor," James said, his voice dropping to an intimate murmur. That was enough. I stepped out of the shadows, affecting a casual stance.

"What an intimate scene," I said, my voice deceptively calm despite the anger coursing through me. James stepped back slightly, but maintained his composure. "Mr. Wells, I presume?" *Derek," Eleanor said, feigning surprise though her eyes revealed she'd half-expected my intrusion. "We were just getting some air." "I can see that," I replied, keeping my voice deliberately even. "Seraphina is looking for you, Mr. Fort. Something about a potential investment opportunity." James looked between us, understanding the dismissal for what it was.

"Of course," he said, turning to Eleanor with a small smile. "It was a pleasure, Eleanor. Perhaps we'll continue our conversation another time." "Perhaps," she agreed, meeting his eyes briefly before he walked away, leaving us alone in the moonlit pavilion. The air between us crackled with tension as we faced each other, neither speaking for several long moments. "What exactly are you playing at?" I finally asked, my voice low and dangerous as I took a step toward her. 1/2 "I don't know what you mean," she replied, holding her ground.

"I was simply enjoying a conversation." "With your hand on his arm and your lips at his ear?" My eyes narrowed. 'Don't insult my intelligence, Eleanor." "I was merely following your example," she countered, her voice steady despite the tension between us. "You and Seraphina seemed to be having quite an intimate conversation yourselves." I moved closer, eliminating the space between us. So this is revenge? Making me jealous?" "Is it working?" she asked, her boldness catching me off guard. My eyes darkened.

"You're playing a dangerous game." "At least you've noticed me," she said quietly, a truth slipping out that seemed to surprise even her. "Isn't that the point of games? To capture attention?" Something shifted inside me-anger mixed with reluctant admiration, and perhaps something deeper I wasn't ready to acknowledge. "You have my attention," I said, my voice dropping to a near whisper. "You've always had it." She shook her head, refusing to be swayed.

"Not enough to stop you from running to Seraphina the moment she returned." "You know nothing about my relationship with Seraphina," I said, frustration evident in my tone. "I know enough," she replied. "I know you've been seeing her since you returned to Boston. I know you flew her on your private jet. I know "You know what people have told you, I interrupted, grabbing her wrist as she turned to leave. "But you don't know me." My touch sent electricity through me, and I wondered if she felt it too. "You're right," she agreed, looking directly into my eyes.

"Because you've never let me know you." My grip tightened slightly. "You know I don't like other men touching what belongs to me." Comments 3 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.