The CEO's Unspoken Love Novel

Chapter 59 Eleanor POV I tried to focus on the delicate arrangement of white roses before me, but my mind kept drifting back to the events of the past few days. Derek and I had barely spoken since the night of Seraphina's welcome party. The morning after our tense encounter, he had packed a small suitcase and informed me-with clinical detachment-that he would be staying at the Cambridge lakeside house for a while. "For work, he'd said, though we both knew that wasn't the real reason. Tonight, I reluctantly attended the monthly Newbury Street Florists' Guild dinner.

The gathering was a welcome distraction, and for a few hours, I lost myself in discussions about seasonal designs and new techniques. The wine flowed freely, and by the time we finished, my head was pleasantly fuzzy, and the ache in my chest had temporarily dulled. As we stood outside the restaurant, my phone buzzed. A text from Olivia: [OMG, just saw an inside post of Derek teaching Seraphina to ski at Blue Mountain today. She looks way too cozy with him. Are you okay?] My stomach dropped. Before I could stop myself, I was opening Instagram, searching for Seraphina's profile.

There it was-a photo of her in an elegant ski outfit, standing in front of a lodge. And next to her, unmistakably, was Derek, his arm casually draped around her shoulders. The caption read: Nothing like learning from the best. Thanks for the patience, D. #wintergetaway #skilessons The sharp pain returned to my chest. "Eleanor? Do you need a ride home?" Mia's voice broke through my thoughts. I shook my head, forcing a smile. "I'll call an Uber. You all go ahead." They insisted on waiting until my car arrived, hugging me goodbye and extracting promises to attend next month's dinner.

I clutched the bouquet of lilies they'd given me-a guild tradition for each member to take home a different flower arrangement-and slid into the backseat of the car. "The Beacon, please," I said automatically, then hesitated. The thought of returning to that empty apartment, with its echoing silence and memories of Derek, was unbearable. Without thinking, I corrected myself: "Actually, 47 Lakeside Drive in Cambridge." As the car wound its way through Cambridge's elegant streets, memories flooded back. The lakeside house had been a weekend retreat when we were barely teenagers.

The Wells family would gather there during summers, and Margaret-Derek's grandmother-would insist I join them. Derek and I would spend hours by the lake, talking about everything and nothing, before our relationship grew complicated. The car pulled up to the familiar driveway. The house was mostly dark, with just a soft glow coming from what I knew was the living room. For a moment, I considered telling the driver to turn around, but something-curiosity, loneliness, or perhaps the wine-made me get out. I approached the front door, suddenly aware of how ridiculous this was. What was I doing?

Derek had clearly left our home to avoid me, 1/2 Chapter 59 and here I was, showing up uninvited at his retreat. I was about to turn back when the door swung open. Derek stood in the doorway, wearing a dark blue bathrobe, his hair slightly damp as if he'd just showered. His expression shifted from surprise to wariness. Eleanor? What are you doing here?" *I* I faltered, suddenly feeling very sober. "I gave the driver the wrong address. I've had a bit too much wine." His eyes narrowed slightly, assessing me. Then they drifted to the lilies in my arms, and something in his expression changed.

"You might as well come in for a minute," he said, stepping aside. As I passed him, I noticed a reddish mark on the side of his neck, just visible above the collar of his robe. A rush of heat flooded my face -was that a hickey? Had Seraphina been here? The thought made me sick. "I'll just call another car," I said stiffly, setting the lilies down on the entryway table. "I didn't mean to interrupt your evening." Derek followed my gaze to his neck and touched it with a frown. "Damn it," he muttered. "Where's the medicine cabinet in this place?

I must be allergic to something here." Comments RVisitor Uber already has the destination... 4 days ago 5 « SHARE 1 Comments > 60 2/2 The CEO'S Unspoken Love 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.