The CEO's Unspoken Love Novel

Chapter 9. Eleanor POV The taxi pulled away from the Wells mansion, carrying me back to an apartment that never quite felt like home. Through the window, Boston's nightscape blurred into streaks of light and shadow, much like my thoughts about the man I'd left behind in that house. Derek's behavior in my old bedroom had been strange. The questions he'd asked-about divorce, about my future plans-played on repeat in my mind. What was he trying to discover? The Derek I knew didn't care about my feelings on our arrangement. He never had.

I touched the silver star pendant at my throat, remembering how his eyes had lingered on it. Since his return from London, Derek had been acting differently. Last night, he'd held me while we slept. This morning, the way he'd looked at me before I left. And tonight, he'd touched me with a familiarity that felt almost... possessive. I shook my head, stopping that train of thought. Men like Derek Wells didn't suddenly develop feelings for women they'd spent years avoiding. Whatever game he was playing, I couldn't afford to participate. His physical reactions to me were just that-physical.

Biology, not emotion. "We're here, ma'am," the driver announced, pulling up to my building. I paid and stepped out into the cool night air, my heels clicking against the sidewalk as I approached the entrance. The doorman nodded politely, and I forced a smile in return. All I wanted was to collapse into bed and forget this evening had ever happened. When I unlocked the door to my apartment, I was greeted by the unmistakable scent of furniture polish. The lights were on, and soft classical music played from the sound system. "Mrs. Wells? Is that you?" Mrs.

Hughes appeared from the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron. The housekeeper I'd dismissed a month ago was somehow back in my home, acting as if nothing had changed. "What are you doing here?" I asked, too exhausted to muster proper indignation. "Mrs. Catherine Wells asked me to return," she explained, looking appropriately contrite. "I used my spare key. I hope you don't mind." Of course Catherine had intervened. Another reminder that nothing in this apartment-not even the staff-was truly under my control. "I see," was all I could manage.

The fight had drained out of me somewhere between the Wells mansion and here. Mrs. Hughes hesitated. "Your friend dropped off Sunny earlier. He's sleeping in his room." I nodded and moved toward the guest room I'd converted for my puppy. Sure enough, Sunny was curled up on his bed, his golden fur rising and falling with each breath. At least one being in this household was at peace. 1/2 "He needs his medication at eight tomorrow morning," I told Mrs. Hughes. "Mix it with a spoonful of peanut butter." "Of course, Mrs. Wells.

I'll take care of it." I closed Sunny's door and headed to my bedroom-the room I occasionally shared with Derek. Without him there, it felt cavernous and cold. The king-sized bed with its pristine white duvet looked particularly empty tonight. I changed into my nightgown and slipped under the covers, aware of the vacant space beside me. Last night, Derek had been here. His arm had draped across my waist, his breath warm against my neck. The memory of his touch lingered on my skin like a phantom.

My hand drifted across the empty sheets, then to my own body, tracing the path his fingers had taken. I closed my eyes, imagining it was Derek touching me, Derek wanting me. The fantasy was pathetic, but I couldn't stop myself. In the darkness, I could pretend that the man who'd married me had done so out of desire rather than duty. Eventually, exhaustion claimed me, and I fell into a dreamless sleep. Comments 69 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.