The CEO’s Unspoken Love (Eleanor and Derek) novel Chapter 163

Chapter 163

He wandered around the shop, occasionally touching a petal or leaf, before turning to me with unexpected directness. “Actually, I

was hoping you might want to see a movie with me this weekend.”

I raised an eyebrow, immediately suspicious. Thomas and I had never been close-our relationship existed purely through Derek. “We don’t exactly have a personal relationship; Thomas. Why the sudden invitation to a movie?

He shifted uncomfortably, his confident demeanor faltering. “Well, the truth is… I want to invite Olivia, but if I ask her directly,

she’ll definitely say no.”

I set down my clippers, turning to face him fully, suspicion replaced by curiosity. “You like Olivia? But every time you two are in the

same room, it’s like a cold war.”

Thomas rubbed the back of his neck, a hint of color rising to his cheeks. “You know what they say-the best romances start as rivalries. Honestly, her straightforwardness and unconventional nature are exactly what I admire about her.”

I-studied him, trying to determine if his interest was genuine. Olivia had been hurt enough-I wouldn’t subject her to Thomas’s

attention if it was merely a passing fancy.

“I’ll consider helping you,” I said cautiously, “but Olivia has exceptional instincts. If you’re not sincere, she’ll see right through you

in an instant.”

Thomas’s expression brightened. “That’s all I ask. A chance to show her I’m more than just Derek’s annoying friend.”

As he prepared to leave, my fingers unconsciously reached for the sapphire necklace at my neck, twisting it back and forth as a question formed and died on my lips. Thomas, ever observant, noticed my hesitation.

“Something you want to ask, Eleanor?” he prompted gently.

I affected a casual tone, though my heart accelerated traitorously. “How’s Derek these days? I’m just… checking that he’s doing well.”

Thomas shrugged, his expression carefully neutral. “To be honest, I haven’t seen him in days. He seems to be buried in some new

project. Barely answers my calls.”

A teasing smile spread across his face. “If you miss him, why not just call him yourself?”

“I don’t miss him,” I replied, my tone sharper than necessary. “I’m just confirming he won’t be showing up at my door again.”

Thomas nodded, his eyes betraying his disbelief. “Of course. Well, think about my proposal with Olivia. I’d really appreciate the

help.

As the bell chimed again with his departure, silence reclaimed the shop. I set my clippers down and braced both hands against the

work table, letting my shoulders slump slightly as my façade momentarily cracked.

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LISA

Chapter 163

What was Derek doing? Why hadn’t he reached out after all these days? The questions circled my mind like restless birds, and

shook my head at my own foolishness.

“Perhaps he got what he wanted and is already bored with me, I murmured to the empty shop, the words bitter on my tongue.

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to accept what seemed increasingly likely. A clean break isn’t so bad. At least I’ve kept my final

shred of dignity.”

Outside, fine snow began to fall, dusting the windowsill with delicate crystals. I watched them accumulate, remembering how Derek

had looked standing in the snow that night, his expression unreadable as he gazed at my door.

With deliberate movements, I turned back to my flowers, throwing myself into the blue hydrangea arrangement with renewed focus. My phone sat silent on the counter beside me, and I pointedly ignored it, though my eyes betrayed me with every glance toward the

screen, hoping for a notification that never came.

Despite everything, a small, treacherous part of me still waited. Still hoped. And I hated myself for it.

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The CEO’s Unspoken Love