The CEO’s Unspoken Love (Eleanor and Derek) novel Chapter 169

Chapter 169

Eleanor POV

Days later.

I laid in bed, the morning light filtering through the cream curtains of my childhood bedroom, casting a soft glow across the antique four-poster. Despite the past few days, I felt my body still hummed with the memories of Derek’s touch-in the theaters back row, his fingers trailing up my thigh, and later in his car, deep in the woods, our bodies moving together with an urgency that

left us both breathless.

Face up to the ceiling, I traced the familiar cracks in the plaster with my eyes.

“Face it, Eleanor,” I whispered to the empty room, when it comes to him, your rationality flies out the window.”

Our bodies fit together with an effortless perfection that made me wonder if we were designed as complementary pieces. No matter how I tried to resist my feelings, physically at least, we achieved a harmony that bordered on transcendent. The intensity of our

connection both thrilled and terrified me.

I was grateful I’d maintained my regimen of birth control pills all these months. The last thing we needed was a pregnancy to complicate our already tangled relationship. Derek wouldn’t want that either-a child born of obligation rather than love.

My thoughts scattered as a sudden, splitting pain lanced through my head. I winced, pressing my palms against my temples. The pain was followed by a violent shiver that rattled through my body, my teeth chattering uncontrollably. My skin, previously warm

with memories, now felt like ice.

I fumbled for the thermometer in my nightstand drawer, waiting for the beep with growing unease. 102°F. Perfect. I’d caught the flu

that had been circulating through the city.

Every muscle in my body screamed in protest as I curled into a ball beneath the thick down comforter.

With trembling fingers, I reached for my phone, squinting against the brightness of the screen. I needed to call the shop.

“Four Seasons Florals, this is Mia speaking.”

“Mia, I croaked, my voice barely recognizable. “It’s Eleanor. I won’t be coming in today. Maybe not tomorrow either.”

“Are you okay? You sound terrible.”

Just the flu. Listen, can you and Rachel handle the Sullivan wedding centerpieces? All the flowers should arrive by noon.”

“Of course. Dont worry about anything here.”

If you get overwhelmed, call me immediately. And if either of you starts feeling unwell, go home. I’ll cover any losses.”

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Chapter 169

After hanging up, I surrendered to the fever, drifting in and out of consciousness until the sound of my front door opening jerked

me awake. Footsteps thundered up the stairs-too heavy for an intruder trying to be stealthy.

“Eleanor?” Olivia’s voice called out. “Where are you?”

“Bedroom, I marraged weakly.

Olivia burst through the door, arms laden with bags. Her usual pristine appearance was slightly disheveled, as if she’d rushed over.

“You look like death warmed over,” she announced, setting down her parcels and pressing a cool hand to my forehead. “Jesus, you’re

burning up.”

I attempted a smile. “Don’t get too close. I’d hate for you to catch this too.”

“Please. My immune system is ironclad.” She unpacked containers of homemade ginger soup and an assortment of medications. “Sit

1. You need fluids.”

I struggled upright, accepting the warm mug she pressed into my hands. The spicy liquid burned pleasantly down my throat,

momentarily clearing the fog in my head.

So, I ventured after a few sips, “how was Thomas the other night?”

Olivia’s face softened into a smile. “Surprisingly decent. Beneath all that playboy swagger, he’s actually quite interesting. I might see

where it goes.”

Her eyes narrowed suspiciously. “But what about you? You disappeared without a word. We looked everywhere.”

I hesitated, the weight of her gaze making me shift uncomfortably. Then, surrendering to the inevitable, I told her everything-the

theater, Derek’s unexpected appearance, what happened afterward in his car.

Olivia listened without interruption, her expression unreadable. When I finished, she took my hand, her eyes searching mine.

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R Visitor

that Seraphina girl will surely do something bad

7 days ago

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KLEA

The CEO’s Unspoken Love