The CEO’s Unspoken Love (Eleanor and Derek) novel Chapter 174

Chapter 174

“Your fever’s down,” he noted, straightening. “That’s good. But you still need to eat. Can you make it to the dining room, or would

you prefer breakfast in bed?”

“I can walk, I insisted, pushing back the covers.

Derek knelt and slipped my feet into the plush slippers beside the bed. “Are you sure? I could carry you.”

‘I have the flu, Derek. I’m not an invalid,” I said, though the room tilted slightly when I stood.

His hand steadied my elbow as we made our way downstairs. In the dining room, I was surprised to find the table set with a simple

but thoughtful breakfast-a bowl of chicken broth, steamed eggs, and oatmeal cooked until it was soft enough for my sore throat.

“You made all this?” I asked, lowering myself into a chair.

Derek nodded, sitting across from me. “Nothing complicated. Just things that would be gentle on your throat.

I managed a few spoonfuls of broth, the warm liquid soothing the rawness momentarily. The oatmeal proved more challenging, each

swallow a reminder of my condition.

“You don’t have to force it, Derek said, watching me struggle. Just eat what you can.

After breakfast, Derek disappeared upstairs, returning dressed in one of his impeccable suits, his hair now perfectly styled. He

looked every inch the successful businessman-a stark contrast to the gentle caretaker who had held me through the night.

‘I need to go into the office for a few hours,” he explained, adjusting his cuffs. “I’ve set out your medication on the kitchen counter,

divided by time. I’ll be back around noon.”

“You don’t need to come back, I said. “I’ll be fine.”

Derek paused, a smile spreading slowly across his face. It wasn’t his usual smirk, but something warmer, more genuine.

“You didn’t say that when you were holding onto me last night,” he said, his voice teasing but gentle. “What’s this? Awake and

already denying you want me around?”

I felt heat rise to my cheeks that had nothing to do with my fever. “I was delirious,” I muttered.

Derek chuckled, the sound warming something inside me. “I’ve left my number on speed dial on your phone. Call if you need

anything. And Eleanor?” His expression grew serious. “Rest. That’s an order.

After he left, I found myself restless despite my fatigue. I bundled up and ventured outside briefly, needing fresh air. The short walk

exhausted me, and I curled up on the sofa afterward, watching floral design videos until my eyelids grew heavy.

The sound of my phone ringing roused me from a light doze. Derek’s name flashed on the screen.

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“Hello?” I answered, my voice still husky from sleep and illness.

“How are you feeling?” His voice came through clear and concerned. “Any better?”

“A little,” I said, settling deeper into the cushions.

There was a pause, then: “Has it occurred to you how adorable your voice sounds right now?”

I rolled my eyes, though he couldn’t see it. “I don’t have time for your teasing, Derek.”

“I’m not teasing,” he replied, his tone softening. I’m being completely serious.”

I cleared my throat, which only made it hurt more. ‘Did you call for a reason, or just to comment on my voice?”

“I wanted to check on you,” he said. “I’ll wrap things up here as quickly as I can and be back soon.”

“I didn’t say I wanted you to come back quickly, I protested.

His soft laugh warmed my ear. “I know you didn’t. But I want to come back anyway.”

The line went quiet for a moment, filled only with the sound of our breathing.

“I need to go now,” he said finally. A kiss for you.”

The word “kiss sent my heart racing, but I remained silent, uncertain how to respond to this new, tender Derek.

He seemed to sense my reaction through the phone, as his voice dropped lower. I’ll see you soon, Eleanor.”

After he hung up, I set the phone down on the coffee table, feeling my cheeks burn hotter than my fever had made them. Despite

everything-the illness, the confusion of our relationship, the lingering doubts-1 found myself looking forward to his return.

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The CEO’s Unspoken Love