The CEO’s Unspoken Love (Eleanor and Derek) novel Chapter 80

Chapter 80

Derek POV

I flipped through the divorce papers my assistant had just delivered, scanning the legal jargon without really absorbing it. The

folder had been sitting on her desk for four days-a fact she reminded me of with thinly veiled frustration.

“Mr. Wells, the divorce agreement documents you requested have been ready for four days now,” she said, hovering/near my desk

with a slight hint of reproach in her tone.

I looked up at her, deliberately taking my time to respond. “These sections on ‘irreconcilable differences’ need to be redrafted,” I

said, tapping on the offending paragraph. “What does this even mean? Feeling broken down? There were no differences to

reconcile. We never had a real relationship to break down.”

My assistant shifted uncomfortably, her professional demeanor slightly cracking. “It’s standard legal terminology, sir. It simply

means the marriage can no longer be sustained due to fundamental disagreements or incompatibility between the parties.”

“Redraft it, I cut her off, my tone leaving no room for argument. “I don’t want to give her any room for misinterpretation. Make it

clear this was always a temporary arrangement with a predetermined end date.”

As she turned to leave, my phone lit up with Eleanor’s name. Four days of silence since our encounter at her Newton house, and

now she calls? I dismissed my assistant with a nod.

“Eleanor,” I answered, unable to keep a hint of sarcasm from my voice. “How surprising. I thought you might have blocked my

number by now.

“I’m just calling to check on the progress of the divorce agreement,” she replied, her voice professionally detached. “The three-year

term is almost up.”

I leaned back in my leather chair, gazing out at Boston’s skyline. “These things take time. The Wells family assets are quite

extensive. Everything needs to be properly accounted for before final distribution.”

“It’s been nearly three years, Derek, she responded, a hint of impatience breaking through her composed facade. I think your

accountants have had plenty of time to prepare.”

I tapped my finger against the desk, a nervous habit I thought I’d abandoned years ago. “Not just moved back to Newton, but in a

hurry to finalize everything else too? Do you have other plans you’re eager to pursue?”

There was a brief pause on the line. When she spoke again, her voice had cooled several degrees. “My personal life is no longer your

concern, Derek. Please have your lawyers contact me when the paperwork is ready.”

The call ended abruptly. I stared at the phone for a moment, then tossed it onto my desk with more force than necessary. Why had her call bothered me so much? And why was I still holding the divorce agreement rather than sending it immediately as she requested?

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Chapter 80

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I walked to the floor-to-ceiling windows of my office, staring out at Boston’s skyline. The financial district stretched below me

testament to wealth and power, yet it offered no answers to the conflicting emotions churning inside me. My expression, had

anyone been there to see it, was undoubtedly complex – a mixture of frustration, confusion, and something I refused to

acknowledge even to myself.

Eleanor POV

I hung up the phone, my hand trembling slightly. Derek’s insinuation that I was fushing the divorce for someone else stung more.

than it should have. Taking a deep breath, I focused on the white roses I was arranging for tomorrow’s wedding order.

“You look like you just swallowed something sour, Olivia announced, appearing at the shop entrance. “Bad call?

“Derek,” I explained, clipping a stem with perhaps more force than necessary. “Being his usual charming self about the divorce

agreement.”

Olivia dropped her designer bag on the counter and perched on a stool. “That man has the emotional intelligence of a teaspoon.”

She turned to my shop assistant. “Hi, Mia. Mind if I steal your boss’s attention for a bit?”

“I’m sorry, Liv,” I said, not pausing in my work. “This order for tomorrow’s wedding needs to be finished tonight. I still have hours of

work ahead.

‘Don’t worry, I can wait, Olivia said, waving her hand dismissively. “I’ll just chat with Mia while you work. She turned to my

assistant with a conspiratorial smile.

I continued arranging the white roses, trying to focus solely on creating the perfect balance of blooms and greenery, but Olivia’s

voice gradually rose as she engaged Mia in conversation.

“So, Mia, Olivia said, her voice deliberately loud enough for me to hear clearly, “tell me more about this handsome British-accented

gentleman who drove Eleanor home last night?”

I nearly dropped my scissors. “Mia, please don’t broadcast my personal business to the entire shop.”

Olivia’s eyes widened with interest. “He actually drove you home?

“We simply discussed some mutual interests,” I said, feeling heat rise to my cheeks. “He’s very knowledgeable about the botanical

gardens in Florence. That’s all.”

Olivia leaned forward, her expression gleeful. “Uh-huh. And I’m the Queen of England. The chemistry between you two was

practically setting off smoke alarms.”

I sighed, focusing more intently on my arrangement. I’m not ready to start any relationship, especially when my marriage isn’t

officially over yet, I said quietly, more to myself than to them.

The shop bell chimed, and I looked up to see James Fort standing in the doorway, holding a leather-bound book. My heart did an

unwelcome little skip.

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Chapter 80

‘I hope I’m not interrupting,” he said, his British accent more pronounced in the quiet shop.

“James,” I said, surprised. “This is unexpected.”

Olivia’s eyes lit up as she glanced between us, clearly delighted by this development. She shot me an exaggerated wink that

thankfully only I could see.

James stepped forward, extending his hand to Mia. You must be Mia. Eleanor mentioned what a talented florist you are.”

Mia blushed slightly as she shook his hand, clearly charmed. “It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Fort.”

“James, please,” he insisted warmly before turning back to me. He held up the book in his hand – a beautiful edition about Italian gardens. “I thought you might enjoy this. It has some spectacular photographs of the Boboli Gardens in Florence.”

“That’s very thoughtful,” I said, genuinely touched by the gesture.

James hesitated briefly, then continued. “I was wondering if you might be free for dinner tonight? There’s a new restaurant on

Newbury I’ve been meaning to try.”

I hesitated, glancing at the half-finished arrangement. I’m afraid I can’t tonight. I still have work to complete…”

“She’s practically done,” Olivia interjected immediately. “Mia can finish up, right Mia?”

“Absolutely, Mia nodded eagerly. “You’ve been working nonstop for ten hours, Eleanor. You deserve a break.”

James smiled. “If you’re concerned, perhaps your friend would care to join us? That might make it easier for you to take some time

away.”

Olivia’s grin widened. “What a lovely idea. I’d be delighted to join you two.”

I looked at their expectant faces and surrendered. “It seems I’ve been outvoted.”

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The CEO’s Unspoken Love