Tangled Temptations

Harvey encountered Eloise in the backyard. The room was a soft shade of pink, filled with a cozy ambiance that was unmistakably Brett's touch. The room was heated to perfection, providing a warmth that seemed to envelop everything within. Eloise was asleep on the couch, covered only by a thin blanket on her belly. Milo, the dog, was curled up at her feet, pretending to be asleep.

As Harvey walked in, Milo opened one eye to look at him before closing it again, treating him as if he were invisible.

Harvey leaned over, planting tender kisses on Eloise. She woke up. After a while, Harvey lay down beside her, his voice soft. "I used to feel sad when you were cold to me. Now, I find it amusing, it makes me want to tease you!"

Eloise cleared her throat. "You're shameless!"

Harvey chuckled, wrapping his arm around her waist, signaling her to stay still. Eloise felt the touch on her thigh and stayed still, knowing that she couldn't provoke him during the first three months of pregnancy.

He rested his forehead against hers, whispering softly, "Eloise, we're about to become husband and wife."

Eloise was not as excited as he was. She extended her slender fingers, tracing the contours of his handsome face, smiling faintly. "It's for the baby to have a legal identity! But you still need to prove yourself."

Her words were nonchalant, but he understood. Eloise hadn't fully given her heart to him yet, probably because she had been disappointed too many times and couldn't believe that he could bring her happiness.

"Close your eyes!" He kissed her between her brows, finding her to be incredibly beautiful.

Eloise smiled gently and closed her eyes.

Since they were preparing to get married and their parents had met, there was no need for her to keep giving him the cold shoulder. It would only seem pretentious. Harvey took out a thin necklace; the pendant was a diamond ring.

When Eloise opened her eyes, a necklace was added to her neck. She could tell what it was just by touching it.

"Do you like it?"

Harvey leaned closer, his face close to hers. "Mrs. Horigan, I'll help you put it on during our wedding."

Eloise leaned against him, softened by his words. Harvey found her adorable and couldn't help but plant a soft kiss on her lips. This kiss was very touching. Perhaps because they were about to become parents, there was an added gentleness between them.

Eloise's face turned slightly red. Harvey grinned, gently grazing his hand on her soft cheek, teasingly. For the first time, they didn't make love, but it felt incredibly beautiful and intimate.

They got married in Brockville. Under the witness of their parents, they became legally married and had a reception at the Noland family's house that night. After the reception, Parker left with his wife and daughter. Harvey stayed with Eloise for a few more days before returning to Peterborough.

Back in Peterborough, Eloise moved into Harvey's villa. Harvey treated her well. Parker and his wife often visited, and Orlena also often came for meals.

Not long after, Harvey flew to Britain. Eloise definitely had her thoughts during the three to four days he was away, but she understood Harvey. As long as he had no emotional involvement with Joan, she didn't want to cause a ruckus over past events.

The day Harvey returned from Britain, Dwight visited the villa, accompanied by Eloise's secretary. They were close to Eloise and knew about her pregnancy and marriage to Harvey.

After discussing some business, Dwight glanced at her belly. He snorted, "The kid will definitely be as naive as you! But should be pretty!"

Eloise was amused. She gently stroked her belly, loving the little one who had been peaceful.

Seeing her maternal look, Dwight felt a pang of annoyance. He took out a small box from his pocket and threw it to her. "This is for her! I earned the money, not my father's!"

After saying that, he rubbed his nose, probably feeling too mushy, and turned to leave. The secretary laughed and followed him out.

Eloise opened the box and inside was a raw diamond. A 2-carat pink diamond, very precious.

Dwight probably invested all his earnings in it. Eloise laughed and scolded him lightly, but her eyes were slightly red.

Just as she was getting emotional, the sound of a car echoed from the courtyard. Harvey was back. In winter, he was dressed in a suit, covered with a coat, looking incredibly dashing.

A servant helped him with his luggage and left after placing it down. Harvey took off his coat and walked towards Eloise, taking the box in her hand. "I saw that punk at the door just now. Did he give you this?"

Eloise didn't hide anything and nodded. Harvey looked at the box for a while, his eyes dark. "He is quite thoughtful."

Eloise knew he was jealous again. She stood up to hang his coat and casually asked, "When is the third trial?"

Harvey sat down, took a sip of water from her cup, and smiled faintly. "It's almost set! Attorney Tate will go for the third trial!"

Eloise was surprised. Did he mean he didn't need to go to Britain again? She was wary of Joan, so she was definitely happy about this news. But she maintained her composure and only responded with a simple hum.

How could Harvey not know her? He didn't expose her little thoughts. Instead, he wrapped his arms around her slender body from behind while she was hanging his coat. "It's almost been three months, right? The doctor said we can..."

Eloise's face turned slightly red. Ever since she got pregnant, they hadn't made love. She didn't really want to, but she knew Harvey had needs. Many nights, he would get up in the middle of the night, lift the blanket, and take a cold shower in the bathroom.

Eloise changed the subject. "Veronica's baby is having a baptism tomorrow. Are you coming with me?"

Harvey rested his chin on her shoulder. He deliberately breathed lightly towards her ear. "Of course! You are so popular, I'm afraid some Tom, Dick, or Harry will get ideas if I don't keep an eye out!"

Eloise was irritated.

He let go of her and chuckled. "I'll take a shower. Let's have dinner later!"

Footsteps echoed from behind. Eloise couldn't help but look over. After all, they hadn't seen each other in four days! Harvey looked at her from the stairs, a teasing smile on his face.

Riley and Veronica didn't have a grand wedding, but the birth of their bouncing baby boy caused quite the celebration within the Colman family. They made up for any previous disappointments and even gifted Veronica a villa.

Eloise, looking at the baby cradled in Veronica's arms, felt happy for her.

Veronica, still recovering from childbirth and still slightly chubby, held her baby and quietly asked Eloise, "How are things going with you two?"

Eloise, playing with the infant, chuckled. "Hearts are made to soften! Initially, I only wanted our child to have legitimacy, but over time, my feelings changed. We'll give it another shot!"

Veronica didn't respond.

Harvey approached them, pointing at Veronica's son. "Can I hold him?"

Veronica's arms were tired, so she immediately handed the baby over. Harvey, holding a baby for the first time, felt a softness in his heart. After all, he and Eloise would be welcoming their own baby in half a year. Linda would surely be even cuter than this little guy!

As Harvey cradled the baby, he tenderly looked at Eloise. Veronica finally understood what Eloise meant about hearts softening. How could any woman resist that tender gaze from Harvey? It could melt anyone!

Harvey drove back to the villa. He parked the car in the underground garage. As he unbuckled his seatbelt, he instinctively stroked Eloise's belly. Their baby was only three months along. It was still too early for movements.

His intention was to connect with their child, but his touch took on a different meaning. Harvey laid Eloise's seat back, trapping her beneath him, and kissed her gently. He carefully avoided her belly, afraid of hurting their baby.

He initially wanted to keep things light. But when her clothes hit the floor, and her pregnant body appeared more delicate and radiant, he couldn't resist. He was gentle throughout, always asking if she was comfortable.

Having been patient for so long, they made love twice. Afterwards, Eloise lay there, a tear trickling down her face, looking vulnerable.

Harvey couldn't fully savor the moment, but this night felt different than before, exciting in its own special ways.

After that night, they resumed their sex life. Twice a week seemed about right.

When Eloise was seven months pregnant, Harvey stopped having sex with her. With her growing discomfort, Harvey brought Michelle from Brockville to keep Eloise company during her final months of pregnancy.

One day, Eloise went to Crescendo Sound Workshop. When she returned, Harvey picked her up. Eloise softly said, "Everything's arranged. I'll come back after the baby's born. I can't believe how fast Dwight's progressed. He can practically handle things on his own now."noveldrama

Normally, Harvey would tease Dwight. But today, he remained silent.

Eloise, finding this strange, asked with a smile, "What's wrong?"

Harvey stopped the car at a red light and carefully said, "I have to go to Britain for

that case. Griffin called this morning, saying he doesn't trust Attorney Tate. Eloise, I need to go one more time."

Eloise blinked slowly. It took her a while to respond, "Is it that he doesn't trust him, or you don't?"

Harvey remained silent. He couldn't argue with her, not while she was pregnant.

Eloise was also restrained, speaking softly, "Harvey, you promised me you wouldn't go back to Britain! Plus, I'm seven months pregnant. If anything were to happen while you're in Britain, it would take at least 24 hours for you to get back. Didn't you consider me before making this promise?"

Harvey knew she was upset.

He was more than willing to console her, "Our baby's check-ups have been stable!

I'll only be gone for three days, and I'll rush back as soon as the court proceedings end. I won't take on any more cases for a while and will focus on being there for you during the birth, okay?"

Eloise knew he had already made up his mind. Feeling a bit uneasy, she quietly asked, "When are you leaving?"

"Tomorrow morning."

Eloise was visibly taken aback. She then turned her head and silently stared out

the car window, saying nothing more.

That night, Harvey packed his suitcase and tried to cheer Eloise up. But she couldn't feign happiness. When they went to bed, she turned her back to him. She tossed and turned all night.

At the break of dawn, Harvey quietly got up, kissed Eloise's lips, and whispered,

"I'm leaving."

Eloise woke up from a dream. She remembered the blood in her dream. She was scared! She clung to Harvey's waist, feeling a vague movement in her belly. Her voice trembled as she spoke, "Harvey, don't go. I don't feel well." Harvey gently rubbed her belly. He thought she was merely upset, so he didn't take it seriously. He comforted her, "It's just the heat. Let Michelle stay with you. Good girl, I'll only be gone for three days."

Eloise held on to him, whispering, "Harvey, I have a feeling something bad is going to happen. I really don't feel well. The baby is kicking hard in my belly." Harvey chuckled. He bent down to kiss her belly. "Is she misbehaving?" Eloise gently massaged his scalp. "She's never like this! Can you please not go? I'm afraid something will happen."

Harvey stood up straight, kissing her lips. "If I don't leave now, I'll miss my flight. Be good and listen."

Eloise wouldn't let go. He gently pried her fingers from his, one by one, giving her

a tender smile. "You're like a child. I promise I'll be back safe and sound after

three days."

He still left with his suitcase. Eloise sat there alone, feeling cold all over despite

the summer heat. She tried to go back to sleep, but she felt hot and uncomfortable. Eloise decided to get up. She held her cell phone as she descended the stairs, calling out, "Mom!"

Michelle had just returned from grocery shopping with the housekeeper, laughing and chatting. Hearing Eloise calling her, she was about to respond. Suddenly, a massive explosion echoed outside, followed by a storm of flying debris, countless shards of glass, and chunks of concrete.

At 10 in the morning, a major explosion occurred in a high-end villa district in Peterborough, caused by a gas pipeline. Trees were split in half, and debris was strewn everywhere. The road was blown apart, completely blocked.

Eloise was just coming downstairs. A powerful shockwave hit her, throwing her

body hard against the wall behind her. In that instant, her waist felt shattered, but

in such a critical moment, she instinctively protected her belly with her hands.

Linda...