Tangled Temptations

The sky was scattered with rosy clouds. The setting sun cast a shadow on the inky leaves, adding an eerie touch to the earth, as if mourning the loss of a life.

Tears streamed down Eloise's face, her body resembling a soulless shell.

Was Linda really gone? Linda, did she just leave like that?

What would she do? Was she scared? What should Eloise do?

Eloise took a handful of fresh soil and pressed it hard to her heart. Her body curled up, and even through her clothes, her skeletal figure was visible.

"Why didn't you let me see her one last time?!" Eloise asked.

Harvey wanted to lift her up, but his slender fingers paused mid-air, caught in a strange position. His voice was hoarse, "She didn't look good. I was afraid you wouldn't be able to forget."

Upon hearing this, Eloise was in a daze. She closed her eyes slightly, "Harvey, you're so heartless! She was your child too, and you just..."

She couldn't bear to associate those words with Linda. She added the soil in her arms to the small bundle. Then, she started piling the surrounding soil onto it. The soil always had some sharp stones that quickly cut her hands, but Eloise didn't care. She just did this mechanically.

Linda, mommy was adding some blankets. Would you be a little warmer?

Linda, mommy didn't get a chance to love you.

Linda, before you were born, mommy imagined your face countless times. But none of them were as beautiful as yours.

Linda, slept well and grew up. Mommy would be right here.

The world mourned. The last ray of light in the sky faded, and darkness enveloped the earth.

Harvey bent down to pick up Eloise, "Let's go home!"

But as soon as he lifted her, he realized she had fainted. Her body felt abnormally hot.

...

In the hospital.

Eloise lay still, and Harvey wiped her hands and body. He spoke to her, hoping to wake her up. But she didn't want to wake up. The doctor said she was too shocked and was subconsciously refusing to wake up.

Pauline and Orlena were also there. Orlena couldn't help crying, "Harvey, will she ever wake up? You shouldn't have lied to her. She must be so heartbroken!"

Pauline silently wiped her tears. She and Parker knew about Harvey's actions, but they didn't dare to have high hopes. After all, there was only a 5% chance. Now, they couldn't see any hope either. All decisions were made by Harvey.

Harvey listened to his mother and sister crying, holding Eloise's hand. He stared at her face, and softly said, "I have no regrets!"

Orlena was stunned.

...noveldrama

Eloise was unconscious for four days. Four days later, she woke up. The hospital room was quiet, and the light was dim. It must be at night time.

Harvey was lying by the bed, his face that once charmed her was resting on her hand, looking haggard and tired.

Eloise quietly watched him.

Harvey woke up immediately. He looked up and met her gaze under the dim light. They were husband and wife. But after everything they'd been through, their relationship was full of scars, and they didn't know what to say to each other when they met.

Linda was gone; there was nothing left to say between them.

Eloise closed her eyes lightly, "You should leave!"

Harvey's voice was hoarse, but gentle, "Are you hungry? I'll get you some something now!"

As he said this, he went to get the food.

Eloise turned her head to the other side and coldly said, "I don't need it!"

His hand paused, and the slight smile on his face froze. But he tried to speak in a

relaxed tone, "The doctor said you need nutrients. I've got..."

"Harvey, I don't need it!" Eloise insisted, "How many times do I have to say it. I don't need you!"

Finally, his hand trembled slightly, and he gently put down the bowl. They sat back to back, unable to see each other's faces. Perhaps it was easier to talk this way. He was afraid to see her cold face. Harvey's voice was filled with suppression, "If you don't want to see me, I'll have your mom come and take care of you! Her leg is much better, and she can walk. Eloise, I know you're upset, but don't be upset for too long, okay? We have to continue living!"

"She was my child. I was pregnant with her for seven months." Eloise said, "I spent 16 hours giving birth to her."

Eloise's heart and body ached when she said this. She sat up slowly, staring blankly at her chest. It was starting to swell with breastmilk. After giving birth to Linda, she didn't lactate. But now that Linda was gone, her breasts started to produce milk. This pain served as a constant reminder that she had a child.

Eloise suddenly burst into tears. She hugged the white blanket, crying hard, and her thin fingers curled up.

Harvey saw it too. He walked over and gently embraced her. He leaned in close to her neck, and in a low, hoarse voice, he said, "Eloise, can we go home? We shouldn't stay in the hospital, it will only remind you of Linda."

Eloise pushed his hand away. She held the blanket, sitting in silence, lost in thought.

The doctor said it would take her a long time to recover, and asked Harvey to be patient. Harvey stayed with Eloise at the hospital. Even if she ignored him and didn't talk to him for days, he didn't want to let go. He greedily looked at her face. He knew opportunities like this were limited.

Occasionally at night, he would receive an emergency call and be gone for a couple of days. Eloise didn't know where he went, nor did she care. Their relationship hit rock bottom, and they spent half a month together. Later, Harvey realized it was probably the most heartbreaking half-month of his life.

She was right in front of him, but he couldn't see any hope.