Tangled Temptations

Eloise couldn't help but scoff, "Not at all!"

She hesitated before sharing Linda's story, then spoke softly, "Veronica, I know I shouldn't. I just can't help but want to care for that child! She looks just like her, and even her name is Linda."

It seemed fantastical to Veronica. What were the odds? A child appeared out of the blue and motherless.

Veronica thought it was implausible. She put on a serious face and said, "You must be missing Linda too much! Eloise, give it another try, there might be someone out there for you!"

Three years had passed, and Eloise was still single. Veronica felt guilty and anxious. Eloise, however, seemed in no rush. She was about to say something when her phone rang. It was the same number from the night before, but this time it was Linda on the other end, her voice sweet as sugar, "Eloise, I miss you!"

Eloise's face immediately softened, "I miss you too!"

Linda continued with her cajoling, "I want to see you!"

Eloise hesitated. Meeting a student outside of school hours was against the rules. She resisted for a while before reluctantly declining, "We can meet on Friday."

Linda sounded disappointed. She didn't cry, but her voice was soft and pleading, "Dad isn't home! I'm so lonely. Eloise, will you stay with me?"

Eloise's heart softened. Veronica, who had overheard, was taken aback. Who could resist such a little devil? As expected, Eloise was already asking where to meet. Linda chuckled with delight, "Eloise, look outside!"

Eloise was surprised.

She looked out the cafe window to see a stretch limousine parked outside, its back door open. Linda was sitting inside. Dressed in a small floral dress, she looked at Eloise with gentle and obedient eyes.

Eloise immediately stood up, "Veronica, I have to go!"

Veronica was left speechless. It all felt like a setup, and Eloise was caught in the middle of it.

Eloise got into the car. For some reason, she noticed a familiar masculine scent in the limo, a faint smell of tobacco mixed with a hint of pine. While she frowned, Linda had already climbed onto her lap.

The driver, smiling, said, "Eloise, Miss Linda wants a Happy Meal. I'll take you there!"

Eloise thanked him immediately. When she looked down, the little one was already hugging her, as if afraid she would run away.

Eloise felt a pang in her heart. The child must have lacked familial warmth growing up. She thought about the man selling eggs, and felt even more skeptical. He must be a playboy, leaving his child at home without a care.

The limo came to a stop. Eagerly, Linda pulled Eloise out of the car and into McDonald's. Eloise thought it wasn't good for a child to eat too much fast food. She sat down and carefully picked out the healthier options, her gentle expression making her seem even more endearing.

Linda, resting her chin in her hands, watched in contentment. Her mom was so pretty!

While eating, Eloise took good care of Linda, making the little girl think, "So this is what it feels like to have a mom!"

She thought things were moving too slowly. When could Eloise come to her house and stay with her and her dad?

Linda squeezed her eyes tightly. Her big eyes were suddenly filled with tears. She tugged at Eloise's sleeve and pleaded, "Eloise, can you be my mom?"

Eloise was taken aback.

Linda moved her chair closer, snuggling up to Eloise. Her voice was filled with a hint of resentment, "Dad's really busy, and there are lots of ladies who want to date him and be my mom! Dad's really handsome, and there are so many people who want to be my mom. Eloise, do you want to be my mom?"

Eloise was certain, Linda's dad was a womanizer! She felt so sorry for the child, patting her gently, "But you can't just pick a mom for yourself!"

Linda snuggled up to her, a faint smile on her face, "But dad said if I like someone, they can be my mom! Eloise, can you be my mom for the Arellano family reunion?"

Eloise sighed in relief. So that was what it was, she was overthinking! She considered it for a moment, feeling that she needed to ask the head of the family for permission, as Linda was his daughter.

She gently responded, "I'll talk to your dad about it."

After her performance, Linda happily continued eating her chicken. Then, she

wanted to stay at Eloise's house, but none of persuading worked.

Eloise felt she had already crossed a boundary. Although she was Linda's teacher, in reality, they were still strangers. Linda's father was too careless to let his daughter spend time with a stranger, without worrying about the potential harm. She decided to have a serious talk with him.

At eight o'clock that night, Eloise dropped Linda off. When she got home, she called Linda's dad.

Linda, sprawled on her pink bed with her little belly full to the brim, handed the phone to Harvey, her face beaming, "Eloise wants to talk to you."

How would Harvey answer? If he revealed his identity now, Eloise might just turn and walk away, then sue him for custody. He needed more time. Time for her to grow attached to Linda and for them to build a relationship.

He hung up the phone and returned to his room, sending Eloise a message through Facebook, explaining that he was in a video conference. Eloise seriously communicated with him about Linda's situation, ultimately suggesting that he, as a father, should reduce his dating and spend more time with his child.

Harvey acted respectfully, communicating with her. His tone gave Eloise a peculiar feeling. It was as if they were a couple!

But he couldn't keep up the act for long, soon reverting to his old ways, directly inviting her, "Eloise, I really want to see you!" His tone was quite suggestive.

Eloise snapped back to reality. This man was toying with her. Whether serious or not, to him, all words were just a method of flirting with women.

Eloise was furious. She held back again and again, but finally couldn't help but send him a message: [Linda's father, I don't know if you talk to every woman like this, but it's not good for the child's growth!]noveldrama

Harvey looked at the message, a faint smile tugged at his lips. It seemed like she was angry. He cajoled her: [I'm sorry, Eloise!]

Eloise didn't respond, clearly miffed. It had been a long time since Harvey had felt this way, and he couldn't resist the urge to send another message: [Don't be mad, okay?]

Still, Eloise didn't reply.

Looking at their exchanged messages, Harvey felt a rush of heat coursing through his veins, a feeling he had long missed. He missed her. He desired her.

For three years, he was preoccupied with taking care of Linda, buried with his career. For three years, he didn't even entertain the thought of women, let alone satisfy his physical desires.

Just by looking at the messages sent by Eloise, he was already finding it hard to bear! Harvey couldn't contain himself any longer.

With his chin slightly raised, his slender eyes squinting, his mind was filled with images of him and Eloise entwined passionately. When his desire became unbearable, his Adam's apple bobbed uncontrollably, emitting a husky voice of yearning.