Tangled Temptations

"I'm not considering a relationship right now." She said softly.

Brett sighed, "Still can't get over Harvey, can you?"

Eloise simply shook her head. After a while, she looked out at the night sky, murmuring, "I don't know if coming back was the right decision. Three years have passed, and whatever deep-rooted past Harvey and I had, it should be forgotten by now."

But Harvey wouldn't let go. His possessiveness towards her was clear. Eloise had a feeling, if she dared to marry another man, Harvey would make a scene.

She decided to take Michelle abroad once she recovered. She wanted to get away from Harvey.

Brett watched her expressions, guessing her thoughts. He felt both amused and annoyed. Harvey was indeed a pain in the neck, especially over the past few years. Despite divorcing Eloise, he still visited the Noland family in Brockville every year for Thanksgiving. This year, he even brought along his child, much to the shock of Grandma Noland.

Grandma Noland cried all night, with that jerk by her side the whole time.

So now, Brett just turned a blind eye. After all, Harvey had managed to keep Linda alive, raising her single-handedly till she turned three. For that alone, Brett felt Harvey deserved some credit.

Casually, Brett probed, "What would have happened if Linda was still here, Eloise?"

Eloise was taken aback. Over the years, she never dared to think about the "what ifs". Without answering, she simply gazed out of the car window. Her mind was filled with images of a rose garden and a tombstone bearing her and Harvey's

names.

Eloise suddenly turned to Brett, "Uncle Brett!"

Brett waved off her concerns with a laugh, "I was just asking."

Eloise was a bit disappointed, but Brett's questions had planted a seed of doubt in her mind. She remembered her encounters with Harvey after returning home. He seemed so sure of himself.

Linda! Right! And Linda's shameless father!

Linda said Eloise was beautiful!

[Eloise, I really want to meet you.]

[Don't be angry... okay?]

Eloise felt a chill run down her spine. Her face slowly paled and she grabbed Brett's arm, her voice trembling, "Uncle, is Linda still alive?"

Brett asked the driver to pull over. The driver stepped out of the car to smoke, leaving them alone. The car was so quiet that they could hear each other's heartbeat. Brett spoke softly, "You've already met her."

Eloise slowly released her grip.

Linda. It was that girl! Linda, the child she gave birth to three years ago, was still alive!

Eloise burst into tears, stifling her sobs as her whole body tensed up. Brett gently stroked her head, whispering, "We didn't tell you earlier because Linda's health was unstable for the first couple of years. We didn't want you to get hurt again. And we wanted you to fully recover."noveldrama

Eloise was in tears, "I want to see her now, Uncle. Now!"

Brett, being the experienced man he was, managed to remain calm. "If you go now, are you prepared to reconcile with Harvey? Eloise, no matter what decision you make, I will respect it. After all, he has put in a lot of effort for this child. But I hope that if you choose to be with him, it's because you still love him, not because of the child."

Brett knew it was a lot to ask. After all, it was her own flesh and blood, and there was a desire to care and protect.

He gave Eloise some time. Brett stepped out of the car, walking under the streetlights and lighting up a cigarette. As he smoked, he opened palm. A red scar mocked him, a reminder of a wound not more than two years old.

Brett tilted his head back, his gaze narrowed. On such a humid night, he was reminded of someone, a woman who had disappeared from his life almost two years ago.

Eloise cried for a long time in the car. Brett hadn't returned yet. Sitting alone in the car, she remembered that she had a cell phone and decided to call Harvey. The call went through, but he didn't speak. After a long silence, Eloise asked in a hoarse voice, "Harvey, what did you bury in the cemetery?"

On the other end, there was a sharp intake of breath. Clearly, Harvey had figured out that she knew the truth. He was silent for about half a minute before he spoke in a husky voice, "Our wedding rings, Eloise. I buried our wedding rings."

He wanted to say something else, but Eloise hung up. She leaned back in the car seat, feeling as though her heart was slowly coming back to life.

Her daughter was still here! She was so adorable. Eloise wanted to hold her close and shower her with love.

Eloise called her. Linda wasn't asleep yet. She sounded grumpy and refused to speak first.

Eloise asked, her voice trembling slightly, "Linda, would you like me to pick you up from school tomorrow?"

Linda responded in a weak voice, "Parent-teacher meetings are over! Oh, are you not afraid of my dad anymore?"

Eloise was familiar with this kind of banter. What had Harvey taught her?

Eloise was overwhelmed with maternal love. She didn't want to correct Linda. Instead, she spoke softly, "I will attend every parent-teacher meeting for you from now on, okay?"

Linda suddenly sat up. But her tone sounded troubled, "Eloise, do you like my dad? If you do, you might have to get in line."

Eloise softly said, "I like you."

Linda was silent. Then she became slightly embarrassed. After all, the person on the other end was her mother. Her mother now knew that she was her daughter.

Linda didn't say anything for a while. Her silence was stubborn, which made Eloise's heart break. At that moment, the car door opened, and Brett's gaze met hers. Eloise said softly, "Uncle Brett, I want to go there!"

Brett's eyes were deep and he didn't say anything. He just called the driver to start the car and take Eloise there. On the way, he called Harvey and told him Eloise was on her way.

Linda was still so young, a child they had fought tooth and nail to bring into the world. Everyone tiptoed around, fearful of causing a ruckus that might scare her.

Brett dropped Eloise off at the house, then took off.

Inside the house, everything was quiet, only a few lamps were on. The housekeeper, following instructions, greeted Eloise with a respectful manner. Eloise, her emotions a flurry, couldn't be bothered. She ascended the stairs quickly but the closer she got to the top, the harder her heart pounded in her chest.

Harvey was standing at the top of the staircase. He was still in his crisp white shirt and black trousers, although his hair was a little dishevelled.

When Eloise brushed past him, he reached out and grabbed her arm, whispering

in a low voice, "Linda had a bit of a tantrum but she's asleep now. Let's not disturb her. We need to talk."