Tangled Temptations

The Horigan family's living room was bustling with activity. Parker, ever the magnanimous host, pointed to Brett's mother and declared, "This is Grandma!"

Daniel was a bit timid, but he bravely approached the elderly woman. As Tracey cradled the small boy in her arms, a whirlwind of emotions assaulted her.

Joy, yes, but mostly guilt! She was not young anymore, but she insisted on hugging Daniel, planting a kiss on his forehead.

Initially, she had brought gifts to subtly propose a marriage for her son. Now, all the presents were bestowed upon her grandson.

Brett sat by her side, his gaze darting from the child to the woman across the room, Orlena. Orlena didn't deny it, "Yes, we have a child!"

Brett closed his eyes briefly. Doing the math, he realized that the last time he was in Peterborough was when he had gotten her pregnant. And when she went to Brockville, she must have known she was pregnant. What was going through her mind when they broke up?

Brett pondered, then realized that he was at a dead end. He was no longer a naive young man. He knew that a woman who hadn't returned home for two years, raising a child on her own, must harbor more than just love for the child. She also held resentment towards him.

His thoughts were interrupted as Harvey and Eloise returned. Harvey surveyed the room and chuckled, "What's going on? Everyone's here?"

He affectionately ruffled Daniel's hair and greeted Tracey. The old lady was quite fond of him, and with the current situation, his charm was more appreciated than

ever.

As Harvey and Eloise settled down, an unspoken tension remained between Parker and Brett. In the end, Pauline tearfully called out, "Parker!"

Not wanting to embarrass himself in front of his wife, Parker sipped his tea and laughingly told Tracey, "The kids are all grown up. Let them sort it out!"

Tracey rose steadily, determined to take charge.

Eloise's identity was the most subtle, she held Daniel's little hand and took him out to play. Without the child, Tracey found it much easier to get things done.

Brett was utterly obedient in her presence. Tracey sternly addressed him, "Brett, the Horigan family and the Laurent family are related by marriage, and Orlena is your junior. How could you hurt her like this? And to keep the existence of your own child a secret from us! Is this how I raised you?"noveldrama

Brett hung his head in shame, "I've failed you, mother!"

Tracey waved him off, "You've failed Orlena! I don't need to tell you what to do, do 1?"

Brett hesitated momentarily. Without a second thought, he knelt in front of Parker and his wife. They were taken aback, not expecting Brett to be so forthright.

Parker wasn't one to kick a man when he's down. He understood that his daughter wouldn't have secretly borne Daniel if she didn't genuinely love Brett. He gave his wife a look, and Pauline, not wanting to strain their relationship further, helped Brett to his feet and said politely, "You and Orlena have a son together. You need to discuss amongst yourselves what to do next."

The room was filled with a mixture of guilt and relief.

Harvey turned to his sister, "Orlena, what do you say?"

Orlena looked at Brett, who returned her gaze. She knew that with the existence of their child, Brett's objections would crumble. And with the efforts of both families, he would be willing to marry her. But she didn't want to! Why should she?

Orlena's lips moved slightly, and before she could speak, Brett cut her off, "Let's talk in private!"

Orlena looked at her brother, who took a sip of his tea and smirked, "Go ahead, he won't bite. Besides, he's getting old. He might not even be able to chew!"

His words were both humorous and biting.

Orlena agreed. Indeed, there were some things that were not suitable to be said in front of the elders.

The two retreated to a smaller room to talk. Orlena stood by the window, offering Brett only her back, and spoke softly, "Daniel was conceived the last time we were together. I found out after we broke up."

Brett studied her silhouette. He shook his head gently, "You're lying, Orlena! You knew before we broke up, didn't you?"

Orlena took a deep breath. She composed herself before replying, "You're right, Mr. Brett! I found out the night we broke up. I wanted to tell you, but you said we weren't suitable."

Even without his words, she knew there was no future for them. She had her dignity. Brett had his fair share of women, all sophisticated and charming. Why would she, a simple girl, ever be able to capture his heart? It was a fool's dream!

Orlena turned around, a faint smile appearing on her lips, "Eloise once said, 'all or nothing.' She stayed with my brother for Linda's sake, because Linda needed care and a father. But Mr. Brett, Daniel has never had a father, and he's perfectly healthy. We don't need to force ourselves to be together for his sake!"

She was far more rational than before, "You can visit him anytime in Peterborough, I won't stop you." But she would never bring Daniel to Brockville. She would never set foot in Brockville again.

She said a lot more.

Brett remained silent, sitting on the couch, smoking. Unlike his mother, he knew that merely having a child wouldn't make everything right. In fact, the existence of Daniel only made Orlena despise him more, and less likely to forgive him!

Brett was not an impulsive man. Even when it came to matters of the heart, to the woman he loved, and his own flesh and blood, he remained calm. He had too much to consider.

By the time he finished his cigarette, he seemed to have made up his mind. He asked her softly, "Have you decided?"

Orlena merely hummed in response.

Brett moved closer to her, his hand hovering inches away from her hair, just like the same way he used to touch her. But he hesitated, with his hand hanging in mid-air. After a long silence, he finally asked in a hoarse voice, "Was it hard for you during those two years away?"

She nodded, "Yes."

Brett hugged her then. It was a purely platonic gesture, void of any lust or romantic intentions, just like an elder comforting a younger girl. He held her, silently soothing her.

His tenderness was like poison to her. Orlena didn't want to fall into it, and she gently pushed him away, "From now on, we're nothing more than Daniel's parents. Nothing else."

Brett didn't force her. In the shadow of the curtains, he whispered, "Orlena, when I'm with you, there's no one else."

Orlena was visibly taken aback, then she just smiled faintly, "It doesn't matter anymore."

...

They told everyone about their decisions. Tracey was furious, thinking his son was irresponsible, but the Horigan family took the news calmly.

Parker accepted Brett's compensation on behalf of Orlena, including child support for Daniel. After all, it was a man's duty. He told Tracey, "Kids have their own thoughts. It's normal. Besides, after all this time, I don't think they have any feelings left. We're still family. If you want to see Daniel, we won't stop you."

The old lady was somewhat disappointed.

Pauline was kind-hearted. She invited the old lady to stay a few more days in Peterborough at the Horigan's. As for Brett, he was swamped with work and had to rush back to Brockville in the afternoon. That was the end of it, for now.

On their way to pick up Linda in the afternoon, Eloise sat in the passenger seat, deep in thought. Harvey chuckled, "Isn't this outcome normal? Orlena, with her gentle nature, would have thrown herself into his arms two years ago if she hadn't been heartbroken."

He pondered for a while before adding, "She has changed a lot in these two years."

Eloise felt a soft tug at her heart. She turned her head, teasing him, "Orlena's quite strong-willed! Maybe we shouldn't reunite just for the kids."

Harvey gave her a sidelong glance. He gently stepped on the accelerator and drove for a while before chuckling, "Did we really reconcile? It's been two months, and we haven't had sex once. Eloise, do you call this reconciliation?"

Eloise remained silent. Arguing with him would get her nowhere.

Both of them stayed quiet, the past still casting a damp shadow over their hearts.

At the red light, Harvey gently held her hand, whispering, "Dress up for our anniversary, for me, okay?"

Eloise gave a soft "Mmm."

She wasn't heartless. She could feel that Harvey had changed a lot, in his treatment of her and their child. Even during this time with his uncle and Orlena, he was very restrained.

They were living together, had a child, so Eloise was willing to treat him better, which was why, even though she understood his intentions for their anniversary night, she agreed. As for the past, they'd let time heal their wounds.

Eloise didn't know that her small affirmation meant the world to Harvey. He wasn't unable to restrain himself. He'd gone three years without a woman, so he could handle it. Moreover, he could see her every day. The important thing was, she was willing to give herself to him.

She was willing to open up to him and trust him!