Tangled Temptations

Harvey went to his study, lighting a cigarette as he settled into the solitude.

These past three years, he'd been too busy to even miss Eloise, let alone anything else. But now, in this rare moment of tranquility, he had some time to himself.

Regret washed over him as he remembered how he'd forced Eloise to cut ties with Landon. That single act had ensured Landon a permanent place in Eloise's heart. Even if it wasn't love, it was enough to make him feel jealous.

Just as Harvey was immersing himself in his thoughts, the study door creaked open. A head of curly brown hair peeked in, belonging to a little girl with bare feet, clad in a cute colorful nightie.

"Daddy!"

Linda threw herself into his arms, wrapping her tiny arms around his neck. Harvey put her small feet into his arms, planting a gentle kiss on them.

"Why are you up, sweetheart?" He asked softly.

Half-asleep, Linda nestled into his chest, mumbling something about wanting her mommy. Harvey felt nervous at the thought of Eloise in their bedroom - she was in no state for Linda to see.

He soothed her gently, "Mommy's asleep in daddy's room."

"I want to sleep with mommy!" Linda insisted.

Harvey cradled her in one arm, gently shaking her as he told her a bedtime story. His voice, slightly raspy from the late night, was a calming presence. Eventually, Linda drifted off in his arms. Knowing she'd wake if he put her down now, Harvey wrapped her in a blanket and held her for almost an hour.

Finally, Linda was asleep. Harvey sat by the edge of the bed, watching her peaceful face, and couldn't resist planting a soft kiss on her cheek. This little girl was the treasure of him and Eloise. Of course he loved her dearly.

Linda stirred in her sleep, cuddling her stuffed bunny. Harvey couldn't bear to leave her just yet, so he stayed a while longer.

When he eventually returned to the bedroom, he was taken aback. Eloise was a mess. Her hair and forehead were damp with sweat, and her body was seductive and tempting.

Harvey moved closer, crouching down to take a closer look at her. His Adam's apple bobbed. He removed the tie and gently loosened her. Eloise's breath came in soft pants, and her voice sounded very soft, "Harvey... you asshole!"

Harvey knew women well. He knew what she wanted, so he leaned in close, "Bath first, or...?"

Eloise wrapped her arms around him, meeting his lips.

The room heated up. In the midst of their passionate kiss, Harvey murmured sweet nothings into her ear, "Call me Harvey! Eloise, call me Harvey!"

Eloise abruptly pulled back. She whispered in his ear, "I'm sleeping with Linda! Goodnight, Mr. Horigan!"

She prepared to leave, giving his handsome face a playful pat, "Taste this feeling, Mr. Horigan!"

Harvey didn't stop her. He leaned against the headboard, watching her tidy herself up and leave the room. A small smile played on his lips, "I didn't expect you to have such self-control!"

Eloise gave him a middle finger.

Harvey chuckled. He was attractive and skilled at teasing her, to the point where Eloise could hardly look at him.

She took a shower in the guest room and went to bed. Her phone beeped. It was a message from Harvey on Facebook. 'Missing you!' it read.noveldrama

A small smile graced Eloise's lips as she stared at the two words. She didn't reply. Another message came in. [Come sleep with me! I won't do anything... I just want to hold you as we sleep. Tomorrow morning, I'll go for a run and bring you back a rose to wake you up with.]

Eloise had been entangled with Harvey for many years. She knew what he wanted. He didn't force anything on her, because he just wanted to start over with her, to date her.

She closed her eyes. Over the years, whether it was love or hate, it was always Harvey.

Everything was Harvey.

She didn't respond to him, but she knew he wouldn't mind. He was enjoying the process of wooing her. They lived together, but if they rushed into a lifelong commitment just because of Linda, it would be a tragedy. In their future relationship, Eloise didn't want to be cheap and easy to get again. If Harvey wanted her, he would have to pursue her, to try his best to win her.

Whether she'd give in, or how much she'd give, Eloise wanted to be the controller.

...

The next morning when Eloise woke up, there was a fresh rose on the bedside table. She rolled over, gently touching the petals. It reminded her of when they were together, of how he often gave her roses. But she couldn't tell if he felt the same now as he did then.

Eloise didn't want to appear too affected.

She went downstairs after freshening up to find Linda already up, breakfasting with her dad.

Harvey, the picture of a doting father, was leisurely sipping his coffee, reading the morning paper.

Eloise joined them. Linda immediately cleaned her mouth, becoming much more well-behaved as she continued to eat.

Eloise gave her a quick kiss.

Harvey put down his newspaper, smiling, "She listens to you well!"

Harvey's words were music to her ears. But then he added, "I listen to you too. I'll

do whatever you tell me to, even if it's... not doing something."

Eloise bit her lip, whispering to him softly, "Don't teach Linda any bad habits!" Linda continued eating.

Harvey became serious now. He looked at her with care. "Did you sleep well last night?"

Eloise ignored his question; he knew the answer.

Last night was too intimate. She felt too embarrassed to take Linda to school with him, so she stayed at home to tidy up. Since she'd moved in, she took over these chores.

At ten, she called Orlena and suggested they go shopping.

The annual Everest Technologies celebration was coming up, and Eloise hadn't picked out a dress yet. Plus, she thought it would be good for Orlena to attend and take her mind off things.

They arrived at Moonlight Studio. Pauline was a special guest here, so when Eloise and Orlena showed up, the shop was promptly cleared for them.

As Eloise browsed the selections, she chatted with Orlena. They inevitably discussed Brett.

Eloise didn't try to speak some good words for her uncle. Instead, she shared her parenting experiences with Orlena. Despite only being a mom for two months, it seemed Eloise had more insights - probably because she was raising Linda with such meticulous care.

Orlena began to relax.

Eloise picked out a dress for Orlena to try on, while Eloise rested on a couch, sipping a floral tea as she waited.

The shop manager approached, looking a bit uneasy. "Mrs. Horigan, we have a Mr. Velona here who is also one of our... I am hoping to discuss it with you. Could you possibly make a bit of space?"

Eloise was easy-going and agreed. But when the man came in, she saw it was Max, accompanied by a quite attractive girlfriend.

Max was equally surprised. He looked at Eloise, and after a long pause, finally said, "Back home?"

Eloise nodded, smiling at them. "Make yourselves at home."

Max wanted to chat with her for a bit, so he left his companion to browse the gowns. The woman, a second-rate celebrity, gracefully excused herself, leaving them alone.

Max took a seat across from Eloise. He had planned to smoke, but soon put down the lighter and pack of cigarettes. He laughed lightly, "Long time no see. I heard your child with Harvey is now four."

Eloise flipped through a magazine, nonchalantly acknowledging his statement.

Max looked at her serene face, feeling somewhat lost. For a long time, he had been infatuated with her, wanting to claim her as his own. But years had passed, and it seemed everyone was moving forward while he remained in the same spot. He couldn't even distinguish whether he was still in love with Eloise or just missing the innocence of Orlena.

Just as he was lost in thought, Orlena emerged. She didn't notice Max and was preoccupied with adjusting her strapless gown, quietly complaining, "Eloise, isn't this a bit too revealing? Should I change into something else?"

Eloise didn't respond.

When Orlena looked up and spotted Max, she was stunned. Back when he was caught cheating and supporting another woman, the Horigan family had forcefully called off the engagement. Max's business had taken a hit, but over the years, he had recovered and was now the charming Mr. Velona once again.

Orlena gave a casual smile, and nodded at him.

Compared to her calmness, Max was much more astonished. He had heard rumors about her and Mr. Brett, but initially didn't believe them. However, seeing Orlena now, he found those gossips credible.

The once vibrant face was now dulled by the trials of love. It lost much of its color, but, it also gained a certain feminine charm.

He had once thought that Orlena would never grow up. But she changed into a woman he hadn't imagined, and it was... for another man.