Tangled Temptations

In the hospital room, it was a picture of familial bliss.

Eloise's eyes were moist. Only Orlena noticed and her heart was aching. She excused herself to get some fresh air. Unexpectedly, she bumped into Brett outside.

Brett had been at a conference in New York, and as soon as it ended, he hopped on a private jet to come to see Eloise and Darrien.

At the door, he saw Orlena. It'd been a while since Brett saw her. He was usually too busy to miss her, but seeing her now, he realized how much he did. Seeing the tears in her eyes, his voice unconsciously softened. "What's wrong? Is the baby not healthy?"

He spoke and handed a gift to Donny. "You go and check on Eloise and the baby!" Donny, aware of the rarity of their meeting, nodded and entered the room.

Brett pulled Orlena into a secluded corridor. The green iron door closed behind them, and he gently removed her hand from her eyes. "Why are you always crying?"

"None of your business!"

Orlena turned her face away, her eyes red.

Brett chuckled, lit a cigarette and took a slow drag. "Let me guess, it's because of Eloise, isn't it?"

Orlena was annoyed that he had guessed her thoughts, but, it made her even sadder.

Someone in this world understood her, but Eloise didn't have that someone!

For the first time in months, Orlena showed Brett some kindness. She even broke down in front of this man she despised. "Everyone thinks Eloise is happy, but I know she's not! Harvey is back, but he doesn't remember Eloise, but Eloise loves him!"

If it wasn't for love, if it wasn't longing... could a woman endure the coldness of her husband?

Brett quietly smoked. He knew everything Orlena said, but what could he do knowing it? Eloise and Harvey had so much history; they had once loved each other so much. Those who knew couldn't bear to let Eloise give up, including Brett.

He felt sorry for Eloise, from start to finish. Joan's matter was not Eloise's fault. Harvey just did what a husband would do, but, Eloise had to pay with a lifetime! Brett slightly tilted his head, tears in his eye. He thought of his sister Louise, of himself, of Eloise...the children of the Noland family seemed destined for a rocky love life.

When Brett entered the room, Harvey was seeing his parents off. Apart from Eloise, only Donny was in the room. Seeing his boss, Donny smiled. "Mr. Brett is here!"

Eloise attempted to sit up.

Brett quickly stopped her. "What are you doing? You'll hurt yourself!"

He was naturally concerned, and he gently patted her head, asking about the birth.

Eloise gave a light smile. "Not bad! It was much easier than giving birth to Linda!"

This comment made Brett even more distressed. He played with Darrien for a bit, then nonchalantly suggested, "If you're not happy, return to Brockville for a while! Grandma's not in good health and can't fly. She's been longing for you and the kids to visit!"

Eloise caught his drift. Her gaze fell on Darrien, and she softly said, "We'll go after a while."

Brett gave a light laugh, not saying anymore.

Just then, Harvey returned with Linda after seeing off his parents. Linda immediately latched onto Brett, wanting to be held.

Brett always spoiled her the most among all the kids at home. No one else could compare to Linda. He intentionally gave the couple some alone time, so he picked up Linda and told Donny, "Let's play the role of doting grandpas. Let's take Linda for a stroll outside!"

Linda happily clung to Brett's neck. Brett allowed her to ride piggyback as they left.

The room returned to its quiet state. Eloise gently pulled the blanket over herself, chuckling. "With all the coming and going, I'm a bit tired. I'll take a nap."

Harvey watched her, recalling what Brett had said earlier. He somewhat guessed that in this relationship, Eloise felt hurt.

After being together for several months, everything was just okay. Neither of them wanted to be the first to bring up the deeper issues. After all, she was still attached to this marriage, and he was gradually finding more advantages than disadvantages in this marriage.

Eloise fell asleep. He sat on the sofa, silently watching her, lost in thought.

Just as he was starting to zone out, Darrien woke up. The healthy little baby cried loudly, his little face turning bright red.

Eloise naturally woke up. Looking at the little one, she softly told Harvey, "He must be hungry. Can you bring him here, I'll feed him."

Harvey gently picked up his son, placing him in Eloise's arms, but he didn't leave.

Darrien was Eloise's second child, but it was her first time nursing a baby. She was a bit clumsy as she unbuttoned her top, then gently adjusted Darrien so he could feed.

The little one was extremely greedy, gulping down the milk.

Harvey naturally sat down next to her. He gently stroked his son's hair, his gaze unintentionally landed on Eloise's body, casually remarking, "You just gave birth. How is your waist so thin already?"

Her body was simply irresistible. It had been nearly two months since Harvey had last touched her. At this moment, he was somewhat restless. Eloise was focused on their baby and didn't notice his agitation.

With a soft pop, Darrien left her nipple. Harvey's gaze darkened.

Darrien was very well-behaved, falling asleep as soon as he finished feeding.

Eloise wanted to button up her clothes, but the other side was sore from rubbing against her clothes, probably because it was too engorged. She wanted to squirt out some of the milk, but Harvey was right there, and she was too embarrassed.

In the morning, Harvey was still asleep on the sofa.

Eloise felt much lighter, so she leaned on the wall to go to the bathroom. She unbuttoned her top. It was her first time doing this, and she was a bit nervous, fumbling around.

The bathroom door was gently closed. Harvey embraced her from behind, kissing her behind the ear, murmuring, "Let me do it."

Startled, she met his gaze in the mirror.

Harvey was polite with his words, but his actions were not. Eloise didn't know if he had learned this somewhere, but his technique was very skilled, almost as if he

was a natural.

She closed her eyes, not daring to look at the scene in the mirror. She knew how messy she looked.

"Is it still hurting? Feeling any better?"

His words, whispered seductively in Eloise's ear, made her aware that he was doing it on purpose. Clutching her robe tighter, she muttered, "That's enough. I'm fine now!"

But the next moment, she was lifted onto the bathroom sink.

Harvey, finally remembering that she had just given birth, cushioned her with one hand while the other nonchalantly unbuttoned her robe. His voice was husky and enticing, "This height, it's perfect!"

Then he lowered his head to do what he'd been longing to do since yesterday. It was the first time he had let go in front of Eloise.

Afterward, he rested on her shoulder, panting.

Eloise, deeply in love with him, couldn't help but whisper, "Harvey, do you like me, even a little?"

Harvey continued to kiss her. He liked her body, so warm and soft. He whispered in her ear, "Are you not happy with our life now?"

Eloise tilted her head to kiss his chin.

In such a moment, she was willing to bear her heart to him. She murmured, "I

don't know... Harvey, I think I'm not satisfied!"

All she wanted was his love. Even if he could never recover his memory, as long

as he loved her, that would be enough!

...

With the addition of a child, their relationship seemed to improve a bit. Harvey came to the hospital every day to see the baby.

On the day Eloise was discharged, he personally came to pick her up with Lindanoveldrama

and brought Eloise many gifts, mostly jewelry that women love.

In the night, he would also wake up to take care of the baby. Even Eloise herself

felt that he seemed to like her to some extent. Their marriage was becoming stable.

She was a content woman. Her happiness was evident on her face.

On the day Darrien turned one month old, they didn't have a big celebration, but Harvey came home late from work, around nine o'clock. He brought gifts for Eloise and held Darrien for a long time.

In the chilly winter weather, Eloise sat by the fireplace in their villa, her face glowing with happiness.

The following day was a weekend, and Eloise received a phone call. It was from Denise, inviting her to a coffee shop.

Eloise held the phone, somewhat at a loss. She knew Denise was a very discreet and cautious woman. Denise wouldn't invite her out just after she'd given birth unless it was something important.

In the end, Eloise decided to go.

In the coffee shop, Denise was already seated. Upon seeing Eloise, she called

out softly, "Eloise!"

Eloise sat across from her. She ordered a cup of lemon water, took a few sips, and asked quietly, "Is it about Harvey?"

Denise pursed her lips.

Eloise could guess, and let out a weak smile. "Is it about another woman?"

Denise gingerly placed a photo on the coffee table, her voice low. "Eloise, I wouldn't tell you this on the second day of your baby's one month celebration if it wasn't urgent!"

Eloise picked up the photo, her face paling.

It was uncanny. The girl looked just like Joan at 22!

A clean, innocent Joan...

Denise's voice was hoarse. "This girl's name is Monika, 22 years old, a poor

college student that the firm has been sponsoring for the past few years. Last

month, Attorney Horigan kept her as an intern."

Last month...Which meant while she was giving birth.

Eloise clenched her fists.

Denise said confidently, "Attorney Horigan definitely has nothing inappropriate

going on with her, but I sense that this girl is not naive. Her eyes are full of ambition!"

Eloise gave a small smile. "She must know who she looks like!"

After saying this, she stood up, smiled at Denise, and said, "If Harvey gives you

trouble over this, come find me!"

Before Denise could react, Eloise walked out.

She had arrived proud and confident. Now, she felt a chill down her spine. So her happiness these past few days was just an illusion.

Eloise returned to the villa.

The housemaid said politely, "Mr. Harvey called and said he will be late tonight.

He asked you to have dinner first!"

Eloise nodded. "I got it!"

She slowly ascended the stairs, but halfway up, she suddenly stopped. "Could

you come up and help me pack some things... Yes, the gifts that sir gave me a

few days ago. Pack them all up and leave them at the door!"

The housemaid was stunned into silence.

At nine in the evening, Harvey returned home on time, to find a pile of stuff at the

door. "Where did all this come from?"

The housemaid nervously replied, "These are the gifts you gave to Madam recently. She said she wanted to get rid of them!"

Harvey frowned and walked upstairs. Eloise was in the master bedroom, sitting at

the vanity mirror, applying makeup.

She usually preferred a light makeup look, but now she was applying a rather striking one. She had also changed into a figure-hugging black dress, and her neck was adorned with millions' worth of jewelry.

Harvey walked in and looked around. "Where are Linda and Darrien?"

Eloise met his gaze in the mirror. After a long while, she parted her lips to say in a

seductive tone, "I've talked to your parents, and decided to temporarily send Linda and Darrien to them!"

Harvey walked over to her.

She stood up, stretched out a hand to lightly grip his shoulder, her breath sweet,

"So that... I have more time to take care of you, darling!"