Tangled Temptations

In the grand foyer of the first floor, the servants were tidying up. With Pauline, Orlena, and Daniel nowhere in sight, Brett felt a pang of disappointment. He hurried outside and upon seeing them, he couldn't help but call out, “Orlena.”

Under the cloak of night, Pauline was already in the car, with Daniel on her lap. Orlena was just about to join them.

Approaching the car, Brett opened the door and gently patted Daniel's head, saying softly, "Listen to your mom, okay?"

Daniel, who resembled the Noland family, nodded obediently. Brett then exchanged a few words with Pauline.

Pauline turned to her daughter and said, "Have a chat with him, will you?" She was progressive, thanks in part to Parker's influence, and had a good understanding of her daughter's feelings. She decided to leave them be.

So, Orlena was whisked away in Brett's car. He drove for a while before Orlena couldn't help but sarcastically ask, "Mr. Brett, why are you still after me? Isn't your career your priority? Aren't you willing to sacrifice even your body for it?"

She knew he didn't love Stephanie, but it still made her jealous. He had mentioned that he admired Stephanie's independence.

Upon hearing her sarcastic comments, Brett simply laughed and asked, "Jealous?"

Orlena remained silent, leaning against the seat and gazing at the neon lights outside. She wanted nothing more to do with him, but they shared a child.

When the car stopped, her eyes were a bit teary. Looking out, she realized he had taken her to the riverbank. "Brett, what are you trying to do?" she murmured.

Brett looked at her. She wasn't young anymore and although still pretty, her face showed the signs of time. But he still loved her.

He leaned back in his seat and gently held her hand. "Eloise called me," he said. "She told me about how you've been the past few years."

There were things he found hard to say. Orlena was born into wealth and had never known hardship until she met him.

Orlena tried to pull her hand away, but he wouldn't let go. He gently wiped away the tears from her eyes and said softly, "I didn't get engaged. I canceled it because I was scared it would upset you."noveldrama

She felt a tremor in her heart but said nothing.

Brett didn't elaborate further. He just took the rare opportunity to hold her close. He was sorry for the way things had turned out, and he regretted it. But looking back, he felt he had no other choice.

...

At home, Harvey had just put Linda to bed.

Back in their bedroom, Eloise had just finished bathing. She looked relaxed as she sat at her vanity applying her skincare products. Harvey couldn't resist going over and wrapping his arms around her waist, whispering, "Finally, some alone time."

Eloise leaned against him. Their eyes met in the mirror.

As their gaze lingered, Harvey leaned in and lightly kissed her. Eloise was a little taken aback, but she relaxed and returned his kiss. His passion was evident, and she naturally found herself sitting on his lap, kissing his chin.

Harvey suddenly stopped. His hand still lingered on her waist. His gaze was intense. "Eloise, let's talk," he said.

Eloise knew what he wanted, but since he wasn't making a move, she couldn't bring herself to continue. So she simply leaned against him and hummed in agreement, then listened as he mentioned Ravenna.

Ravenna was a name from the past.

Harvey gently stroked her hair, saying softly, "If you don't want to go to the reunion, then don't. We don't need any more drama."

Their conversation felt intimate in the quiet of the night. Eloise simply laid her head on his shoulder. She spoke softly, "She's the one who messed up. Why should I hide?"

After the incident, she had remained calm.

She wanted to run away, because any woman would feel embarrassed if their private affairs became public knowledge. Eloise was not just any woman though. She was a mother too. She could hide, but Linda still had to go to school, and so would Darrien in the future. So no matter how hard it was, she had to face it.

Her voice softened. "Besides, I still have you, don't I?"

Harvey was moved. He kissed her cheek, and then moved to her lips. His voice was muffled. "Eloise, do you still trust me? Our relationship isn't that bad, is it?"

His words were a desperate plea for love. Eloise could hear it. She let him kiss her.

She thought, at least one of them should be psychologically healthy. She lifted her face and hummed softly in agreement.

She was wearing a champagne-colored silk nightgown. He had always loved her body and tonight, her softness was irresistible. After all, it had been a month since they last made love.

Carrying Eloise in his arms, Harvey headed straight for the bed. As her body sunk into the soft mattress, he looked down at her and said hoarsely, "Eloise, let's try."

Eloise closed her eyes.

Unlike before

he made sure she was enioying. Eloise had a hard time getting into it, but he kept holding her face, constantly asking her if if she felt okay. His gentle care made her feel like crying. In the end, she wrapped her arms around his back and whispered, "Harvey, it's okay."

She hoped he would finish quickly.

Harvey kissed her forehead and licked the tears from her eyes. He knew her well enough to understand her discomfort. He comforted her for a long time, right until she was about to fall asleep. Then he quietly left the bed.

The sound of running water came from the bathroom.

Eloise slowly opened her eyes. She turned to her side, resting her cheek on the pillow, listening to the raspy voice coming from the bathroom.

To say she felt nothing would be a lie. When a man is willing to endure for you, it speaks volumes about his feelings.

On some matters, Eloise couldn't change, but she wanted to make him happy, at least a little...