Tangled Temptations

At dusk, Eloise said goodbye to Veronica.

Baron, ever the gentleman, opened the car door for her with a smile. “It's the perfect time to pick up Linda. She will be thrilled to see you."

Even though they had several children at home, Linda was the one who captured everyone's heart the most.

A little girl that was as pure and innocent as the fallen snow, who wouldn't love her?

Eloise couldn't help but smile too. Just as she was about to get into the car, her slender wrist was grabbed. To her surprise, it was Max.

Eloise gently shook him off. "Mr. Velona, is there something you need?"

At this, Baron erupted. "In broad daylight, making moves on a married woman? Are you so desperate, Mr. Velona?"

Max ignored Baron. His gaze fixed on Eloise, and his voice was slightly hoarse. "Eloise, is there still a chance for us?"

Eloise responded with a faint smile. She spoke calmly, "Max, I don't think I've ever given you the impression that I might change my mind." After saying that, she got into the car.

Baron slammed the car door shut and shot Max a fierce glare.

As the car slowly pulled away, Max stood still, lost in his thoughts. He had known Eloise for over ten years. His feelings for her were complicated. There was longing, and there was deep regret. When he heard that she was unhappy, he wondered if he had let go earlier, things could have been different then. Would Eloise still believe he loved her if he hadn't sent Angus to jail?

They could have been happy. Eloise could have been his wife, raising their children at home.

Alas, there were no ifs...

Max was in a bad mood. He had drinks with business friends that evening and got heavily drunk. At nine o'clock, he bumped into Harvey in the restroom. The latter was obviously there for business.

One was drowning in despair, and the other was completely sober.

Harvey, ever the gentleman, was immaculately dressed. At 35, his charisma was undeniable. His private life was orderly, so he seemed no different from before, albeit more restrained.

Their gazes met in the mirror. Max sneered, took out a cigarette, and leaned against the wall, lighting it up. Taking a deep drag, he stared at Harvey. "You come to a place like this, all clean and dapper. Are you afraid of upsetting Eloise?"

Harvey slowly turned off the gold faucet and straightened his shirt in the mirror. "Mr. Velona, are you so bored that you take pleasure in making snide remarks?" Max just laughed. He tilted his head back, inhaling and exhaling smoke. His voice was a whisper. "Harvey, I didn't lose to you. I lost to my younger self." His words hung in the air, which was a sharp sting in his chest.

Max fell into a daze. His gaze focused on the lit cigarette in his hand. After a while, he spoke again, "You lost part of your memory, but my time with Eloise is intact. I don't believe you don't care."

Harvey dried his hands with a paper towel. He smiled lightly. "Yes, I care! No man wouldn't! But what does it matter, Mr. Velona? The man who holds Eloise every night is me. I know what you're thinking about. Those rumors about our intimate life? There's more to a marriage than a few words!"

After saying that, he left. He smelled fresh and clean, devoid of any feminine perfume. It seemed he was planning to go home.

Harvey was sober and driving his own car. As for Max, he was left behind at the club, drunk and disoriented.

Harvey went home.

Eloise was teaching Linda the piano. It was almost the end of their session. There was a small crib beside them. Darrien was in it, playing with his little fingers.

Harvey walked into the hall, bent down to give his son a kiss, and casually asked Eloise, "Has he eaten? If not, I'll make some baby food for him."

Eloise let Linda practice on her own. She picked up Darrien and handed him to Harvey. "Hold him and see. He's almost overweight. The doctor said we need to control his diet."

Harvey laughed. Ever since he started taking care of Darrien, the little guy looked healthier. He played with his son, lowering his voice to flirt with Eloise. "I raise both of you, and yet, Eloise, why aren't you gaining weight?" Every night when he held her, he felt she was just the same as before - slim and delicate.

Eloise shot him a look. "Should I try to gain some weight?"

Of course, Harvey didn't want that. No man would not appreciate his wife's slim waist, but he wouldn't deliberately ask her to eat less either. In this aspect, Eloise was probably more strict with herself.

Watching Harvey holding their children, Eloise remembered what her therapist had said. She spoke softly, "Let's have another child, okay?"

Harvey looked at her. His eyes were slightly meaningful. In the evening, Baron had called him. He knew Eloise had met Max, and coupled with Max's provocative words just now, he was somewhat concerned. He was afraid that Eloise would be disappointed in him and start reminiscing about her past love.

Harvey asked in a low voice, "Do you like children?"

"Yes, I do!"

Harvey lowered his head and kissed Darrien's little face, then asked casually, "And do you like me?"

Eloise could clearly hear the implications in his words. Just as the atmosphere was getting tense, Linda finished practicing the piano and came over, wanting to be held too.

Harvey picked up Linda as well. He was strong, so holding both children was no problem. He turned to Eloise and asked, “You always say Linda is independent. But look at her now, so clingy. Where's the independence?"

Eloise was always indulgent with the children. As she was about to say something, Linda wrapped her arms around Harvey's neck. "Mommy is still not independent at this age, so why do you want me to be independent, daddy?"

There was no denying that. Eloise looked at Harvey and gave a soft laugh. She stroked Linda's head and said to Harvey, "I'm going to take a bath. Play with them for a while. Linda has been asking for you all evening."

After saying that, she headed upstairs. It was getting warm. Eloise tied her long, brown hair into a bun as she climbed the stairs. A small portion of her smooth neck was exposed. Harvey's gaze lingered on her a moment longer.

Linda sighed lightly, pretending to talk to Darrien. "Darrien, you should learn to be independent soon!"

Because daddy seemed to want to be alone with mommy all the time.

...

Harvey tucked the kids in, and then returned to the bedroom. Basking in the warm yellow light,

Eloise was lounged in her nightgown, engrossed in a book.

He stood at the door. His fingers worked to loosen his tie. He always worried about Max, so he decided to start a conversation. "Isn't the reunion coming up in a few days? Have you sorted out your dress?"

Eloise put down her book. She admired the way he undressed. It was quite a sight. After a moment, she chuckled lightly. "It's more of a homecoming. A lot of people will be there. There's no need to be so flashy."

Harvey discarded his shirt. He leaned in close to her, whispering. "Mrs. Horigan, you are just the same as before. Still so sexy and attractive."

From a man's perspective, Eloise's appearance and figure were ideal. He, as her husband, was very fond of her.

Eloise looked into his eyes, taking in his disheveled state, and naturally draped her arms around his neck, leaning in for a kiss, assuming it was his way of showing affection. However, after they kissed for a while, Harvey remained still. She couldn't help but take a peek. Harvey gently touched her cheek. His voice was husky. "I saw Max at the club tonight! Eloise, will Max be at the homecoming too?"

She rested her head on his shoulder, honestly replying, "I don't know."

Following the curve of her body, Harvey gently pushed her down, trapping her. He took what he wanted.

"If he's going, I'm going too."

Eloise lay on the black sheets. Her nightgown was slightly undone. Her beauty was breathtaking. She caressed her husband's handsome, lean face, and laughed. "Harvey, you're so childish!" What did that have to do with him?

Harvey pulled her into his arms and pulled out his phone from his pocket to make a call. It was to Riley.

Harvey was tactful in his questioning. "Riley, out having fun?"

Riley begged off. "I'm a married man now. I don't dare mess around! Harvey, what's up?"

Harvey glanced at Eloise, smiled, and then asked softly, "Are you and Veronica going to the homecoming in matching outfits?"

Riley, not as cunning as him, began to rant immediately. "I already decided, but Veronica won't let me do. She says second marriages shouldn't be flaunted! What's wrong with a second marriage? It's still my first. I want to show off... Especially since I heard that jerk Gunner is going. He even sponsored 2 million! Harvey, your wife used to work with him, let that bastard rise again. Tell Eloise for me, that's not cool!"

...

Riley said a lot. Only did Riley stop did Harvey murmur, "Turns out even Gunner can go, but I haven't been invited yet..."

Riley's mouth fell open. Realizing he'd made a faux pas, he tried to apologize to Eloise, but the call was hung up by Veronica.

Harvey tossed his phone aside, glaring at Eloise discontentedly. "Both her ex- husband and current husband are going. She gets to bring two husbands, but you won't even bring one?"

Eloise knew she had no choice but to bring him. She decided to tease him, "Aren't I bringing two?"

One past Harvey, one present Harvey.

Harvey caught on. He was so irritated, he pinned her beneath him and kissed her passionately for a long time. Only when they were aroused did he let her go. Gazing into her radiant eyes, he murmured, "Eloise, don't intentionally provoke me!"

He still cared about it, a lot.

Eloise played along. Her forehead broke out in a light sweat. She gently touched

the corner of his eye, where slight wrinkles were beginning to show, but it only added to his mature charm. It was absolutely appealing to women.

She spoke softly, "Harvey, I have no interest in infidelity."

The atmosphere was unusual. Harvey understood her meaning. She was even

cold to him, so how would she find the mood to flirt with someone else!

He didn't respond, only gently holding her in his arms. They lay quietly for a while.

Then he murmured, "We'll be okay."

Late that night, Eloise fell asleep.

Harvey got up. Instead of taking a shower, he put on his shirt and went to his

study. A business card was on the desk. It was the contact information for a world- renowned hypnotist.

People said there was no memory he couldn't awaken, but the process would be

painful.

...

The next morning, Eloise woke up to find a white rose on her pillow. She gently touched it.

When she sat up and saw the time, she was surprised to find it was already 10 am. She was taken aback. She never slept that deeply.

When she went downstairs, the housekeeper informed her, "Mr. Harvey took Miss Linda to the kindergarten early and Mrs. Horigan picked up Mr. Darrien."

Eloise nodded. After freshening up, she couldn't help but call Harvey.

At that moment, Harvey was at the clinic. He was lying on the white recliner, holding his phone. His tone was quite gentle. "I didn't wake you this morning because you were sleeping so soundly. With the kids gone, why don't you do something you enjoy, hmm?"

Eloise made a sound of agreement, and then hung up.

Harvey was somewhat disappointed. Eloise often didn't think of him. For instance, she had free time today but wouldn't think to see him. Even if they could only nap

together for an hour, it would be sweet, but Eloise wouldn't think of it. She only saw him as family, a handsome, tolerable husband.

Just then, the hypnotist and his assistant entered. The assistant dimmed the

lights. His voice was soft. "Mr. Horigan, we're about to start. If you feel uncomfortable, please let us know immediately."

Harvey nodded, slowly closing his eyes.

The hypnotist began the deep hypnosis. He was indeed very skilled. Soon,

Harvey's mind was filled with a myriad of chaotic images.

A golf course.

Heavy rain.

Inside a golden Bentley, he and Eloise were kissing. She was nestled in his arms.

Hospital.

She held a diamond ring. The ring clinked as it hit the floor.

"How many times have you done it with him?"

"Harvey, tell me, what does it mean to play high?"noveldrama

"I don't want it. I don't want any of it..."

"Eloise, don't give up on me!"

...

Numerous fragmented memories floated, but they couldn't be pieced together. He

began to felt the pain. His head was throbbing. He couldn't hold on any longer. His head was splitting.

But amidst the pain, something kept him going, not wanting to come out. He saw

Eloise's tears.

She was crying alone, looking so heartbroken. He wanted to tell her "Eloise, don't cry", but he found he couldn't speak.

Sweat poured down Harvey's forehead. In his hands, the veins were bulging as

he clung to the armrest, which was a stark map of stress.

"Mr. Horigan! Mr. Horigan!" The assistant was trying to awake him. When Harvey

came back to his senses, his mind was a blank canvas.

Most of the chaotic images were gone, leaving only the sight of Eloise in tears

and a splitting headache.

Harvey lay still. Sweat trickled down his chiseled features, soaking his neck.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Horigan. I can't hypnotize you anymore," the hypnotist said. "Unless

you want to risk your life. It's too dangerous."

Harvey slowly calmed down. He felt completely drained, as if he had been through death's door and back.

He didn't want to give up. He almost touched the answers he'd been seeking, but

the moment he returned to reality, it all slipped away. He wasn't ready to let go. "I

want to try again!"

"No, no, no!" The man shook his head. "Mr. Horigan, I refuse to serve you!"

Denise pleaded on his behalf.

As the hypnotist packed his things, he shook his head. "Mr. Horigan's memories

don't affect his life. Why is he so determined to remember? It's quite odd!"

All the way back home, Harvey kept wondering. Why did he have to remember?

It was for Eloise! If he could regain his memories and become a complete Harvey, Eloise's illness would surely improve. She would be truly happy, not just settling for their marriage as it was. Harvey couldn't stand the thought of Eloise just... settling.