Tangled Temptations

Inside it was a diamond ring. It was estimated to be 12 carats, a gem that could make any woman swoon.

Orlena was taken aback. Her eyes slowly welled up with tears. Years ago, when she and Brett were still an item, she had daydreamed countless times in his arms about a day when he would propose to her with such a ring. Back then, she was filled with hope for the future, and now, they have a child together.

The diamond ring had stayed in his pocket all this time. She wondered who was more unfortunate between the two of them.

Daniel clung to his mother. His soft voice was filled with concern. "Why is mom crying?"

Orlena shook her head.

Eloise gently patted Daniel's little head and pulled him into her arms. Her voice was barely above a whisper. "Orlena, I never asked him, but these years Brett always mentioned you, intentionally or unintentionally. I think this diamond ring is meant for you!"

She didn't make any excuses for Brett. Orlena had given up four precious years of her youth for Brett. How many years of youth does a woman have?noveldrama

Eloise took Daniel and left, leaving Orlena alone. Orlena had an ad to shoot, but she was in a bad mood, sobbing heavily in the car. At this moment, she felt as helpless as the day she was abandoned by him.

Brett's jacket was still draped over her legs. She knew it was intentional. He wanted to trap her. This old man, he almost sold himself out for his so-called career. How could he casually wave a ring in front of her!

Orlena sobbed like a child. Her phone rang, and her assistant saw it was Brett. Having been with Orlena for a long time, she knew some of their history. She whispered, "It's Mr. Brett."

"I don't want to take it."

The assistant hesitated for a moment before picking up the call.

Brett on the other end didn't know it was the assistant. His voice was gentle. "Orlena, did you see the diamond ring in my pocket? Keep it for me. I want to use it to propose."

The assistant felt her scalp tingle. She swallowed hard and said, "Ms. Horigan is crying!"

Brett was silent for a moment. Then he said, "Let her answer the phone! If she doesn't, I will come over."

Orlena heard it. She took the phone. Her voice was nasal and hoarse. "Brett, what's the point of this! Why did you think I couldn't wait back then? Why did you think I was just an immature girl, not worthy to be your wife! Now why do you think I have to wait for you!"

She hung up after speaking, feeling too upset to continue.

Her assistant took her phone and was shocked by the conversation. Ms. Horigan and Mr. Brett, they were once close enough to be actually talking about marriage!

Brett was sitting in the back seat, gently stroking his phone. Yes, he intentionally left his jacket for her, and intentionally let her see the diamond ring. He was just a scheming man like that.

Years had passed, and she had finally grown up. But not really. Otherwise, why would she cry so hard?

Donny was in the front seat and overheard their conversation. He turned to Brett and gently suggested, "Maybe you should comfort her. Girls always need some sweets to cheer up."

Brett chuckled. "If you call her a girl again, she won't be happy."

His little girl was already in her early 30s.

...

Eloise took Daniel home.

Harvey came home early from work and picked up Linda. When he saw Daniel, he affectionately ruffled his hair.

In the kitchen, Eloise was preparing dinner. He walked in, wrapped his arms around her from behind, and asked quietly, "Did Orlena have another argument with Brett?"

Eloise paused her work. She looked down at the restless hand on her waist and softly bit her lip. "Harvey, don't do this. The children could come in any minute. It wouldn't be good if they saw us."

Harvey nipped at her tender skin on her neck. "Linda has seen us many times!"

"We still need to be careful."

Harvey didn't say anything else. His hand gently caressed her slim waist. Eloise had always been fit, so her waist was particularly firm.

He wanted to whisper sweet nothings into her ear. "Did you enjoy last night?"

Eloise felt her face heating up. What was the point of discussing about what happened under the influence of alcohol?

Still, Harvey persisted. Probably he had been holding back for too long and wanted to take advantage of the situation. However, he was also considerate of her feelings and changed the subject when he saw she was uncomfortable. "Theard from Riley yesterday that you're considering making a movie?"

Apparently, Ravenna wanted to enter the Peterborough film industry. Was Eloise doing this on purpose?

Eloise hummed in response. She said softly, "I want to make a movie about opera! I want Ms. Olea to be the female lead, but she has some history with Brett. Surprisingly, Orlena is supportive."

Harvey also knew Ms. Olea. His mother was one of Ms. Olea's loyal fans, so he had heard her perform a few times.

She was quite a charming woman. It was no surprise that Brett had been involved with her in the past.

He chuckled and rested his chin on Eloise's shoulder, speaking softly, "That's because Ms. Olea is married and has a child. If she was still single and involved with Brett, would Orlena be so generous?"

Ms. Olea's husband was the young boy at the banquet years ago. Who would have thought they would end up together?

Thinking about all this, Eloise felt a twinge of regret, but she didn't say anything.

Naturally, Harvey noticed. He tightened his arms around her and said softly, "Eloise, we have a lifetime together. I'll be with you every step of the way."

Eloise gave a small smile. She turned around and initiated a kiss.

The couple shared a tender and lingering kiss in the kitchen. Normally, he wouldn't mind closing the door and taking her on the counter, making her cry out

in pleasure. However, he could tell Eloise wasn't in the mood. This kiss, it could be seen as a reward, or even pity for him.

Late at night, he sat in his study,

thinking about the university reunion where Eloise had revisited her first love with Max. Would she find their married life too dull and unexciting? After all, she couldn't find any passion with him. The pleasure brought by two bottles of wine

seemed pathetic in retrospect.

Eloise had an issue, but he had no cure! Even if their marriage wasn't completely satisfying, he wasn't willing to let go, and she likely wouldn't suggest divorce for the sake of the children.

Harvey started to become anxious and insecure. He treated Eloise even better, fearing she would find any discomfort in their relationship. He seldom socialized, always dedicating his after-work hours to their children.

He only maintained half of his shares in the law firm, and hired a professional team to run Everest Technologies, leaving ample time for her to pursue her own interests.

On the surface, their marriage

seemed perfect. The scandalous news of Eloise seeing a therapist gradually faded from public memory. When the high society mentioned Harvey and Eloise they were always referred to as the epitome of a loving couple. But only

Harvey knew the truth. Any semblance of orgasm was only possible after Eloise had indulged in

a couple of glasses of red wine.

After a few times, he couldn't bear it anymore. He started working late at home.

After tucking the kids into bed, there was always a pile of paperwork waiting for him. He would stay in his study, only retiring to their shared bedroom after midnight. By then, Eloise would be asleep.

There was no need for face-to-face interaction, no need to navigate the awkwardness of marital obligations. It seemed like this arrangement was more comfortable for both of them. It seemed like they had finally found balance.