Tangled Temptations

The lights were dim, casting long shadows on Harvey and Eloise. Their eyes interlocked in a silent dance. Harvey's mind was echoing with a phrase Eloise had said earlier - he was also the father of my children.

He had known all along that Eloise's willingness to reconcile was for the sake of their children. Given his past misdemeanors, she would have never forgiven him. However, hearing her saying something akin to not loving him anymore still stung.

Finally, Harvey broke the silence. "It's chilly outside. Why don't you put on your coat?" He moved forward, gently draping the coat over her shoulders and fastening the buttons one by one.

As Eloise watched him, she wanted to say something, but it seemed unnecessary.

Ravenna watched them with seething jealousy. How could Harvey still be so devoted to Eloise, after knowing she didn't love him?

When Harvey left with Eloise, Ravenna couldn't hold back. "Attorney Horigan, she doesn't deserve you!"

Harvey paused and turned back. His face was even colder under the dim lights. "Ms. Ravenna, you should thank Eloise's kindness. Otherwise, you wouldn't be here at this gathering."

Ravenna didn't believe him. She was determined to prove herself in the upcoming movie.

As the couple left, a smirk crept onto Ravenna's face. She thought she had found a breakthrough.

Just then, Veronica came over, leaning against the wall and sneering, "What are you plotting now, Ravenna?"

Ravenna turned sharply. They were sworn enemies. Ravenna's scheme to conceive a child with Gunner had backfired, leaving her empty-handed.

Ravenna held her head high. "Just wait and see!"

Veronica was unfazed. She knew that with Eloise's business acumen, Ravenna stood no chance.

Back at the apartment, Harvey pulled out the car door for Eloise. His gaze was intense as he asked, "Eloise, do you not love me anymore? Am I not worth another try?"

Eloise was exhausted. She tried to avoid the confrontation. "Let's argue at home, not here."

Harvey's gaze was intense. After a moment, the car door closed with a bang. Once in the car, he drove rather fast, which actually made Eloise feel uncomfortable, but she bore it.

Half an hour later, he drove the car to the apartment. If they were going to argue, neither of them wanted to disturb the children, especially since Linda was so sensitive.

The night air was slightly cool. They went into the apartment one after the other, still remembering the last time they had been so intimate here, but now he felt full of repressed anger.

Eloise was pinned against the door by him. His voice suppressing his emotion, "Eloise, am I not worth your love at all? Am I not worth another try?"

Eloise was a bit tired. She said softly, "Let's take off our shoes and talk inside." He wouldn't allow it. Still pressing against her, his dark eyes focused on her. Eloise slowly straightened up. She looked at him, smiling faintly. "Harvey, really, this is not how you're supposed to act! Did you just find out today? Or do you think

I haven't tried? Yes, I'm stuck in this marriage for the children, but what else could

I do? Watch Darrien grow up without parents? Or let Linda be unhappy?"

"Harvey, I've tried to give you what you want!

"You told me to see a psychologist, and I went!

"Even when you wanted another child, I cooperated!"

"Isn't all this enough?

"Harvey, are you greedy, or am I?

"Harvey, are you not satisfied, or am I?"

Eloise finally let out all the words she had repressed for a long time. "After experiencing so much, my expectations have lowered a lot! You're different. You still crave a complete love, but Harvey, after all these years I'm full of scars, you can't expect me to be as naive as a young girl!"

Harvey's gaze grew darker. He slowly let go of Eloise, his voice hoarse. "Eloise, are these your true feelings? Can you never love me the same way you did in the past?"

Eloise smiled, a smile more painful than crying. She didn't want to argue with him.

He had promised to accompany her, to be with her for a lifetime, but that promise lasted only a few days?

Eloise was calm, and she spoke quietly. "Harvey, if you really want love, go find a young girl, go find someone who's willing to love you!"

She had figured it out. This bland marriage was only satisfying to her. So, she was willing to let go.

Harvey's eyes turned stern. A vase crashed onto the floor, scattering shards everywhere. She had personally chosen the blue vase the day after they were together. She could still remember the joy she felt when choosing these things to decorate their home.

And he casually shattered it all.

Eloise pushed him away and tried to leave, but Harvey pulled her back. He took off their coats and kissed her neck, whispering, "Eloise, don't ever say that again." Harvey didn't want anyone else. He only wanted her.

As he kissed her, he whispered, "Eloise, let's have another baby."

The prospect of parenthood left them with little time to dwell on their tangled relationship. Harvey was optimistic this would set things right.

Eloise, however, wasn't so hopeful. She had once dreamed of having another child, hoping that would mend their relationship, but now, she knew a child couldn't solve the problems between them.

Eloise began taking birth control. It was taken before sex, with minimal side effects and the ability to stop anytime if they decided to have a child. She kept it from Harvey, fearing he might overthink.

Sometimes she thought Harvey was the one who's sick.

Days slipped by. Their earlier argument remained an unspoken secret. To the outside world and within the confines of their home, they were still the envied, loving couple. Harvey was ever attentive.

He desired sex with her. At least five

days a week, he mde love with her. He wanted her to get pregnant. He became more concerned than Eloise about her menstrual cycle,

calculating the best time fover

conception. He would insist on their sex until he was convinced that she would conceive.

Two months later, Eloise remained unexpectant.

November.noveldrama

Eloise's birthday was a day-long celebration. That evening, she stepped out of the

bath and returned to the bedroom.

The sofa at the end of the bed was piled high with gifts from friends and family. Eloise picked up a small, pink envelope. It was a letter from Linda and Darrien, accompanied by a delightful childlike drawing. Eloise gazed at it, filled with warmth at the thought of the children.

The bedroom door opened, and Harvey walked in leisurely.

At that moment, Eloise was unpacking a box containing a very expensive gift. It's

an amulet. Eloise had an eye for finer things and estimated the gift to be worth at

least 50 million. It was a rare and precious item.

The giver was... She fell silent, lost in thought.

Harvey stood by the door, quietly watching her. When Eloise noticed him, he lit a cigarette and asked casually, "Who gave you such an expensive gift?"

Eloise sensed the hidden meaning in his words. She closed the box with a faint smile. "There's no name."

Harvey looked thoughtful. He moved to pick up the delicate box. His voice was nonchalant. "Eloise, I don't believe you don't know who it's from."

Who else but Max could afford such a precious gift?

Eloise lost interest in opening the presents. She moved to the dressing table and began to comb her brown hair. After a moment she said, "Harvey, today is my birthday. Can we not fight? I didn't ask for this."

Harvey moved behind her. He wrapped his arms around her, gently teasing her.

Eloise felt a little aroused.

He whispered in her ear, "For your birthday, could you not take the pill and sleep with me?"

Eloise closed her eyes. So he knew!

Harvey's hand moved around her body, pulling out a small pill bottle from the drawer. It contained birth control pills.

He nipped at her ear. His voice was incredibly gentle. "Eloise, I want a baby. If we have a child, we can make it work, right?"

Eloise couldn't hold back anymore and knocked the bottle out of his hand. The lid popped open, and the pills scattered across the floor.

Harvey watched her silently. After a while, he managed a bitter smile. "Eloise, you used to crave my love But now Hove you. I don't know how to treat you or how to please you. You can't let me fall for you and then not want me. You love the Harvey you spent five years with but that's not me!"

...

After saying all this, he quietly walked out.

As he reached the door, Eloise suddenly spoke, "Harvey! I don't know how much I

feel for you now, but what I'm willing to give you, I wouldn't give to anyone else."

From the start, he could never see her indulgence towards him.

Her loyalty, her exclusivity, wasn't that love?

Eloise felt utterly exhausted.