Tangled Temptations

Eloise couldn't help but cry. Her tears flowed silently, mirroring her silent role in their relationship.

How many times had they argued? And, how many times had she yielded? Guilt and love intertwined in her heart, reminding her of Harvey's sacrifice. He had lost his memory for her. It was a debt she could never repay.

No matter how much Monica's presence irritated her, she had to forgive. What else could she do?

Eloise bent down to pick up the spilled pills, one by one. She placed them back in the tiny bottle. So many white pills. She wondered if swallowing them all would end everything, end the endless debate of whether she loved Harvey or not, and end the constant accusations.

...noveldrama

Their silent feud hadn't affected their children.

In the early morning, Eloise rose from her bed.

Across the hall, Harvey emerged from the guest room, still wearing yesterday's clothes. Seeing the dark circles under Eloise's eyes, he said softly, "I'll take Linda to kindergarten."

His words were a clear signal that he intended to continue their routine lives.

Eloise murmured her acknowledgment and went to prepare breakfast as usual.

During breakfast, little Linda demanded both her parents drop her at school. Eloise looked up and locked eyes with Harvey. He had showered and changed into a fresh suit. His gaze now was more serious.

Before Eloise could soothe Linda, Harvey agreed, "Sure, let's all go together. I'll drive you back."

Surprised, Eloise nodded.

Linda looked from one to the other, tugging gently on her mother's hand. "Did you like the card Darrien and I made for you, Mommy?"

Eloise kissed her daughter's soft cheek. "I loved it!" After the kiss, she rested her head against her daughter's, not wanting to pull away.

Harvey watched them. His gaze was never wavering.

After breakfast, Eloise went upstairs to change. She chose a silk blouse and a

fishtail skirt. As she was undressing, the bedroom door opened.

Harvey looked surprised, and then slowly closed the door.

Eloise dressed slowly. When she bent down, the vertebrae on her bare back were slightly protruding, which was a sight that was irresistibly enticing.

Leaning on the door, Harvey quietly said, "Denise told me about your doctor's appointment."

Eloise fastened her buttons, ran a quick comb through her long, brown hair, and finally looked at Harvey. "I have something else to do. I won't be going." She wouldn never go again.

After saying that, she left the bedroom, brushing past him. Harvey caught her hand. "Eloise!"

Eloise gently pulled her hand back. "Harvey, let's stop this. We don't have to force ourselves anymore. Let's just live our lives."

She paused. "I respect your choice."

As she walked down the hallway, Harvey's voice echoed behind her. "I won't let go."

"Whatever," she replied.

It was just a Ravenna and her bringing up a bit of the past, and Harvey couldn't stand it. He said she didn't love him, but he was just as enamored with the Eloise who wholly belonged to him!

She laughed at herself mockingly.

She got to the parking lot, and got in the car. Instead of sitting next to Harvey, she sat next to Linda, chatting gently with her during the drive, occasionally discussing the children with Harvey.

The grown-ups were hiding the truth, and the children were none the wiser.

After dropping Linda at kindergarten, Harvey stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Eloise, watching their little girl.

After a while, Harvey walked back to the car, opened the driver's door, and gestured for Eloise to get in.

Once inside, Eloise said quietly, "Drop me at the next intersection. I'll grab a cab." Harvey lit a cigarette and drove in silence.

"Where are you going? I'll take you there," he offered.

Eloise gave him the address. Harvey didn't say a word as he drove her there.

As she got out of the car, she thanked him.

Harvey held her hand and chuckled bitterly. "Eloise, we're husband and wife. Since when do we need to say thank you for a simple car ride? Have we become strangers?"

Eloise sat back down. Her patience was thinning. “Harvey, if you want to keep this marriage, we can talk without the sarcasm. But if you don't, feel free to vent your frustrations."

Silence filled the car. After while,

Harvey pressed the accelerator. Maybe Eloise was right. Maybe they'd be happier if they weren't so tied down to each other. They could co-parent their children, and maybe even find someone new....

Harvey didn't want to think about it. He hit the steering wheel in frustration. The car horn blared.

He dropped Eloise off at the office building and drove away. He was angry, to say the least.

Eloise stood still for a moment before heading inside.

...

In the afternoon, Eloise picked up the children.

While cooking dinner, one of the servants came to inform her, "Madam, Mr. Harvey called to say he won't be home for dinner."

Eloise was kneading dough at the time. She paused, asking, "Did he say what time he'd be back?"

The servant shook her head.

Eloise instructed her to leave and then continued kneading. Linda wanted cake, and she had promised to bake her a beautiful one.

She'd wait until the children were older.

She took care of Linda and Darrien alone, teaching Linda to play the piano after dinner, while Darrien, who had just learned to walk, clung to the piano, swaying back and forth.

After a long session, Linda went to hug her little brother.

By the time Linda and Darrien were tucked into bed, it was already 10 o'clock, and Harvey still hadn't returned.

Eloise took a shower and lay quietly in bed. Since their remarriage, Harvey rarely stayed out so late. Was this a result of their arguments?

...

Meanwhile, Harvey was at a club. It was a pointless business social. He had planned to leave by 9 o'clock.

The men around him were constantly answering phone calls.

"I'll be home soon!"

"You're overthinking again! It's just a social event; there are no young women here!"

"Yes, yes, I'll apologize when I get home!"

The men made excuses to their wives. Their faces were filled with annoyance as soon as they hung up. "No choice, she keeps such a close eye!" After saying that, they turned to the young women around them.

At this moment, someone complimented Harvey. "Mr. Horigan is in a league of his own! At this hour, his wife hasn't even called once. That's a testament to her immense trust in Mr. Horigan!"

The others laughed and chimed in agreement. Amid the laughter and cheer, Harvey felt uneasy.

Eloise just didn't care!

He was normally a moderate drinker, but he found himself indulging a bit too much that night. He excused

himself and headed to the washroom to freshen up, hoping to clear the fog in his head before rejoining the group.

A new face had joined the crowd in his absence. She was a young woman, barely

21, as fresh as a spring flower. Word was she was a newcomer at a film company.

It was clear she'd had work done on her face.

She looked strikingly like Eloise!

Harvey paused as he opened the door. The young girl was tactful, not making a scene or drawing unnecessary attention. She just sat next to him, listening to the men discuss business.

Everyone in the room was worldly. They all noticed that this newcomer, Tiara, had set her sights on Harvey. There was much teasing.

Harvey paid little mind. He lit a cigarette, drawing in slowly, the very image of masculinity.

When the dinner was over, he grabbed his coat and left.

As he got into his car, the young woman walked over. In a soft voice, she asked, "Mr. Horigan, could you give me a lift?"

Harvey held a half-smoked cigarette between his fingers. He finished his cigarette before responding, "Don't bother a married man." After saying that, he instructed his driver to leave.

As the driver started the car, he

glanced at the young woman in the rearview mirror. "She's quite a

looker! On closer inspection, shenet

does somewhat resemble Mrs Horigan, but it's clear she's had work done on her face. Hah... I wonder if she had the surgery to look like Mrs. Horigan?"

Harvey was preoccupied. His thoughts were with Eloise. He wondered if she would ask where he'd been, if she would care that he was returning this late.