Tangled Temptations

Orlena ducked into the living room, curling up on the couch to play video games, her focus absolute. Suddenly, her phone was snatched away by a firm hand. Looking up, she blinked slowly, staring in disbelief at the figure before her.

It was Brett!

Wasn't he swamped with work, claiming no free time until the year's end? How did he find his way here?

Curiosity overcame her, and she voiced her thoughts without a filter.

Brett had made a detour to Peterborough. Partly to visit the temple, partly because it was Daniel's birthday. He had genuinely been tied up, but after a few grueling days and nights, he made it.

Seeing Orlena deepened his yearning.

But this wasn't the place for certain feelings, and he resisted, only petting her head indulgently. "Don't game all day. You'll ruin your eyes."

Orlena didn't want his interference, yet she couldn't bear to rebuke him. She set down her phone. "You came for Daniel's birthday?"

Brett's smile was soft. "I haven't even bought my boy's birthday present yet! How about his mom joins me, so I can get to know what our son fancies?"

Heat crept into Orlena's cheeks.

What was he implying... He said "son and mom," as if they were that close.

Years had passed since their split. Their intimate reunions happened only once or twice, and now, they were like strangers, uneasy in each other's presence.

She retrieved her phone, pretending to resume her game.

Brett confiscated it again.

Orlena gazed at her empty hand, biting her lip. "What are you doing?"

Brett pulled her to her feet. "You're coming shopping with me!"

Still protesting as she settled into the car, she argued, "Dinner's soon, and tonight's menu is a treat!"

Brett instructed his trusted driver to start the car. The driver was in on the secret and chuckled at the complaints from the backseat. Mr. Brett with Miss Orlena was

a fine sight, their youthful energy akin to that of a young couple.

Orlena fished for her phone from his coat pocket. After a fruitless search, she realized he'd put it in his trouser pocket. As she reached for it, Brett swatted her hand away, his reprimanding tone husky. "Behave!"

She looked up at him. Brett's face, scholarly and handsome, held a hint of restrained desire.

Having shared passion moments before, she understood. She then sat as far away as possible.

Brett straightened his clothes, eyeing her. "Will you behave now?"

Orlena turned away. After a moment, she murmured, "Brett, weren't you the one who didn't want our relationship in the spotlight?"

Brett stroked her head. Silly girl. She was taking their spat to heart.

In the dim car, he whispered, "Not anymore. Orlena, we'll be together openly." In

his heart, he added, as long as you don't mind my age!

Though his tone was even, Orlena felt a lump in her throat.

Just then, Harvey called, asking her whereabouts, saying dinner was ready.

She couldn't speak. Brett took the phone, calmly stating, "Harvey, it's me! ... Yeah, I'm taking her out to eat. I'll drop her off at the apartment later. We won't be around for dinner!"

After a brief conversation, he hung up, eyes fixed on his girl. Then, gently, he asked, "Still mad at me? How can I make it up to you?"

Brett...

Orlena's lips trembled, but she remained silent.

Brett felt a pang of moisture in his heart, knowing he had disappointed her too often, and that she was hesitant to embrace happiness. He said nothing, simply holding her hand.

Orlena struggled at first but ceased. Her resignation was tinged with helpless compromise, not for Daniel, but because she truly adored this man!

The birthday gift was already prepared.

Brett's main intent was to share a meal with her, at that same restaurant, in that same private room where they had once fallen for each other.

Donny had arranged everything, and was waiting for them.

Orlena's eyes were red-rimmed. Brett wiped away her tears, whispering softly, "You are a big girl now, still crying at the drop of a hat. You gotta set an example for our son!"

"Go to hell!" Orlena snapped, kicking him lightly.

Donny stifled a laugh, inviting, "Orlena, come sit over here."

Brett knew Donny enjoyed the show. Shedding his coat, he teased, "Donny, you're enjoying this too much!"

Donny warmed their drinks, always the atmosphere setter, smiling, "Miss Orlenanoveldrama

is young, Mr. Brett. It's only right you indulge her."

Brett coughed lightly. "You're getting too good at flattery."

Turning tenderly to Orlena, he suggested, "Take off your coat. It's not as cold as it

is out there; you won't catch a cold."

Donny chimed in, "Mr. Brett sure knows how to take care of someone!"

Orlena's eyes shimmered. She retorted playfully, "He's old!"

Brett, in the midst of serving dishes, paused at her words.

Old...

He smiled gracefully, his voice low just for them, "Seems I haven't been attentive enough. That's my fault. I will make it up to you tonight."

Orlena thought, "You shameless thing!"

Their relationship was out in the open now. There was no need to hide, and Donny even cracked a few jokes at the table. Orlena didn't respond, but Brett could tell, she wasn't opposed.

He was no crude or heartless man; the softer she was, the more he cherished her. He owed her so much.

After eating for a while, he took out an amulet and placed it in her wallet. Inside

the wallet was another, older one he had given her years ago. Brett caressed it, "You kept it."

Silent, Orlena's eyes glistened, willing to meet him because she wanted his declaration of intent.

Donny sensed the moment and excused himself.

Alone in the private room, Orlena asked, head bowed low, "What are you trying to say?"

Brett's voice remained gentle as if speaking to a beloved junior, "What do you think I'm saying?"

But for Orlena, it wasn't enough. She looked up bravely, holding his gaze. "I don't know! Tell me clearly, Brett Have I been in your heart these last couple of years? What do you feel for me? Is this one-sided, or do you love me just as I love you?"

Her voice shook as she spoke, yet she delivered her words in full, waiting for

fate's verdict. She thought, as long as Brett loved her, she'd let go of everything.

Brett softly touched her head as he had done so many years before.

Orlena locked eyes with him, her gaze unyielding. She was demanding the kind of love a man had for a woman, not some nonsense about obligation, nor the accidental spark that had ignited between them that one careless night. She yearned for romantic love.

At last, Brett spoke softly, "Orlena, I've never loved anyone before you. I admit I've admired beautiful women but never paused for anyone. I was even gearing up for a bachelor's life, but you... you're different. You made

me change my entire life plan."

"Orlena, I can't quantify my love for you. But if love could be measured on a scale

of one to ten, I'd wager it's a ten."

...

Tears began to stream down her face.

Ever since he had come to the set to bring her a coffee that one time, her mindset

had shifted. She was not going to let him get away with the same old evasions. They had to be equals.

Brett sighed softly after finishing, "So what about you? Do you still want me?"

Orlena stared straight at him. He was still handsome, but now there was a hint more of the marks left by time, a mature allure she found irresistible. She knew plenty of other women felt the same.

"I do!" she whispered.

As if scared he hadn't heard her, or perhaps she hadn't heard herself, she repeated, "Brett, I do!"

Brett stood up and gently embraced her. A mix of sorrow and jubilation stirred in

his heart before he managed to say, "How about we set a date for the wedding soon, okay?"