Tangled Temptations

After a few days of indulgence, Harvey fell sick.

Eloise was both embarrassed and angry. She refused to let him get close and insisted on him staying home to recuperate.

Harvey was quite restless. Even while he was ill, he still tried to make out with Eloise. Eloise was at her wit's end, unsure of how to handle him. Rather than making a big show of taking him to the hospital, she called in their family physician.

On Monday, Pauline called to invite Eloise over for tea, giving her a much-needed break.

When Eloise entered the study, she found Harvey lounging on the couch, engrossed in some documents. He was casually dressed in a white sweater and grey joggers, exuding a laid-back, homely vibe.

Eloise approached him, placing a hand on his forehead. His temperature seemed to have dropped somewhat, much to her relief.

Pulling her hand away, Harvey looked at her with a faint smile, asking, "Going out?"

"Yeah, Pauline wants me over," Eloise said.

Harvey's gaze returned to his documents, his tone teasing, "So, you're planning to leave your sick husband at home, Mrs. Horigan? Enjoying yourself and then not taking responsibility?"

"I'll be back early in the afternoon," Eloise promised softly, to which Harvey said nothing.

She leaned in to give him a quick kiss, "Is that okay?"

He studied her for a few moments before slowly agreeing, "Alright. But I want chicken soup for dinner."noveldrama

She agreed.

Upon arriving at the Horigan Mansion, Eloise discovered the house was unusually quiet. Seeing only Pauline, she asked, "Where's Orlena?"

Pauline replied with a smile, "She's out with Daniel."

They moved to the master bedroom's living area, a private space where Pauline could share her concerns without the prying ears of their house staff.

After brewing some coffee, the two women sat down, and Pauline handed Eloise a photograph, "He's a university professor, around Orlena's age, and he runs a small business. What do you think?"

Eloise examined the photograph. The man was handsome, with a refined air about him. She thought he was a good match.

With a worried look, Pauline voiced her concerns, "Eloise, could you talk to Orlena for me? She agreed to meet him, but I can tell she's not enthusiastic. But she can't stay single forever. Her father doesn't say it, but I know he hopes she can settle down."

Eloise's heart wavered. She felt a pang of guilt.

Seeing her conflicted expression, Pauline gave her hand a comforting squeeze, "Her situation with your uncle, it's not just a one-sided issue. They just weren't meant to be. They have a kid together now, and if not for the insurmountable conflicts, they would certainly have softened for the sake of their children."

By four in the afternoon, Orlena had returned home with Daniel.

While Eloise kept Daniel company, Orlena figured something out. She called for a servant to take Daniel for some dessert.

Once they were alone, Orlena whispered, "Eloise, it was my mother who asked you to come here, wasn't it?"

Eloise sighed softly. She slowly picked up a photograph and passed it to Orlena. Orlena fell silent, staring at the image for a long time.

"If you don't want to go, I can talk to your parents about it," Eloise whispered, "If all fails, we can have your brother have a chat with them."

Eloise didn't want to force Orlena. As a woman, she understood that Orlena was still healing from her past emotional wounds. With Daniel in her life, accepting someone else might not be easy.

Orlena held the photograph tightly, her eyes downcast. After a long pause, she said in a quiet, firm voice, "Eloise, I'll go."

Eloise was taken aback.

When Orlena looked up, she smiled wanly, "Life's about moving forward, isn't it? I'm willing to give blind dates a try. Besides, the man in the photograph seems decent. It might just work out."

Eloise was at a loss for words, and she gently hugged Orlena.

Leaning against Eloise's shoulder, Orlena felt comfortable to share her emotions. She started to choke up, "I truly loved him, much more than Max. But he had so many... and I was too insignificant in his life."

After a long conversation, Eloise left the Horigan Mansion with a heavy heart. Even when she was making the chicken soup for Harvey, she was lost in her thoughts and accidentally burned herself.

Harvey was quite concerned, holding her hand as he applied the ointment and silently watching her. "What did my mom say? Why are you so distraught? Is it about Orlena?"

Eloise was about to speak when she looked aside and saw Linda's widened eyes. She held back her words and whispered, "We'll talk about it tonight."

Harvey smiled faintly. He put Linda to sleep and returned to the master bedroom.

That evening, as Eloise was applying her skincare products, Harvey approached her, his hands tracing the contours of her shoulders. His voice was hoarse as he asked, "What's wrong with Orlena?"

Eloise let him continue, enjoying his touch. After a while, she leaned against him and shared everything.

Harvey's response was a soft kiss to the nape of her neck. He murmured, "Eloise, you want her to be with your uncle, don't you?"

Eloise wrapped her arms around his waist and replied softly, "Yes and no. Harvey, I want her to marry for love, not just settling. Do you know, a woman with a child, no matter how young and pretty she is, always has to make some compromises when choosing a partner."

She couldn't bear seeing Orlena in this state.

Orlena had cried heartbrokenly today, and Eloise guessed that part of the reason she agreed to the blind date was out of consideration for her parents. Eloise's situation was delicate, so she shared these concerns with Harvey, hoping he would take them to heart.

After hearing everything, Harvey grew silent for a while. He embraced Eloise, cradling her in his arms as he gently stroked her earlobe. "Eloise," he asked softly, "do you believe you have married for love? Can you tell me?"

Eloise's voice was barely above a whisper, "I'm talking to you about Orlena's situation now!"

Harvey responded with a faint smile. After a long silence, he finally spoke, "Let her go on blind dates. It could be good for her and Brett. If Brett can stand it, then they're not meant to be."

Eloise gazed at him quietly, lost in thought. Harvey playfully tugged at her ear, "What are you thinking about, staring at me like that?"

Eloise remained motionless.

Harvey had always a strong desire for her. Now, with her sitting on his lap in her disheveled clothes, he couldn't help but feel lustful again.

Eloise snapped back to reality, gently grabbing his hand, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "You are not well yet. You need to behave, and wait until you are better, okay?"

Harvey chuckled softly.

Eloise barely dared to look into his eyes, thinking of an excuse to send him to the guest room when the sound of footsteps echoed from the staircase. Soon, a servant announced at the door, "Mister and Missus, Mr. Brett is here."

Eloise visibly flinched. She looked at Harvey, "Why would Uncle Brett come this late?"

Harvey straightened his clothes, whispering, "It must be something important. I'll go down first; you change your clothes and come down."

Eloise nodded in agreement.

Inside the mansion's grand hall, the crystal chandelier illuminated the entire space brilliantly. Brett didn't sit down. Instead, he stood in front of the grand piano, examining it closely. He had heard that Harvey had spent 600 million to buy this antique from a dealer. This was insane.

"Uncle Brett." Harvey stood at the staircase, calling out. His gaze was on Brett. Even if he didn't want to admit it, he had to acknowledge that this older man was quite attractive. Just his silhouette radiated a sense of charm.